Bhubaneswar: In response to the current severe heat wave and extreme temperatures experienced across the state, Labour Commissioner Shri Indramani Tripathy has issued an urgent directive focused on protecting the health and lives of outdoor laborers.
The Directorate of Labour under the Department of Labour and Employees State Insurance, Government of Odisha, has instructed all executing agencies, construction companies, and contractors to rigorously enforce safety protocols to prevent heat-related casualties.
According to the official directive several crucial guidelines must be enforced immediately, pointed out Shri Tripathy.
First, no laborer should be engaged in work in open areas during the peak hours of extreme heat. Specifically, outdoor work is strictly prohibited between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to protect workers from direct exposure to the harsh sun.
Second, employers and contractors must provide sufficient drinking water, Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) packets, and proper shade or rest facilities at all workplaces.
Third, active measures must be taken to create awareness among laborers regarding the dangers of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.
Fourth, in case any worker feels unwell, immediate first aid and necessary healthcare services must be ensured at the site.
Finally, all necessary precautionary steps must be adopted to guarantee the overall safety and well-being of the workforce.
The department has requested all concerned authorities to ensure strict compliance with these instructions. Failure to adhere to these heat wave safety practices will be viewed seriously, as the state prioritizes the health and safety of its working population during this intense summer season.