Protection for Workers in the Summer

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has projected a 48% probability that global temperatures will surpass 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels in at least one year between 2022 and 2026, with this likelihood rising to 66% for the period 2023-2027. Additionally, it has warned that 2025 is expected to be among the three hottest years on record.

In the last year, between March and June 2024, India experienced record-breaking temperatures, with 37 cities surpassing 45 degrees Celsius. A report, titled “Struck by Heat: A News Analysis of Heatstroke Deaths in India in 2024” brought out by HeatWatch has reported on the devastating impact of heatwaves in India and identified 733 deaths and over 40,000 heatstroke cases in 17 states . In fact in May 2024, around 74 people, including 25 polling personnel in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, succumbed to heatstroke in a period of just 48 hours .

In light of this, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant portion of the working class that is exposed to extreme heat while working outdoors for prolonged hours. This includes government, public sector and private sector workers such as municipal safai karamcharis and sanitation workers, construction laborers, MGNREGA workers, and scheme workers, including ASHA and Anganwadi workers. Unlike other workers who have access to shaded workspaces, cooling systems, and regular hydration, these workers perform strenuous labour in hazardous conditions without adequate protection. Notably, a majority of them belong to marginalized communities, and a large number are women whose health conditions are already precarious, further exacerbating their vulnerability to rising temperatures. 

In this context, the AICCTU has raised the issues faced by the working class in summer.   

Advisory by the National Programme on Climate Change & Human Health

The National Programme on Climate Change & Human Health that falls under the National Center for Disease Control, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India has issued an advisory on the steps that need to be taken during the heat wave. The Advisory states that normal human body temperature ranges from 36.4°C to 37.2°C (97.5°F to 98.9°F) and warns that prolonged exposure to high outdoor and indoor temperatures can cause heat stress, both directly and indirectly, leading to various heat-related illnesses. These illnesses, which range in severity from mild to severe, include heat rash (prickly heat), heat edema (swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles), heat cramps (muscle cramps), heat tetany, heat syncope (fainting), heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The Advisory further highlights that heat stress may aggravate pre-existing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory, and kidney diseases. It also emphasizes that heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention. In light of the dangers of a heat wave, it provides for preventive and remedial steps to be taken during a heat wave. The Advisory provides that while although anyone at any time can suffer from the heat stress and heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others and should be given additional attention. These include people working outdoors. 

The Advisory provides activities to be avoided and provides as follows:

• Avoid getting out in the sun, especially between 12:00 noon and 03:00 pm
• Avoid strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon

It provides the following guidelines for Employers and workers -

• Provide cool drinking water at work place and remind them to drink a cup of water every 20 minutes or more frequently to stay hydrated
• Caution workers to avoid direct sunlight
• Provide shaded work area for workers. Temporary shelter can be created at work site.
• Schedule strenuous and outdoor jobs to cooler times of the day 
• Increase the frequency and length of rest breaks for outdoor activities- at least every 5 minutes after 1 hour of labour work
• Listen to Radio; watch TV; read Newspaper for local weather news and act accordingly. Get the latest update of weather on India Meteorological Department (IMD) website at https://mansam.imd.gov.in/
• Assign additional workers or slow down the pace of work
• Make sure everyone is properly acclimatized: it takes weeks to acclimatize to a hotter climate. Do not work for more than three hours in one day for the first five days of work. Gradually increase the amount and time of work.
• Train workers to recognize factors which may increase the risk of developing a heat related illness and the signs and symptoms of heat stress and start a "buddy system" since people are not likely to notice their own symptoms
• Trained First Aid providers should be available and an emergency response plan should be in place in the event of a heat-related illness.
• Pregnant workers and workers with a medical condition or those taking certain medications should discuss with their physicians about working in the heat.
• If working outdoors wear light-coloured clothing preferably long sleeve shirt and pants, and cover the head to prevent exposure to direct sunlight.
• Organize awareness campaigns for employees
• Install temperature and forecast display at the workplace.
• Distribute informational pamphlets and organize training for employers and workers regarding health impacts of extreme heat and recommendations to protect themselves during high temperatures.

