The Office of the Labour Commissioner, Nagaland, has issued an advisory directing employers, industries, establishments, contractors and other stakeholders across the state to adopt preventive measures to safeguard workers from heat wave conditions.
According to the Department, the advisory follows a communication from the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, vide D.O. No. Z 16025/20/2023-ISH-II dated April 20, 2026, urging all States and Union Territories to take proactive steps to protect workers and labourers from the adverse effects of extreme heat.
The Department stated that ensuring occupational safety, health and welfare of workers engaged in various sectors during periods of high temperatures had become necessary. Accordingly, in the interest of public safety and worker welfare, all employers, occupiers, industries, establishments, contractors, construction agencies, factories, brick kilns and other stakeholders in Nagaland have been asked to strictly comply with prescribed precautionary measures during the heat wave season.
Under the advisory, employers have been asked to reschedule working hours, wherever feasible, to minimise exposure during peak heat hours. Heavy and strenuous work should preferably be undertaken during cooler parts of the day, while adequate rest intervals and flexible schedules must be ensured for workers exposed to outdoor or high-temperature conditions.
The department also directed employers to provide sufficient safe and cool drinking water at workplaces. Rest sheds, shaded areas and cooling arrangements are to be made available at worksites, while proper ventilation and cooling measures should be ensured wherever practicable.
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On health and safety, employers have been instructed to maintain emergency first-aid materials, including ice packs and heat illness prevention kits, at workplaces. Workers displaying symptoms of heat stress, dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke must be given immediate medical attention and necessary assistance. Employers have also been advised to coordinate with nearby health facilities for periodic health check-ups and emergency medical support.
The advisory places special emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups, including construction workers, brick kiln workers, daily wage earners, casual labourers and other outdoor workers. Employers and contractors have been asked to conduct awareness programmes on heat stress symptoms, dehydration and preventive measures, while display of posters, banners and safety advisories at worksites and labour congregation points has been strongly encouraged.
The Labour Department urged all establishments and employers to ensure strict compliance with the measures to prevent heat-related illnesses and safeguard workers’ health, safety and well-being.
The circular has come into force with immediate effect and will remain operative throughout the heat wave season or until further orders.
