Thiruvananthapuram: As temperatures soar across Kerala with the onset of summer, the Labour Commissionerate has revised working hours for outdoor labourers to safeguard them from heatstroke and sun-related illnesses. Under the new directive, workers exposed to direct sunlight must take a compulsory break from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Total working hours have been restricted to eight hours between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The order, issued under Sections 24 and 25 of the Kerala Minimum Wages Act, 1958, will remain in force from February 13 to May 20. For shift-based work, the morning shift must conclude by noon, while the afternoon shift can begin only after 3 p.m. Regions situated above 3,000 feet above sea level and areas not directly exposed to sunlight are exempted. Special inspection squads will be deployed in every district to ensure strict compliance, with particular focus on construction sites and road works.
At the same time, ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels in the state have risen significantly. Pathanamthitta and Idukki have recorded a peak UV index of 8, placing them under an orange alert. Eight districts — Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Wayanad — are under yellow alert. According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, a UV index of 6–7 indicates moderate risk, 8–10 signals high risk, and 11 or above is considered extremely harmful. Officials warn that prolonged exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., can lead to dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. The public has been urged to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours and to maintain adequate hydration even if they do not feel thirsty.
