The Center tells the states

Image of representation. |Picture source: Hindu

The Department of Labor Unions has recommended that all states and union territories take effective measures to reduce the impact of extreme heat waves on workers and workers engaged in different sectors. Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya spoke to reporters here on Tuesday that his ministry had written to the chief secretary and managers and needed to issue instructions to employers, construction companies and the industry to develop the necessary steps to mitigate the adverse effects on workers’ extreme heatwave conditions.

“The letter recommends a coordinated multi-departmental approach that lists various steps, including rescheduling work hours, ensuring adequate drinking water facilities, ventilation and cooling of the workplace, rest areas, regular health checks for workers, and providing emergency ice packs and emergency ice packs and heat-proof materials for construction workers,” said Mr Mandaviya.

He added that the management of mines and factories will be required to allow slower, flexible schedules, two-person staff during extreme heat and proper ventilation in underground mines. The minister said construction and brick kiln workers would receive special attention.

The Department of Labor’s various weapons will conduct awareness and training programs on the causes and effects of heat waves, identify thermal stresses and prevention strategies, and mitigate the adverse effects of heat wave effects.

ESIC service has been expanded

Mr Mandaviya said the Narendra Modi government has expanded services to the Employee State Insurance Company (ESIC). “In 2014, ESIC was implemented in 393 regions of the country, and the region has now expanded to 691 regions,” he said.

Mr Mandaviya said ESIC approved the principles for the establishment of 10 new ESIC medical schools at a recent meeting and proposed 10 new medical schools in different cities including Pune, Kollam, Visakhapatnam and Margao.