NEW DELHI: Staggered working hours, adequate arrangements for potable water, and resting areas including the availability of air conditioners, ice packs, intravenous (IV) fluids, and first aid facilities with ORS are among several measures mandated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in comprehensive guidelines.
These have been issued to safeguard the workforce and ensure the safety of national highway users during the prevailing heat conditions in most parts of the country.
The safety measures, based on best practices, will be implemented immediately by all contractors, concessionaires, and toll collection agencies to ensure the well being of staff and workers, officials of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) said.
The officials said that NHAI had directed contractors and concessionaires to provide staggered working hours for workers to avoid peak heat hours, typically between 12.00 pm and 4.00 pm.
“Labour intensive and heat generating activities such as asphalt laying, welding etc. are to be carried out during early morning or late evening hours. Mandatory cooling breaks at regular intervals have been prescribed with increased frequency during extreme heat alerts,” said officials.
Special emphasis has been placed on the acclimatisation of workers, ensuring that new or returning personnel are gradually exposed to strenuous tasks over a period of three to five days.
Workers are also to be trained to identify and respond to heat-related illnesses or health issues, including heatstroke.
For toll operations, NHAI has advised minimising outdoor exposure of personnel during peak heat hours from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm through optimised shift management and rotational rosters.
Night hours will be effectively utilised for administrative and maintenance activities that do not require peak hour lane presence.
“Cooling rooms with air conditioning in toll booths, rest areas and office blocks will be created. Temporary sheds and awnings are to be installed to provide shade for personnel working near lanes and in open areas. In addition, continuous availability of cool drinking water, along with ORS and glucose, has been made mandatory at all toll locations. To ensure compliance, NHAI field officials will conduct weekly inspections across project sites and toll plazas,” said officials.
NHAI patrol ambulances are to be equipped with ice packs, cold water, and IV fluids. Route Patrolling Units (RPUs) have been instructed to increase monitoring frequency to assist highway users facing heat related issues and vehicle breakdowns due to overheating.
“Toll plaza staff will also be trained in recognising and responding to heat related health conditions for assisting staff and commuters. To ensure adequate on site support, temporary shaded rest areas with proper ventilation, along with uninterrupted access to cool and potable drinking water, are to be provided. While adherence to wearing safety gear on construction sites remains mandatory, the use of breathable, cotton based high visibility vests has been advised… Emergency preparedness has also been strengthened,” said officials.
