Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed that workers should not be engaged in outdoor work between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM from April 1 to June 15 to prevent heatstroke amid rising temperatures.
The Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Department issued the directive to all Revenue Divisional Commissioners, District Collectors, and the State Labour Commissioner, citing the likelihood of extreme heat conditions during the summer.
All state government departments, central government offices in Odisha, private employers, industrial and commercial establishments, shop owners, and contractors have been asked to comply with the order and take necessary steps to protect workers. Authorities have also been advised to revise working hours wherever required.
The government said that in cases involving essential services where work cannot be halted during peak hours, employers must ensure adequate safety measures. These include the provision of safe drinking water, shaded rest areas, medical support, and mandatory distribution of ORS packets to workers.
Health officials, including Chief District Medical Officers, Sub-Divisional Medical Officers, and staff at Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, and hospitals under the Employees’ State Insurance scheme, have been asked to remain alert to handle heat-related illnesses and provide timely treatment.
The move comes as temperatures are expected to rise sharply in the coming weeks, increasing the risk of heat-related conditions across the state.
