J&K Labour Commissioner Issues Heatwave Advisory for Workers

The Labour Commissioner of Jammu & Kashmir has released a detailed and preventive heatwave advisory to protect workers from the severe rise in temperatures currently affecting the Union Territory. The advisory comes in response to ongoing and anticipated heatwave conditions and aims to minimise health risks among workers engaged in outdoor and high-temperature environments.

The guidelines primarily target labourers working in factories, construction sites, brick kilns, transport services, agricultural fields, and other occupations that require prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and extreme heat. These groups are considered highly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

To ensure effective implementation, Inspectors of Factories and Assistant Labour Commissioners have been directed to closely monitor workplaces and ensure that all safety measures are strictly followed. They are also responsible for spreading awareness and ensuring compliance across their respective jurisdictions.

Employers and workplace management have been urged to make necessary adjustments in working hours, especially by avoiding heavy or physically demanding tasks during peak afternoon temperatures. They are also instructed to provide adequate safety facilities, including clean and sufficient drinking water, shaded rest areas, proper ventilation, and cooling arrangements to reduce heat exposure.

The advisory further emphasises the importance of medical preparedness at worksites. Employers are advised to keep first-aid kits readily available, supply ORS and electrolyte solutions, and arrange periodic health check-ups to monitor workers’ well-being during extreme weather conditions.

Workers are also encouraged to be educated on recognising early symptoms of heat stress, such as dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, and fatigue, along with proper preventive measures and emergency response actions. Awareness campaigns at the workplace level are strongly recommended.

Special focus has been placed on protecting vulnerable categories of workers, including migrant labourers, daily wage earners, construction workers, and brick kiln employees who often work in highly exposed conditions. Regular field inspections have been mandated to ensure that safety protocols are being implemented effectively.

The Labour Commissioner has reiterated that strict compliance with the advisory is mandatory, and any form of negligence in safeguarding worker health and safety will be treated seriously under applicable regulations.