"Heat stress death toll ‘six times greater’ than official data", 22 September 2025

Many more workers are dying due to heat stress in Indian workplaces, including textile and garment factories, than official figures suggest, according to a new report...

“We found that government recording of heat stroke deaths is inadequate, leading to significant undercounting,” Heatwatch founder Apekshita Varshney told Ecotextile News.

“We identified 84 heat stroke cases reported in local media during the past summer, while official statistics were about six times lower. Most victims were outdoor workers, but indoor workers in textile spaces with poor ventilation and facilities are equally at risk...

Heatwatch is demanding improved legislation, public information, heat alerts based on wet-bulb and heat indices, in local languages and improved training for medical staff.

Varshney told us: “First, basic needs must be met – proper toilets, access to cooling – many workers don’t even have fans, hydration and breaks without ridicule.

“Factories need proper monitoring of wet bulb temperatures, appropriate roofing that complies with adaptation standards, cooling equipment and heat action plans. Workers need awareness about heat risks and access to healthcare.”...

TTCU wants brands to take more responsibility for improving working conditions throughout their supply chains rather than seeking the lowest-cost suppliers.

Thivya told us: “Factories typically maintain a few model units that comply with regulations to show auditors and government officials, while other units are overcrowded and don’t follow regulations.

“Workers are instructed not to report issues to outsiders like auditors or government officials...

“Brands need to change their attitude and bargaining power. Instead of always seeking the cheapest suppliers, they should help medium-level factories improve to model standards...

“Brands should support suppliers financially to implement environmental improvements and ensure workers can form unions. Brands talk about supply chains but focus only on garments, ignoring spinning mills, knitting, weaving and ginning factories that are also hazardous...