THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Considering the soaring temperature of Kerala, the labour commissioner has issued an order rescheduling the working hours. Laborers should be given rest from 12 noon to 3 pm. This restriction will continue till May 10. The eight hours of duty will be from 7 am to 7 pm with a mandatory break of three hours from 12 noon to 3 pm. This is to avoid incidences of sunstroke among workers exposed to the hot sun.

Alert issued
High heat can cause many serious health problems including sunstroke, heatstroke, and dehydration. Therefore, the public should follow the following instructions.

Avoid direct exposure to sunlight for a long time on the body between 11 am and 3 pm.

Drink as much clean water as possible. Continue drinking water even if you are not thirsty.

Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, carbonated soft drinks, etc., which cause dehydration during the day.

Wear loose, light-colored cotton clothes.

Wear footwear when going out. It would be good to use an umbrella or hat.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Encourage the use of ORS solution, butter milk, etc.

There is a high risk of fire outbreaks and spread in places like markets, buildings, waste collection and disposal centers (dumping yards). Fire audits should be conducted and proper safety precautions should be taken. Those living near these and those running establishments should be especially vigilant.