Bhubaneswar: With the India Meteorological Department predicting a rise in day temperature by 2-4°C, the Odisha government on Monday issued precautionary guidelines to protect workers from the risks of heatstroke and intense summer heat.
In a directive, the Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Department has instructed all Revenue Divisional Commissioners, District Collectors, and the State Labour Commissioner to implement measures to reduce heat exposure for labourers during the peak summer period.
The guidelines prohibit outdoor or strenuous work between 11 am and 3 pm from April 1 to June 15.
This restriction applies across all sectors to prevent heat-related illnesses, as the state braces for potentially severe heat conditions this year.
The advisory urges all state government departments, central government offices in Odisha, private employers, industrial and commercial establishments, shop owners, business proprietors, and contractors to strictly adhere to the schedule. Employers have been asked to reschedule work timings where necessary to avoid assigning duties during these peak heat hours.
In case of emergency services or essential operations, employers have to implement robust safety protocols. These include providing safe drinking water, shaded rest areas, on-site medical support, and supplies of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets to help workers stay hydrated and recover quickly from heat stress, it said.
Additionally, medical officers at district-level facilities, including Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs), Sub-Divisional Medical Officers (SDMOs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and hospitals under the Employees’ State Insurance scheme, have been directed to remain prepared to handle heat stroke cases and related emergencies effectively.
Earlier this month, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) had issued a similar heatwave advisory, restricting outdoor construction between 11 am and 3 pm from March 15, as temperature rose to 36°C in the state capital.
