As Odisha braces for a scorching summer in 2025, the state government has taken a proactive step to safeguard labourers from extreme heat. To prevent heat-related illnesses, including sunstroke, officials have decided to revise work schedules, ensuring workers avoid the hottest part of the day.
In an official communication, the Principal Secretary of the Labour & ESI Department has instructed all Revenue Divisional Commissioners and District Collectors to implement the new guidelines.
Key Measures to Beat the Heat
- Work Hour Adjustments: From April 2025 to June 15, 2025, physically demanding work should not be scheduled between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, the peak heat hours. This applies to both government and private-sector projects.
- Shifting Work to Cooler Hours: Wherever possible, work should be scheduled in the early morning or late afternoon to maintain productivity without reducing wages. Adjustments will be made based on local weather conditions.
- Safety Measures for Essential Work: In cases where work cannot be rescheduled, such as emergency services or maintenance tasks, employers must provide necessary precautions. These include access to drinking water, ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) packets, and shaded rest areas at worksites.
- Healthcare Readiness: Medical teams, including Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs), Sub-Divisional Medical Officers (SDMOs), and doctors at public health centers and dispensaries, will be on high alert. ESI dispensaries, which cater to worker health, will be specially prepared to treat heat-related illnesses.
- Awareness Campaigns: Industrial units, construction sites, and other workplaces will conduct training programs to educate workers on heat stress, its symptoms, and preventive measures.
With temperatures expected to exceed 40°C in several districts, these efforts aim to protect workers from extreme conditions while ensuring work continues efficiently. The government urges all employers to comply with these guidelines to prioritize worker safety during the summer months.
