Jammu & Kashmir Labour Department Issues Heat Wave Advisory to Protect Workers

Work Hour Revisions and Safety Measures Mandated Amid Severe IMD Alert

Jammu, April 16, 2025 — In response to a severe heat wave warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Jammu & Kashmir Labour Department has released a detailed advisory aimed at protecting workers from extreme heat conditions. Acting under the guidance of Labour Commissioner S. Charandeep Singh, the department has instructed all Assistant Labour Commissioners and Factory Inspectors to enforce safety protocols across workplaces.

The advisory covers commercial establishments, shops, factories, construction sites, and brick kilns — sectors where workers are most vulnerable to heat stress.

Key Safety Guidelines to Combat Rising Temperatures

The department has recommended modifications to working hours, especially avoiding outdoor labor between 12 PM and 3 PM — the peak heat period. Employers are directed to ensure availability of cool drinking water, shaded rest areas, and proper ventilation at all worksites.

Additionally, the advisory emphasizes:

• Mandatory health check-ups and regular monitoring

• Availability of first aid kits and medical transport in emergencies

• Provision of protective gear such as caps and sunglasses

• Awareness campaigns on heat stress symptoms and prevention

These measures aim to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and related illnesses among daily wage workers, factory employees, and laborers in high-risk environments.

Enforcement Through Regular Inspections

To ensure strict compliance with the advisory, the Labour Department will conduct regular inspections at affected workplaces. Officials have been instructed to report violations and ensure that employers adopt all prescribed safety practices.

This proactive approach highlights the government’s commitment to worker welfare amid rising climate-related challenges. With temperatures expected to soar further, the department’s initiative is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding vulnerable labor populations across the region.