New Delhi [India], April 22 (ANI): The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a heat wave advisory and written to all Chief Secretaries and Administrators of States and Union Territories on the need to take urgent steps to safeguard workers and labourers from extreme heatwave conditions, according to an official press statement.

In the advisory to States and UTs have been advised to issue directions to employers, occupiers, industries, and construction companies to implement effective heatwave mitigation measures for workers.

As per the press statement, the Ministry recommended several precautionary steps, including rescheduling working hours to avoid peak heat times. Ensuring access to adequate drinking water, providing shaded rest areas, and improving ventilation or cooling at worksites. Regular health check-ups have also been advised to monitor worker wellbeing.

Additionally, the Ministry further advice that supplying emergency ice packs and heat illness prevention materials. Ministry also advised for special focus to workers in factories, construction sites, brick kilns, and mines. Underground mines where proper ventilation and flexible work schedules are crucial. Adoption of slower work pace and two-person crews during extreme heat.

States and UTs urged to disseminate information widely among workers on heat protection through awareness camps, posters, banners at labour chowks, and other local engagement efforts, the ministry added.

The Ministry has further directed its associated organisations--including the Directorate General of Labour Welfare (DGLW), Chief Labour Commissioner (CLC), Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education and Development (DTNBWED), V.V. Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI), Directorate General Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI), Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), and the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)--to conduct awareness sessions and training programs focused on recognising and preventing heat stress. Heatwave-specific modules will also be incorporated into existing worker training programs.

Hospitals and dispensaries under the DGLW and ESIC have been instructed to establish dedicated help desks for handling heat stroke cases and ensure the availability of oral rehydration salts (ORS), ice packs, and other essential supplies to manage heat-related illnesses. (ANI)