Mangaluru: With rising temperatures and an increase in heatstroke incidents, employers, contractors, and site supervisors must prioritize the health and safety of construction workers, daily wage earners, street vendors, and other outdoor laborers. The Labour Department has issued an advisory instructing all stakeholders involved in construction projects across the district to adhere to strict safety measures and provide necessary facilities at work locations.
Labour officials from Mangaluru subdivisions one and two emphasized the need for clean drinking water and temporary shelters for workers. To combat dehydration, labourers should consume water at regular intervals and take sufficient breaks. Physically demanding outdoor work should be scheduled for early mornings or evenings to minimize sun exposure. Companies should explore the possibility of night shifts, in consultation with workers, to avoid peak daytime heat.
Employers must set up well-ventilated shelters with adequate lighting and drinking water near work areas. Workers should be encouraged to wear protective accessories such as hats, sunglasses, and sturdy footwear while working under the sun. Health screenings should be conducted periodically, and first-aid kits must be readily available on-site. In case of heatstroke symptoms, affected individuals should be shifted to a shaded area, given ice packs, and taken to the nearest hospital if required.
For migrant workers, project managers must ensure proper amenities in temporary accommodations. As per Karnataka Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, Dakshina Kannada recorded a high of 37.5°C on March 26-27.
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