ISLAMABAD: Almost a dozen laborers lost their lives in the capital, raising concerns about the authorities’ negligence in ensuring safety and security protocols for construction workers.
In an earlier incident this year, two workers were killed when a section of an under-construction bridge collapsed in Bhara Kahu.
The most recent tragedy occurred on Wednesday during heavy rainfall when a boundary wall near Golra Mor, part of a project being executed by the National Highways Authority through TTC, collapsed, claiming the lives of 11 workers who were sleeping in tents along the wall.
Investigations and discussions with engineers have revealed that construction companies involved in various projects in Islamabad routinely disregard labor laws, especially safety regulations.
According to contractual obligations, construction companies are required to have insurance for all laborers and provide them with safety gear such as helmets, shoes, gloves, and reflective jackets.
However, workers are often seen working without proper gear, and some even work barefoot.
One critical position in any construction company is that of a safety officer, especially mandatory for mega projects.
However, most construction companies avoid hiring safety officers to cut costs.
The engineers have now urged the government to enforce labor laws and ensure safety practices are implemented to protect the lives of laborers.
Furthermore, they stressed the importance of the government ensuring that contractors have hired safety officers before commencing work.
President of the Workers Federation, Chaudhry Nasim Iqbal, demanded compensation for the affected families and called for stricter safety protocols in future projects.
He also expressed concern over the inadequate implementation of labor laws in the country.
The Chief Commissioner has ordered an inquiry into the incident, led by the deputy commissioner, with actions to be taken based on the inquiry report.
Besides, the Chairman of the civic agency, CDA, assured that safety protocols are being observed in all major projects executed by them, including the Bhara Kahu bypass project.
However, he acknowledged the need for further improvement and stated that the CDA will focus on hiring qualified safety officers for future projects.
Source: DAWN
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1932 Workmen Compensation act and various amendments made by GOP time to time bind the developer/contractor to obtain Workmen Compansation insurance for their employees working on the site. It’s the responsibility of the Labour department and district administration to ensure and implement it. But unfortunately this law is never implemented in Pakistan like many other laws and families of the deceased person get few thousand rupees from the contractor as compensation.
Whole country needs New Laws…..
It’s false statement. Wall doesn’t belong to project. It’s COD boundary wall, negligence of COD authorities.