Labour ministry issues advisory to states to mitigate effect of high temperature on labourers

The ministry of labour and employment issued an advisory to chief secretaries of all states and administrators of union territories to put in place measures for mitigation of adverse effects of extreme hot weather on factories and mine workers, construction workers and brick kiln workers across the country.

In a letter dated April 12, labour secretary Sumita Dawar said the seasonal outlook issued by the Indian Meteorological Department on temperature for hot weather season during the current year indicates above normal maximum temperatures most likely over most parts of the country.

“Therefore, effective steps need to be taken for management and mitigation of adverse effects of extreme hot weather through a multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional administrative approach,” Dawra said.


Some of the suggestions made by the ministry include rescheduling of work hours for workers in different sectors, regulating piece rate and requirement for undertaking physical work during summers, ensuring adequate drinking water facilities, providing for emergency ice packs and heat illness prevention material and ensuring regular health check-up of the workers.

For mine workers, the ministry has additionally advised to reschedule rest time to avoid work during extremely high temperatures and assign a two-person crew to perform work during extremely hot temperatures.

Labour secretary has directed all states and UTs to disseminate information regarding the heat-wave related guidelines at all labour chowks for awareness of daily wage earners and casual labourers.