The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued an advisory urging workers to take precautions against heatstroke during the current intense heat conditions. The guidelines recommend wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding outdoor work between 12 pm and 3 pm, the hottest part of the day.
According to information available with The Chenab Times, the advisory was released by the PMC’s chief labor officer, Nitin Kenjale, who stated that the present heat is severe and could adversely affect the health of laborers and on-field staff. The PMC emphasized the necessity of preventive measures to avert any untoward incidents. This advisory aligns with broader directives issued across Maharashtra, which is identified as one of India’s most heat-vulnerable states.
The guidelines suggest that employers should reschedule outdoor work to cooler periods, specifically between 6 am and 11 am, and again from 4 pm to 8 pm. Mandatory rest breaks are to be enforced between 12 pm and 4 pm, particularly during periods of orange and red heat alerts. These norms are applicable to various sectors, including construction, industrial work, and street vending. The advisory also includes provisions for women’s safety, ensuring adequate lighting, transportation, and protective facilities.
The PMC’s advisory stresses the importance of staying hydrated. Workers have been advised to drink water regularly, even if they do not feel thirsty, at least every half hour. It is also recommended to consume fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, oranges, and cucumbers, to maintain hydration levels. Conversely, the consumption of alcohol, tea, coffee, and sugary beverages is discouraged as these can lead to dehydration.
For those working outdoors, it is advised to protect themselves from direct sunlight by covering their head, neck, and face with a wet cloth or other protective coverings. The use of umbrellas or hats is also recommended when stepping outside. Wearing dark, tight, or thick clothing is discouraged, with a preference for light, loose, and cotton apparel.
The advisory also touches upon creating a safer working environment. Workplaces are expected to ensure the availability of cool drinking water for workers. For sectors involving outdoor labor, such as construction, employers are advised to erect sheds for protection from the sun and establish public water booths or ‘panpoi’ facilities at regular intervals. Special attention should be paid to the care of pregnant and ailing workers.
In addition to these measures for workers, the PMC has also provided broader guidance for citizens. These include keeping indoor spaces cool by using thick curtains to block sunlight during the day and ensuring ventilation at night. The use of fans or damp cloths to cool rooms has also been suggested. The civic body has also issued guidance for the protection of animals and birds during the summer, recommending shaded shelters and sufficient water and fodder for livestock.
Maharashtra has identified fifteen districts as highly vulnerable to extreme heat, including Latur, Amravati, Yavatmal, Washim, Akola, Buldhana, Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur, Gondia, Bhandara, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Dhule, and Nanded. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) outlined in the advisory will be implemented across municipal corporations, councils, and nagar panchayats in these high-risk urban areas. The measures aim to mitigate the health risks associated with rising temperatures and prevent heatstroke among vulnerable populations, particularly outdoor workers.
The Chenab Times News Desk