Centre issues press release on measures for effective management and mitigation of adverse effects on workers and Labourers due to extreme hot weather
The Ministry of Labour and Employment (“Ministry”) has issued a press release asking all States and Union Territories (“UTs”) to effectively manage the impact of ensuing heat wave conditions on workers and labourers working in different sectors.
In a letter addressed to Chief Secretaries/Administrators of all States/Union Territories, the Union Labour Secretary has emphasized upon the need to issue directions to the occupiers/employers/construction companies / industries to undertake necessary steps to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme hot weather.
Further, it has been directed to issue instructions to the managements of Mines asking them to undertake immediate steps to make provision for rest areas, adequate quantity of cool water and electrolyte supplements near the workplace. Some of the measures suggested are as follows:
i. Allowing work at slow pace in case the worker feels unwell;
ii. Allowing rest times and flexible schedules to let workers do the hardest work during the coolest parts of the day with;
iii. Assigning a two-person crew to perform work during extremely hot temperatures;
iv. Ensuring proper ventilation in underground mines and making the workers aware of dangers from excessive heat and humidity, etc.
Apart from factories and mines, the need to pay special attention to construction workers, brick kiln workers and to carry out adequate information dissemination at the Labour Chowks has also been highlighted.
A Copy of the Notification has been linked below for your ease of reference.
