Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala on Wednesday decided to reschedule working hours for workers in the state effective immediately till April 30, considering rising daytime temperatures.
Labour commissioner S. Chitra issued the order to avoid incidences of sunstroke among workers exposed to the hot sun.
The average temperature across the state hovered around 33 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
The order was issued under section 24 and 25 of the Minimum Wages Act, 1958. The sections deal with the working hours of labourers.
“As per the order, the working hours of the labourers have been rescheduled for the period starting from February 17 to April 30. The eight hours of duty will be from 7am to 7pm with a mandatory break of three hours from 12 noon to 3pm,” a state government statement said.
However, labourers working in areas located 3,000 ft above sea level are exempt from restrictions, the order issued by Chitra said.
Regular inspection will be conducted in construction sector, and three teams will be constituted in each district, the statement said.