NHAI issues guidelines to protect workers from heat

NEW DELHI: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has directed all its contractors and concessionaires to ensure staggered working hours so that workers can avoid exposure in peak heat hours, typically between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., in view of the ongoing heatwave conditions.

Issuing comprehensive guidelines for precautionary measures to safeguard health of the workforce, NHAI has outlined mandatory safety protocols for construction sites, maintenance work and toll plazas. It said these have to be “immediately implemented” by all contractors, concessionaires and toll collection agencies.

The highways authority said labour-intensive and heat-generating activities such as asphalt laying and welding are to be carried out during early morning or late evening hours. Mandatory cooling breaks at regular intervals have been prescribed, with higher frequency during extreme heat alerts. Special emphasis has been placed on acclimatisation of workers, ensuring that new or returning workers are gradually exposed to strenuous tasks over 3–5 days.

It said that NHAI patrol ambulances will be equipped with ice packs, cold water and IV fluids. For toll operations, entities have been advised to minimise outdoor exposure for personnel during peak heat hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through optimised shift management and rotational rosters. Also, cooling spaces, with air-conditioning in toll booths, rest areas and office blocks, will be created.