On Nov 27, a 61-year-old mechanic fell from a third-floor building while repairing an air-conditioner at Candolim (TG Nov 29). A similar incident had occurred on 7th November 2023 when a 20-year-old resident of New Vaddem, Vasco, fell from the 5th floor while installing an air-conditioner outside a flat at Dabolim. Sad incidents.
The mechanics were not wearing safety gear. In the intervening months, there were other similar cases of workers who had fallen at construction sites. Civil and building contractors are compelled to provide safety gear to their workers but how many really do so, and whether the workers use them, is doubtful. Do the supervisors/foremen check and take the workers to task?
The government should mandate that those who install air-conditioners, dish TVs, or other outdoor or rooftop fixtures, and plumbers, must use helmets, safety shoes, and wear harnesses. This should be irrespective of the fact that the workers may be from a company or dealer, or are freelancers. Failing to do so should result in fines and even a jail term.
Customers who get such installations done should insist that the workers carry out the tasks with safety gear or else send the worker back. The safety of a worker is vital and should not be sacrificed for short-cut methods, costs, or sheer callousness, either by the workers, customers, or companies/vendors.
