Death on the scaffold

It is no secret why nothing worthwhile has been done all these years to protect the lives and limbs of labourers in what is, by any reckoning, a dangerous line of work. The construction industry typically hires unskilled, low-wage rural migrants. They are not unionised or protected by law and are usually in debt to labour contractors. As such they are very useful to employers who want no awkward questions and no trouble on site.

Will something actually be done nowto improve conditions of work and safety standards? If the matter is left solely to politicians for whose careers these migrants are irrelevant, the answer is no. Whereas contractors can be powerful supporters, migrant workers do not vote, no strong voices are raised on their behalf and they themselves do not sit on dharnas at Azad maidan.

One has only to listen to what is being said just now to realise the BMC is completely clueless. Municipal officials talk vaguely. Satam can think of nothing better than to give fire and building departments the power to issue no-objection certificates. At this rate a whole lot of new work and opportunities will be created for government agencies and officials.

Meanwhile the worker 20-storeys up on shaky scaffolding will still be dangling between life and death.

What needs doing is obvious. One, comprehensive safety and compensation rules should be drawn up for workers in Mumbai8217;s building construction and repairs industry. Two, registration of workers employed on allprojects must be obligatory. Three: contractors8217; liabilities must be clear in law and the law enforced. Four: an independent watchdog agency with appropriate expertise is absolutely essential.