Bhubaneswar: Anticipating an intense summer and rising risk of heatstroke, the Odisha Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Department has directed a statewide restriction on outdoor work during peak daytime hours from April 1 to June 15, 2026.
In an official advisory issued to all Revenue Divisional Commissioners, District Collectors, and the State Labour Commissioner, the department has prohibited engagement of workers in outdoor activities between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM during the specified period. The move aims to safeguard labourers from the adverse effects of severe solar radiation and extreme heat conditions expected in April and the subsequent summer months.
The directive applies to all departments of the Odisha government, central government offices operating in the state, as well as private employers, commercial and industrial establishments, shop owners, and contractors. Authorities have been instructed to reschedule working hours to ensure compliance with the midday work ban.
However, in cases involving essential services or urgent work where suspension during these hours is not feasible, employers have been asked to implement mandatory safety measures. These include provision of adequate shade, supply of cool drinking water, availability of ORS packets, and access to medical facilities for workers exposed to extreme heat.
Additionally, healthcare authorities across the state have been placed 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 directed to remain vigilant and prepared to handle heat-related illnesses.
The state government’s proactive step comes amid forecasts of intensifying heatwave conditions, with a focus on minimizing health risks and preventing heatstroke-related incidents among vulnerable outdoor workers.
