On the World Day for Health and Safety at Work, the Covai Post took a look at the life and work of daily wagers in Coimbatore and their plight left a lot to be desired.

Anbu. N, labourer working for Tata Docomo Network, handles Optical Fibre Cable (OFC). He said: “My colleagues work on fibre cables under the soil. We carry out repairs on OFC, which causes damages due to wires cuts, insect bites or fire accidents. The company has given us safety measures like gloves and special shoes to work with.”

But according to Anbu, the workers do not use these safety measures as they were not comfortable using them. So they work with bare hands and wear slippers. The dangers these lead to include heart and skin problems. They ignore these safety measures in spite of knowing the health hazards.

There was a monthly visit by superiors for the check-ups, nevertheless they wore the safety gear only at the time of the audit.

V. Sebastin, 61, spent 40 years of his life employed in cement works. He said: “There are no safety measures at my work place. The exposure to cement causes health hazards like skin allergies, asthma problems, and at times second and third degree burns.”

J. Robin, aluminium fabricator / carpenter, said: “My colleagues and I have never used any safety measures at work and also are not aware of the measures to be used.”

The problems faced at work include hand cuts, damages like sprain or fracture in hand and leg, inhalation of wooden dust, eye problems and also electric shocks.

A. Stephen, a mechanic for more than six years, said; “There are no safety measures at work. The common dangers are bruises in hand and legs besides silencer burns. Wearing gloves only causes discomfort and more danger as the oil makes them slippery.”

All of us need money, but it also important to ensure safety at work. One can work effectively only if he or she is fit. Working without safety measures leads to danger and can be economically burdening.