Bhubaneswar: With Odisha Government issuing directive, State Labor Commissioner Shri Indramani Tripathy has taken proactive steps to oversee the implementation of these safety protocols across the state to ensure zero casualties during the peak summer months.
Shri Tripathy has directed District Labour Officers across the State in this regard, said officials sources.
In view of the rising temperatures expected this April, the Odisha Government has issued a comprehensive directive to mitigate the risks of sunstroke among workers during the upcoming summer season.
Recognizing the potential danger posed by the intense heat, the Labor and Employees’ State Insurance Department has released specific guidelines effective from April 1, 2026, to June 15, 2026.
According to the official notification, all Revenue Commissioners, District Collectors, and the State Labor Commissioner have been instructed to ensure that laborers are not engaged in strenuous work during the peak heat hours.
Specifically, the government has requested all departments of the Odisha and Central governments, private employers, commercial establishments, and contractors to restrict outdoor work between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Employers are encouraged to reschedule work hours to ensure the safety of their staff.
In instances where work is deemed essential or involves emergency services that cannot be paused, employers are strictly mandated to implement precautionary measures. These include the mandatory provision of cold drinking water, adequate shaded areas for rest, medical facilities, and the distribution of ORS packets to every worker to prevent dehydration.
The government has also alerted medical authorities across the state. Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs), Sub-Divisional Medical Officers (SDMOs), and heads of Primary and Community Health Centers, as well as ESI hospitals, have been asked to remain vigilant. They are expected to be fully prepared to handle heat-related illnesses and provide immediate treatment to affected individuals.