Finance
Anticipating a hot summer and an increased danger of heatstroke, the Odisha Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Department has ordered a statewide ban on outdoor labor during peak daytime hours from April 1 to June 15, 2026.
The department has issued an official advisory to all Revenue Divisional Commissioners, District Collectors, and the State Labour Commissioner prohibiting workers from engaging in outdoor activities between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM within the designated time period. The move is intended to protect workers from the harmful impacts of intense sun radiation and extreme heat conditions forecast in April and the following summer months.
The instruction applies to all Odisha government departments, central government offices in the state, private employers, commercial and industrial businesses, shop owners, and contractors. Authorities have been directed to adjust working hours to guarantee compliance with the noon work prohibition.
Employers have been advised to establish necessary safety measures in circumstances when critical services or urgent activity cannot be suspended during certain hours. These include providing appropriate shade, cool drinking water, ORS packets, and access to medical facilities for workers exposed to high heat.
Additionally, healthcare officials throughout the state have been put on alert. Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs), Sub-Divisional Medical Officers (SDMOs), and doctors at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Employees’ State Insurance hospitals have been instructed to remain watchful and ready to deal with heat-related ailments.
The state government’s preemptive move comes amid expectations of worsening heatwave conditions, with an emphasis on reducing health risks and preventing heatstroke-related occurrences among susceptible outdoor workers.
