Poor usage of safety gear persists amongst GCC sanitation workers

CHENNAI, Tamil Nadu: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is clearing and desilting its storm-water drains and catch pits as the city is gearing up for the monsoon season. However, some workers have been seen working without safety gear, such as gloves and boots.

A Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihood Mission (DAY-NULM) worker said they haven’t been provided with safety gear by the civic body. Another worker, on the promise of anonymity, spoke with media persons and informed them the private firm that has been roped in for solid waste management in zone 9, has provided the gloves. However, they couldn’t use them citing the discomfort. 

Speaking over the issue, Katta Ravi Teja, Regional Deputy Commissioner (North), pointed out that there is no shortage of safety gear but a problem of lack of awareness among the Corporation worker in zones 1,2 and 3. He informed that the awareness regarding safety gear campaigns was conducted by non-governmental organisations in Tiruvottiyur.