Haryana Heat Wave Advisory 2026: Employer Compliance & Worker Safety Measures

The Labour Department, Government of Haryana, has issued an important advisory dated 20 May 2026 regarding heat waves and preparatory action for the heat wave season 2026.

The advisory has been issued vide No. 1613–1793 dated 20.05.2026 and is in continuation of the earlier communication dated 07.05.2026. Through this advisory, the Labour Department has directed all concerned labor authorities to ensure that employers, industries, factories, construction companies, and establishments take immediate preventive steps to protect workers from extreme heat conditions.

With rising temperatures and increasing heat-wave alerts, employers are expected to ensure proper workplace arrangements for the safety, health, and welfare of employees and workers, especially those working in outdoor areas, factories, construction sites, warehouses, loading/unloading points, and other heat-exposed locations.

Objective of the Advisory

The main objective of the advisory is to prevent heat-related illness among workers and to ensure timely preparedness at the workplace during the summer season.

Heat-wave conditions may lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, fainting, heat stroke, and other serious health risks. Therefore, employers are advised to implement practical and preventive measures at the workplace to reduce exposure to excessive heat.

Key Compliance Measures for Employers

Employers in Haryana should take the following measures during the heat-wave season:

1. Rescheduling of Working Hours

Employers should review and reschedule working hours wherever possible, especially for outdoor and heat-exposed work.

Heavy work should preferably be scheduled during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to reduce exposure during peak heat hours.

2. Adequate Drinking Water Facility

Adequate, clean, and cool drinking water should be made available at all work locations.

Water points should be easily accessible to employees and workers, particularly at construction sites, factories, warehouses, and outdoor workplaces.

3. Cooling Facilities and Rest Areas

Employers should provide proper cooling arrangements and shaded rest areas at or near the place of work.

Workers should be allowed to take rest breaks in shaded or cooler areas, especially during high-temperature periods.

4. Readjustment of Rest Breaks

During very high temperatures, rest intervals should be suitably readjusted.

Additional breaks may be provided to workers engaged in physically demanding work or exposed to direct sunlight.

5. Flexibility in Pace of Work

Employers should allow flexibility in the pace of work if workers show signs of heat stress, fatigue, or dehydration.

Supervisors and site-in-charges should be instructed to monitor workers and take immediate action in case of any symptoms of heat illness.

6. Emergency Ice Packs and First-Aid Support

Emergency ice packs, oral rehydration solution, first-aid support, and other heat illness prevention materials should be made available, especially at construction sites and outdoor workplaces.

Emergency contact numbers and basic first-aid instructions should also be displayed at prominent locations.

7. Periodic Health Check-ups

Periodic health check-ups of workers should be conducted in coordination with the Health Department wherever required.

Special attention should be given to workers engaged in outdoor, construction, factory, loading, unloading, and other strenuous activities.

8. Awareness Programmes and Safety Display

Employers should organize awareness programs for employees and workers on heat-wave safety measures.

Posters, banners, and instructions regarding heat stroke symptoms, hydration, rest breaks, and emergency response should be displayed at the workplace.

9. Coordination with Authorities

Employers and labor authorities are expected to coordinate with the District Administration and Health Department for regular updates and heat-wave preparedness.

This coordination will help in timely response and better implementation of safety measures during extreme weather conditions.

Sectors Requiring Special Attention

The advisory is particularly important for establishments where workers are exposed to heat or outdoor working conditions, including:

• Factories and industrial units

• Construction companies and project sites

• Shops and commercial establishments

• Warehouses and logistics units

• Loading and unloading activities

• Security, housekeeping and facility services

• Contract labour engaged in outdoor work

Employer Documentation and Record Maintenance

Although the advisory is preventive in nature, employers should maintain basic records to demonstrate compliance and preparedness.

Suggested records include:

• Internal circular or instruction issued to supervisors and workers

• Drinking water and rest area arrangements

• Photographs of safety posters and banners

• Health check-up records, wherever conducted

• First-aid and emergency material availability record

• Revised work schedule or rest break instructions

• Attendance and shift timing records

• Coordination records with local authorities, if any

Maintaining such records may help employers during inspections and audits or in the event of any workplace incident relating to heat stress or unsafe working conditions.

LabourCodes360 Compliance View

The Haryana Heat Wave Advisory 2026 should be treated as an important occupational health and worker welfare measure.

Even though the advisory may not be in the nature of a separate penal notification, employers are expected to act responsibly and ensure safe working conditions under applicable labor and occupational safety laws.

Failure to provide basic safety arrangements such as drinking water, rest shelters, first-aid support, and protection from extreme heat may expose employers to compliance risks, especially during labor inspections or in case of any heat-related accident or worker complaint.

Action Points for Employers

Employers in Haryana should immediately:

1. Review working hours and avoid peak heat exposure.

2. Ensure adequate drinking water and shaded rest areas.

3. Provide cooling facilities and emergency first-aid material.

4. Conduct awareness and safety communication for workers.

5. Train supervisors to identify heat stress symptoms.

6. Maintain records of all preventive measures taken.

7. Coordinate with local administration and health authorities wherever required.

Conclusion

The Haryana Labour Department’s Heat Wave Advisory 2026 is a timely reminder for employers to prioritize employee safety during extreme weather conditions.

Employers, factories, industries, contractors, construction companies, and commercial establishments should not treat this advisory as a mere formality. Immediate workplace-level action is necessary to protect workers from heat stress, dehydration, and other heat-related health risks.

Proper implementation of preventive measures, along with documentation and awareness, will help employers ensure workplace safety and demonstrate responsible compliance during the heat-wave season.