Nagaland Labour Department issues heatwave advisory directing employers to protect workers across the state.
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DIMAPUR — The Office of the Labour Commissioner, Nagaland, has issued an advisory directing employers and establishments across the state to adopt preventive measures to safeguard workers and labourers from the adverse effects of heatwave conditions.
According to a DIPR report, the advisory follows a letter issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment dated April 20, urging all states and union territories to take proactive steps to protect workers during extreme heat conditions.
The department stated that ensuring the occupational safety, health and welfare of workers engaged in various sectors has become necessary during periods of extreme heat and high temperatures.
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In exercise of powers vested under relevant labour laws and in the interest of public safety and worker welfare, all employers, occupiers, industries, establishments, contractors, construction agencies, factories, brick kilns and other stakeholders in Nagaland have been directed to strictly comply with preventive and precautionary measures during the heatwave season.
On working hours and scheduling, the department advised that work timings should, wherever feasible, be rescheduled to avoid exposure during peak heat hours.
Heavy and strenuous work should preferably be carried out during cooler parts of the day. Employers have also been asked to provide flexibility in work schedules and ensure adequate rest intervals for workers exposed to outdoor or high-temperature environments.
The advisory further directed employers to provide adequate safe and cool drinking water facilities at all workplaces.
Rest sheds, shaded areas and cooling arrangements should also be made available at worksites, while proper ventilation and cooling measures should be ensured wherever practicable.
Regarding health and safety measures, employers have been instructed to keep emergency first-aid materials, including ice packs and heat illness prevention kits, readily available at workplaces.
Workers showing symptoms of heat stress, dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke are to be given immediate medical attention and necessary assistance. Employers have also been advised to coordinate with nearby health facilities for periodic health check-ups and emergency medical support.
The department stated that special attention should be given to construction workers, brick kiln workers, daily wage earners, casual labourers and other outdoor workers who are particularly vulnerable to heatwave conditions.
Employers and contractors have also been urged to create awareness among workers regarding symptoms of heat stress, dehydration and preventive measures through awareness programmes.
Display of posters, banners and safety advisories at worksites and labour congregation points has also been strongly encouraged.
The Labour department requested all concerned establishments and employers to ensure strict compliance with the measures to prevent heat-related illnesses and safeguard the health, safety and well-being of workers.
The circular comes into force with immediate effect and will remain operative during the heatwave season or until further orders, it added.