J-K labour dept issues advisory to protect workers during heatwave days

The Jammu and Kashmir labour department on Wednesday issued a detailed advisory to protect workers and labourers against prevailing heatwave conditions across the Union territory.

Several parts of the Jammu region reeled under intense heat on Wednesday as the mercury soared to unusual highs, with Samba the hottest in the Union territory at 45.7 degrees Celsius, while Jammu recorded 43.1 degrees celsius, according to the meteorological department.

The advisory aims to ensure protection of workers engaged in factories, construction sites, brick kilns, transport, agriculture and other outdoor or heat-exposed occupations.

According to the advisory, all inspectors of factories and assistant labour commissioners have been directed to ensure effective dissemination and implementation of preventive measures in establishments under their jurisdiction.

''Employers and managements have been advised to reschedule working hours, wherever feasible, to minimise workers' exposure during peak heat hours. They have also been asked to ensure adequate availability of safe drinking water, shaded rest areas, ventilation and cooling arrangements at workplaces,'' the advisory read.

It further emphasised provision of first-aid facilities, ORS and electrolyte supplements, besides periodic health monitoring of workers.

It urged managements of factories, construction establishments and other heat-exposed sectors to undertake strenuous work during comparatively cooler hours of the day, provide shaded shelters near workplaces and create awareness among workers regarding symptoms of heat stress, preventive measures and emergency response mechanisms.

The labour commissioner stressed special protection for vulnerable sections, including construction workers, brick-kiln workers, migrant workers, casual labourers and daily wagers.

Field officers and employers have been directed to sensitise workers regarding heat exhaustion, hydration, use of protective clothing and coping measures during extreme heat conditions.

The labour commissioner further directed all concerned officers to conduct regular inspections to ensure strict compliance with the advisory and urged wide circulation of the instructions among employers and workers.

It reiterated that any laxity in implementation of these directions would be viewed seriously.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)