Construction workers bear the brunt as record heat wave grips North India

The northern states of India find themselves in the clutches of a severe heatwave, with the national capital, New Delhi, marking its highest temperature ever recorded at 50 degrees Celsius. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a “red alert” for sustained heatwave conditions across several states where the temperature has been around or in excess of 50 degrees Celsius. This signaled a "very high likelihood" of heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke, across all age groups. Tragically, more than 50 people have already succumbed to the current spell of blistering heat.

Heatwaves pose severe challenges for outdoor labourers, with construction workers amongst the most vulnerable. The combination of soaring temperatures and strenuous physical work exacerbates the risk of heat-related ailments such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The abnormal temperatures and resulting heat stress are taking a toll on the health of these workers, prompting the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to mandate a three-hour paid break for construction laborers from 12 noon to 3 PM, accompanied by provisions to ensure adequate hydration. Many workers are falling ill and requiring hospitalisation due to the extreme and unprecedented heat stress they face.

A construction worker, Aakash, from a project site of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), shared his experience, stating, “During this scorching summer, heat stress becomes severe in the afternoon and sometimes unbearable. We are relieved that the government has announced a three-hour break during peak hours. We hope this policy will be implemented across all worksites, large or small, along with other essential facilities such as clean drinking water, proper ventilation, adequate shade, and resting areas.”

Amjad Hassan, General Secretary of DANMU, the BWI affiliate in the national capital, voiced his concerns and emphasised, “The intensity of heatwaves appears to be escalating with each passing year. This serves as a wakeup call for the government, necessitating urgent measures for climate change mitigation. All stakeholders, including unions, have a pivotal role in combating climate change and preventing further loss of lives. Our union is engaging in ongoing discussions with builders and contractors to enforce a Heat Action Plan across all construction sites, ensuring that health risks to workers are promptly addressed.”

To know more about how extreme heat affect workers, go to the following:

BWI's Heat campaign

BWI Heat Report 

BWI Hazard Briefings