Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Odisha government released precautionary instructions to shield workers from the dangers of heatstroke and extreme summer heat, as the India Meteorological Department predicted a rise in daytime temperatures of 2-4°C. All Revenue Divisional Commissioners, District Collectors, and the State Labour Commissioner have been directed by the Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Department to take steps to lessen heat exposure for workers during the busiest summer months.
From April 1 to June 15, the standards forbid outdoor or physically demanding labor between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. As the state prepares for possibly extreme heat conditions this year, this ban applies to all industries to prevent heat-related ailments. The recommendation calls for rigorous adherence to the timetable by all state government agencies, Odisha’s central government offices, private employers, commercial and industrial firms, shop owners, company owners, and contractors. In order to prevent assigning tasks during these periods of extreme heat, employers have been encouraged to modify work schedules as needed.
Employers must have strong safety procedures in place for critical operations or emergency services. These include supply of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets to help workers keep hydrated and swiftly recover from heat stress, safe drinking water, shaded rest places, and on-site medical assistance, according to the report.
Medical officers at district-level facilities, such as Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs), Sub-Divisional Medical Officers (SDMOs), Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), and hospitals covered by the Employees’ State Insurance program, have also been instructed to stay ready to manage heat stroke cases and associated emergencies. When temperatures in the state capital reached 36°C earlier this month, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a similar heatwave caution, limiting outdoor work between 11 am and 3 pm starting on March 15.
