The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued guidelines to protect workers and ensure safe operations on National Highways amid the ongoing heatwave. NHAI said that contractors have been asked to avoid peak working hours between 12 Noon to 4 PM. It added that labour-intensive work like asphalt laying and welding will be carried out during early morning or evening hours. Regular cooling breaks and proper rest arrangements have been made mandatory.
NHAI has also directed that workers be given shaded rest areas, safe drinking water, and first-aid support, including Oral Rehydration Salts and glucose. Workers will be trained to identify heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke. NHAI officials will conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance. The authority said these steps aim to reduce the impact of heatwave while maintaining smooth highway operations.
