Labour dept notice to railway division for engaging workers during peak heat hours

Jharsuguda: To protect workers from the ongoing heatwave and sunstroke in the district, the labour department has issued a notice to Chakradharpur railway division for engaging labourers in outdoor activity from 11 am to 3:30 pm, in violation of govt guidelines.According to department officials, assistant labour officer Tarun Kumar Mohanty inspected the under-construction railway overbridge site near the Old Bus Stand in Jharsuguda on Thursday afternoon. During the inspection, it was found that around 12 workers were engaged in the work during the prohibited hours.As per the directive issued by the district administration from April 1, 2026, employing workers under intense sunlight during peak heat hours is strictly prohibited. Due to non-compliance, the labour department has served a warning along with a notice to the concerned railway division.Officials have warned that if immediate changes to working hours are not implemented, the matter will be reported to the district collector and legal action will be initiated. The district administration and labour department have once again urged all construction agencies and contractors to strictly adhere to govt guidelines and ensure the safety and well-being of workers.