Jammu, May 20 (NVI): The Labour Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday issued an advisory directing employers and field officers to take preventive measures to protect workers from prevailing and anticipated heatwave conditions across the Union Territory.
The advisory, aimed at safeguarding labourers engaged in factories, construction sites, brick kilns, transport, agriculture and other heat-exposed occupations, calls for strict implementation of safety measures to minimise heat-related illnesses.
According to officials, Inspectors of Factories and Assistant Labour Commissioners have been directed to ensure wide dissemination and effective enforcement of the advisory in establishments under their jurisdiction.
Employers and managements have been advised to reschedule working hours, wherever feasible, to reduce workers’ exposure during peak heat hours. The advisory also stresses the need for adequate safe drinking water, shaded rest areas, proper ventilation and cooling arrangements at workplaces.
The Labour Commissioner emphasised provision of first-aid facilities, oral rehydration salts (ORS) and electrolyte supplements, along with periodic health monitoring of workers.
Managements of factories, construction units and other heat-prone sectors have also been advised to undertake strenuous work during comparatively cooler parts of the day and provide shaded shelters near workplaces.
The advisory further underlined the need to create awareness among workers regarding symptoms of heat stress, preventive measures and emergency response mechanisms.
Special attention has been sought for vulnerable groups, including construction workers, brick-kiln labourers, migrant workers, casual labourers and daily wagers. Field officers and employers have been asked to sensitise workers about hydration, use of protective clothing and coping mechanisms during extreme heat.
The Labour Commissioner also directed concerned officers to conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance and warned that any laxity in implementing the directions would be viewed seriously.(NVI)
