Practical actions: Outdoor and hot workplaces (2 of 2)

What to do: Agree rest, shade and water breaks that start automatically at each alert level, with earlier or split shifts on the hottest days.

Who acts: Employers and businesses, Worker organisations and unions, National governments, City and local governments

Running and upkeep: Little equipment; the cost is paid time. Someone has to check the rule is kept.

What could stop it: Piece-rate pay and fixed deadlines that make stopping cost money, and no inspection.

Works only if: Breaks are paid, or paired with income protection; Heat is measured where people work; Shade and water are a few minutes away; Inspectors or unions can check.

Evidence: source 1 below.

What to do: Rest shelters with seating, drinking water and rehydration salts along the streets and yards where people work.

Who acts: City and local governments, Employers and businesses, Community and civil society groups

Running and upkeep: A daily refill and cleaning roster, often ₹500–2,000 a day per water point, and repairs before each season. Rough cost: about US$110–US$530 per site (₹10,000–₹50,000 at Indian prices).

What could stop it: Nobody named to refill and repair it, or it goes up after the heat has started.

Works only if: It is in place before the hot season; A named team refills and repairs it; Workers are allowed to stop and use it; Frames are fixed firmly for storms.

Evidence: source 2 below.

What to do: Cash that pays out automatically when heat crosses a set threshold, so workers can afford to stop.

Who acts: Banks, insurers and financial regulators, Worker organisations and unions, National governments

Running and upkeep: Premiums or a public subsidy every season, plus enrolment and payment systems.

What could stop it: A trigger that misses the heat people feel, so they are harmed without a payout, and slow payments.

Works only if: The trigger counts humidity, not only temperature; Money arrives within days; Workers know they are covered.

Evidence: source 3 below.

What to do: Train supervisors and co-workers to spot heat illness, cool a person fast and get help, with water, shade and ice at hand.

Who acts: Employers and businesses, Worker organisations and unions, Health authorities

Running and upkeep: A refresher before each season, and a steady supply of water and ice.

What could stop it: Training given once and forgotten, and no transport to a clinic.

Works only if: Someone trained is on every shift; Everyone knows the emergency number; Treatment is free at the clinic.

Evidence: source 4 below.

What to do: Measure heat at the workstations, then cool the roof and walls, add air flow, water and breaks.

Who acts: Employers and businesses, Worker organisations and unions, National governments

Running and upkeep: A heat meter and someone to read it daily; upkeep of roofs and fans; power for ventilation.

What could stop it: Nobody measuring heat indoors, and factory owners who rent the building.

Works only if: Heat is measured where people stand; Workers can report symptoms without risk; Fans have power when it is hottest.

Evidence: source 5 below.