The Labour Ministry has issued a nationwide heatwave advisory mandating safety measures for workers. It focuses on flexible work hours, hydration, medical preparedness, and strict monitoring to prevent heat-related illnesses amid rising temperatures.
NEW DELHI – Amid escalating temperatures and intensifying heatwave conditions across India, the Union Ministry of Labour & Employment has issued an urgent nationwide advisory to safeguard workers’ health and safety. Released on April 28, 2026, the directive calls for immediate action by all States and Union Territories to mitigate heat-related risks.
The Ministry has emphasized a coordinated and multi-sectoral strategy, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups such as construction workers, brick kiln labourers, and daily wage earners who are exposed to extreme outdoor conditions.
“A multi-dimensional approach is essential to protect workers from the adverse effects of extreme heat,” the Ministry stated in its advisory to state authorities.
Focus on Outdoor Workers and Preventive Measures
Recognizing the heightened vulnerability of outdoor and labour-intensive occupations, the advisory mandates employers and industries to adopt key safety interventions without delay.
KEY MEASURES RECOMMENDED:
o Flexible Work Hours: Shift schedules to avoid peak heat periods
o Hydration Support: Ensure access to safe drinking water
o Rest Facilities: Provide shaded or cooled rest areas
o Medical Readiness: Keep ice packs and first-aid resources available
o Health Monitoring: Conduct regular medical check-ups
The Ministry has also directed coordination with local health departments to ensure continuous monitoring of workers’ health, aiming to detect early signs of heat stress and prevent serious complications such as heatstroke.
Ministry of Labour & Employment has issued advisories to all States/UTs and its attached organisations, urging immediate preventive and mitigation measures to safeguard workers and labourers from the adverse effects of rising temperatures and heat wave conditions across the…
— PIB India (@PIB_India) April 28, 2026
Special Directives for Factories and Mines
The advisory extends beyond outdoor labour, covering factory and mining sectors where high temperatures and physical exertion can compound risks.
Employers have been urged to allow operational flexibility, including reducing work intensity during peak hours and deploying two-person teams for critical tasks requiring sustained effort.
Additionally, awareness campaigns are to be conducted at labour congregation points such as “labour chowks,” using posters and banners to disseminate information on heat safety, symptoms of heat-related illness, and emergency contacts.
Institutional Support and Enforcement Mechanism
To strengthen implementation, multiple government bodies have been mobilized. The Directorate General of Training and the National Board for Workers’ Education will conduct targeted training sessions on recognizing heat stress symptoms and administering first aid.
Healthcare preparedness is also being reinforced. Hospitals under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) have been instructed to establish dedicated help desks for heatstroke cases and maintain adequate stocks of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and cooling supplies.
KEY POINT BOX:
o Nationwide advisory issued amid rising heatwave risks
o Focus on outdoor and high-risk workers
o Mandatory hydration, rest, and flexible scheduling
o ESIC hospitals to set up heatstroke help desks
o Fortnightly compliance reporting required
Enforcement agencies, including the Chief Labour Commissioner and the Directorate General of Mines Safety, will oversee compliance across industries.
Monitoring and Compliance Framework
To ensure accountability, the Ministry has mandated fortnightly reporting by all implementing agencies. These reports will be reviewed to assess on-ground effectiveness and identify gaps in implementation.
The Ministry reiterated that proactive planning, timely intervention, and strict monitoring are critical to maintaining workforce productivity and preventing avoidable health crises during the peak summer months.
“Protecting workers from extreme heat is not just a safety measure, but a necessity for sustaining economic activity,” the advisory underscored.
With forecasts indicating continued high temperatures, authorities are expected to remain on high alert, ensuring that worker safety remains a top priority nationwide.
