APRIL 17:In response to the seasonal heat wave forecast issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and in alignment with the guidelines provided by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Labour Department of Jammu and Kashmir has released a comprehensive advisory to protect the health and safety of workers across the Union Territory.
Labour Commissioner J&K, S. Charandeep Singh, has instructed all Inspectors of Factories and Assistant Labour Commissioners (ALCs) to actively enforce precautionary and mitigating measures across a range of workplaces including shops, commercial establishments, factories, brick kilns, construction sites, and other labor-intensive environments under their jurisdiction.
With temperatures on the rise and outdoor workers particularly vulnerable, the advisory outlines a series of urgent steps to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and ensure safe working conditions. One of the key directives includes adjusting work schedules to avoid exposure during the hottest part of the day, specifically between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, wherever possible.
Employers have also been mandated to ensure that workers have continuous access to safe and cool drinking water at the worksite. Additionally, shaded rest areas at open workplaces and proper ventilation in enclosed environments like kilns and construction sites are to be strictly maintained.
To bolster preparedness and awareness, the advisory calls for educational initiatives to inform workers about the dangers of heat stress, how to recognize its symptoms, and appropriate first-aid responses. Coordination with local health authorities for periodic health check-ups of outdoor workers has also been encouraged.
The advisory further emphasizes the need for emergency readiness, including the availability of first-aid kits, emergency contact numbers, and accessible transport for medical emergencies. Employers are advised to provide personal protective gear such as hats, caps, and sunglasses, particularly for those exposed to direct sunlight.
Assistant Labour Commissioners have been tasked with closely monitoring compliance through regular inspections and extending necessary guidance to employers. They have also been instructed to ensure widespread dissemination of the advisory across districts to enhance awareness among workers and employers alike.
The Labour Department reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a safe, healthy, and humane work environment and urged all stakeholders to cooperate fully in implementing these safety measures to safeguard the workforce during the ongoing heat wave conditions.
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