The Kerala government decided on Wednesday to reschedule working hours for workers in the state with immediate effect until April 30, considering the rise in daytime temperatures.
Labor Commissioner S Chitra issued the order to prevent heatstroke incidents among workers who are exposed to the hot sun.
The average temperature across the state hovered around 33 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
The order was issued under articles 24 and 25 of the 1958 Minimum Wage Act. The articles refer to the hours of work of workers.
“According to the order, the workers’ work hours have been rescheduled for the period that begins from February 17 to April 30. The eight hours of service will be from 7 am to 7 pm with a mandatory three-hour break from 12 to 3 PM, ”said a statement from the state government.
However, workers who work in areas 3,000 feet above sea level are exempt from the restrictions, according to the order issued by Chitra.
Regular inspections will be carried out in the construction sector, including roads, and three teams will be set up for the same in each district, the statement said.
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