The labour of loss

Labourers working in stone-crushing industries often witness subhuman working conditions. They are also stand the risk of contracting silicosis – an incurable lung disease caused by the inhalation of dust containing silica. It results in respiratory failure and culminates in death. The labourers are not aware of the dangerous repercussions of crushing stones. While some factory owners are tampering with the lives of labourers, these workers are steeped in poverty. As a result, many of them silently endure a harsh conditions so they can scrape a living.

On the other hand, the authorities concerned are also not taking concrete steps to provide a safe working environment to these labourers. Although the Lahore High Court looked into the matter in 2011, no constructive steps were taken to alleviate the suffering of labourers. Now the case has been lost among the hundreds of pending cases. It is the responsibility of the government and other relevant authorities to ensure that factory workers are working in safe environment. Steps should be taken to protect these workers from harmful diseases.

Doda Murad

Hoshab