With temperatures on the rise and the Meteorological Department issuing heat wave warnings, concerns for the safety and well-being of street sweepers have intensified. The Samata Samaj Kamgar Sanstha has called for urgent measures to prevent heat stroke among workers, including the distribution of oral rehydration solution (ORS) and caps.

Highlighting the arduous conditions faced by workers, particularly those employed by the Municipal Corporation, the organization emphasized that approximately 90% of their duties involve working outdoors in areas such as roads, parks, and open spaces. The scorching heat, especially between 11:30 am and 3:00 pm, poses a significant risk to their health.

Amid the ongoing clean survey operations, workers are under immense pressure to meet targets, further exacerbating their vulnerability to heat-related illnesses. Compounding the issue is the lack of access to drinking water while on duty.

Mangesh Lad, the general secretary of the Samata Samaj Kamgar Sanstha, stressed the need for immediate action to safeguard workers' health. He called for:

1. Proper Work Planning: Scheduling tasks to minimize exposure to direct sunlight, with morning assignments prioritized over afternoon shifts.

  2. Provision of Essentials: Ensuring the availability of drinking water at work sites and distributing caps and ORS to workers to mitigate the effects of extreme heat.

The organization urged authorities across departments to prioritize worker safety and well-being in the coming days, especially amidst the prevailing heatwave conditions.