Jammu: The Labour Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir has issued a detailed advisory for the protection of workers and labourers against prevailing and anticipated heat wave conditions across the Union Territory.
The advisory has been issued to safeguard workers engaged in factories, construction sites, brick kilns, transport, agriculture and other outdoor or heat-exposed occupations.
Officials said all Inspectors of Factories and Assistant Labour Commissioners have been directed to ensure effective dissemination and implementation of preventive measures in establishments falling under their jurisdiction.
The advisory directs employers and managements to reschedule working hours, wherever feasible, to minimise workers’ exposure during peak heat hours.
Employers have also been advised to ensure adequate availability of safe drinking water, shaded rest areas, proper ventilation and cooling arrangements at workplaces.
The advisory further stresses the provision of first-aid facilities, ORS and electrolyte supplements and periodic health monitoring of workers.
Managements of factories, construction establishments and other heat-exposed sectors have also been directed to undertake strenuous work during comparatively cooler hours of the day and establish shaded shelters near work sites.
The Labour Commissioner emphasised the need to create awareness among workers regarding symptoms of heat stress, preventive measures and emergency response mechanisms.
Special protection measures have been advised for vulnerable sections, including construction workers, brick-kiln labourers, migrant workers, casual labourers and daily wagers.
Field officers and employers have also been directed to sensitise workers regarding heat exhaustion, hydration, use of protective clothing and other coping measures during extreme weather conditions.
The Labour Commissioner further instructed all concerned officers to conduct regular inspections to ensure strict compliance with the advisory and directed authorities to give wide publicity to the guidelines among employers and workers.
Officials warned that any laxity in the implementation of the directions would be viewed seriously.
