Sanitation workers accuse Coimbatore corporation of not providing them safety kits

Times News NetworkCoimbatore: Sanitation workers have accused the Coimbatore corporation of not providing safety kits for those involved in drain cleaning. Sanitation workers associated with the Samuga Needhi Thuimai Paniyalargal Sangam on Tuesday petitioned the corporation commissioner urging him to take immediate action to supply the necessary equipment, including quality gloves, shoes and masks, for workers while they are on the job. They also urged the commissioner to take steps to re-employ corporation drivers who were terminated by the contractors without intimation.Prabakaran Kishan, one of the drivers, said drains in many areas carry sewage. “As a result, many workers involved in drain cleaning have developed various infections, including skin and respiratory issues,” he said.He alleged that even when workers fell ill due to these infections, there was minimal medical support provided by the contractor. “Recently, a postgraduate youth who worked as a contract worker in the East Zone died, and this incident has not even been reported. After prolonged exposure to the drainage without any protective equipment, his hands and legs became discoloured, indicating some type of infection. To date, neither the contractor nor the corporation has taken any steps to provide compensation to his family,” he said.Kishan the corporation should ensure that “this does not happen to any other worker.”He said, “Some residents in a few areas offer us small amounts of money for tea or coffee. This is purely out of genuine interest, and we don’t ask for anything from the public. However, when we request the contractor to supply gloves and other safety equipment, they refuse and instead suggest that we purchase them using the money offered by the residents.”