Bhubaneswar, March 23: With the anticipated rise in temperatures starting in April, the Odisha government has issued a comprehensive heatwave advisory aimed at preventing heatstroke incidents among outdoor workers.
The Labour and ESI Department has instructed all Revenue Commissioners, District Collectors, and the State Labour Commissioner to ensure the implementation of precautionary measures from April 1 to June 15, 2026.
As part of the directive, outdoor work will be restricted during the peak heat hours between 11 AM and 3 PM. The advisory applies to all government departments in Odisha, Central government offices operating within the state, as well as private employers, commercial and industrial establishments, shop owners, and contractors.
Employers are strongly urged to avoid assigning workers to outdoor tasks during these high-heat hours. For essential services where outdoor work cannot be postponed, authorities have instructed employers to adjust work schedules to reduce exposure to extreme temperatures.
For jobs that cannot be halted, employers must implement adequate safety measures to protect workers. This includes providing safe drinking water, shaded rest areas, medical support, and Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets to help prevent heat-related illnesses.
The state has also placed its healthcare system on high alert. Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs), Sub-Divisional Medical Officers (SDMOs), and medical personnel at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) hospitals are prepared to handle heat-related health emergencies swiftly.
