Gaurav calls for mandatory break for construction workers amidst extreme heatwave

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: Gaurav Gupta, former General Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu, has called upon the LG Led Administration to implement urgent measures to protect construction workers from the extreme heatwave currently affecting the Union Territory.
Citing recent initiatives by the Delhi and Gurugram administrations, which have mandated a three-hour break for all construction workers, Gaurav Gupta emphasized the need for similar protective measures in Jammu.
“With temperatures soaring to dangerous levels, it is imperative that we prioritize the health and safety of our labor force. I urge the administration to mandate a compulsory break for all construction workers from 12 PM to 3 PM, during the peak heat hours,” he added.
Gaurav has urged the administration to instruct all contractors and builders to ensure that laborers are not forced to work under the scorching sun and are well cared for during this period. “Proper arrangements for water and shaded rest areas must be made available to all workers to prevent heat-related illnesses,” he added.
In addition to construction workers, Gaurav also extended his concerns to the gig workforce, specifically those employed by online food delivery platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy. He called on these companies to implement measures to minimize operations during peak heat hours to ensure the safety of their delivery personnel.
“It is not only the responsibility of the administration but also of employers to ensure the well-being of their workers. I urge food delivery aggregators to adopt policies that protect their gig workers from the extreme heat by reducing delivery demands during the hottest parts of the day,” he added.