In light of the above, AICCTU has sought that the following steps are immediately taken:

1. Recognize heat waves as a disaster under the Disaster Management Act: Given the rising temperatures and the increased frequency of extreme heat events, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) must be directed to declare heatwaves as a serious disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It must issue binding directions to all relevant Ministries and Departments, including the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, to take immediate and necessary measures for protecting workers from extreme heat during summer months.
2. Enforce and Implement Advisories: The National Programme on Climate Change & Human Health (NPCCHH) has provided a set of advisories and measures to mitigate the health impacts of climate change, including extreme heat. It is imperative that the Government ensures the full and effective implementation of these advisories, particularly in relation to workers who are at the highest risk. 
3. Safeguard the Health of Workers: The Government must take primary responsibility for safeguarding the health and lives of its workers, particularly those engaged in physically demanding outdoor jobs. This requires implementing essential heat protection measures, including reducing working hours without loss of pay. Extreme temperatures significantly increase the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, heat stroke, and other serious health complications. Moreover, working in high heat conditions requires greater physical exertion, leading to faster fatigue and increased energy expenditure. To prevent severe health risks, the Government must mandate a reduction in working hours during periods of extreme heat without any loss of wages. Without such a measure, workers will be forced to push through hazardous conditions, jeopardizing their health and safety.
4. Ensure the provision of facilities: Additionally, the Government must also ensure providing shaded rest areas, ensuring access to cool drinking water, and mandating regular breaks during peak heat hours. Further, the Government must conduct regular workplace inspections to ensure strict compliance with heat safety regulations. Furthermore, financial and infrastructural support must be provided to ensure that extreme heat conditions do not compromise workers' ability to earn a livelihood, thereby upholding their right to safe and dignified working conditions.
5. Protecting workers at their homes: Majority of the workers reside in slums, informal settlements, low-income and middle-income localities where they face increased water shortage and other issues during summer. The NDMA must be directed to immediately issue an Action Plan to tackle the impacts of heatwaves in slums, informal settlements, low-income and middle-income localities.
6. Guidelines for ex gratia: The NDMA must perform the statutory duty cast under Section 12 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 to formulate guidelines for the minimum standards of relief to be provided to persons affected by heatwaves, including ex gratia assistance on account of loss of life as also assistance on account of damage to houses and for restoration of means of livelihood.
7. Relief in loan repayment: The NDMA must recommend relief in repayment of loans and norms for grant of fresh loans to the persons affected by the heatwave. 
8. Strengthening Hospital Preparedness for Heat-Related Emergencies: Hospitals at all levels, from primary health centers to taluk and district hospitals, must be adequately prepared and equipped to handle the growing health risks associated with extreme heat. Rising temperatures lead to an increase in heat-related illnesses. To effectively respond to heat-related medical emergencies, hospitals must have well-trained medical personnel, sufficient stocks of essential medicines, and cooling infrastructure such as shaded waiting areas, cooling rooms, and uninterrupted electricity supply to ensure functioning air conditioning and cooling devices. Primary health centers in rural areas, which serve as the first point of contact for many patients, must be strengthened with adequate resources to provide timely treatment and prevent fatalities.
9. Ensuring Access to Water and Ground-water recharge: Access to water becomes a critical issue during the summer months, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized communities, who often face severe water shortages. To address this, it is essential that proactive measures be taken to ensure groundwater recharge and sustainable water management. This includes implementing large-scale rainwater harvesting initiatives, protecting and restoring water bodies, preventing the depletion of groundwater reserves, and ensuring equitable distribution of available water resources.
10. Enforce Measures in the Private Sector: The Government must ensure that private sector employers are held accountable for worker safety during extreme heat conditions. This requires directing the inclusion of heat safety measures in workplace, alongside setting up a monitoring and reporting system that allows workers to report non-compliance without fear of retaliation. Employers who fail to provide adequate safeguards for workers exposed to extreme heat must face penalties, and a compensation mechanism should be established for those who suffer heat-related illnesses due to employer negligence. 

AICCTU had approached the Karnataka High Court highlighting the urgent need to safeguard pourakarmikas, who are compelled to work under extreme heat conditions without access to basic protections such as water, shade, or medical support. The Petition had sought for all steps to be taken to protect the life and health of pourakarmikas during the summer months, including taking all steps as mandated under the Karnataka State Heat Wave Action Plan 2024-25, and the Advisory of the National Programme on Climate Change & Human Health issued by the Health & Family Welfare Department of the Government of Karnataka.

As a consequence of the petition, the Karnataka State Government issued a circular dated 02.04.2025 in regard to steps to be taken to protect the health of workers during the heatwave, including the following:

1. Identification of heat-prone zones
2. Worker Protection Protocols, including adjusting working hours and avoiding working during peak heat hours. 
3. Provision of essential facilities including drinking water, shaded rest areas, and cooling spaces. 
4. Inter-departmental Coordination to ensure implementation of heatwave protocols.
5. Launch information campaigns about symptoms of heat-related illnesses, precautions, and first aid measures.

The Court had taken cognizance of the Circulars and passed it's judgement on April 7, 2025 directing that the Government ought to strictly implement the said circular. This judgment is a crucial recognition of the need to take steps to protect the lives and health of pourakarmikas. AICCTU welcomed the judgment of the Karnataka High Court. AICCTU also submitted a petition to the Prime Minister demanding effective protection for workers in summer.