New Delhi, April 29 -- The Union labour ministry on Tuesday alerted states to potential harm to workers from blistering temperatures, especially those involved in outdoor activities, asking authorities to take measures spelt out in a federal law on occupational safety. In a letter to states, the ministry asked local authorities to take a "coordinated, multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional approach to protect workers", particularly those working outdoors and in labour-intensive industries. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020, the main legislation on workers' safety, doesn't define heat thresholds considered dangerous, especially wet-bulb temperatures, unlike an older law it replaced. The code however provides for "adequate ventilation and suitable temperature" on factory floors. States have been asked to consider re-scheduling of work hours, a statement said. "State governments have been advised to take measures in accordance with the nature of employment activity in various sectors. Outdoor work obviously needs to be approached with the highest precautions," an official said. A scorching early summer across north India has forced people indoors and pushed up power demand, as experts warned the public to avoid exposure. Managements of firms in sectors such as mining and construction, must make provisions for adequate rest areas, cool water, ventilation and electrolyte supplements near workplaces, the ministry's advisory states. Firms should consider "slowing the pace of work during periods of extreme heat", deploy two-person crews where "continuous work is unavoidable"....