Safety gear for linemen demanded

Lahore:More than 63 members of the line staff of electricity companies were electrocuted last year while far more number of the employees became permanently disabled.

It is the state’s duty to ensure safe and healthy working conditions to industrial and electricity workers. This means taking measures to prevent accidents and occupational diseases at workplace which calls for implementation of labour laws in conformity with ILO Convention No 81 ratified by the Government of Pakistan both for the health and life of the workers and for raising productivity.

These views were expressed by Khurshid Ahmad, a veteran trade union leader and general secretary of All Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Workers Union CBA while addressing a large conference attended by hundreds of trade union representatives along with the widows, orphaned children of the martyred workers and electricity workers at Bakhtiar Labour Hall here.

The conference was held in connection with Martyrs’ Day to pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives while performing official duties. Khurshid Ahmad said electricity workers did most hazardous nature of work. They supply electricity to more than 25 million industrial, commercial, agricultural and domestic consumers all over the country. They have been facing unsafe working conditions, he said. Electricity companies are required to get implemented safety laws and ensure safe and healthy working conditions for field workers.