Workers' deaths in accidents: Unions seek stricter surveillance on NH work

Unions accuse NHAI, contracting companies of not providing safety facilities for labourers

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Kasaragod

LABOUR UNIONS in the state have demanded the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the contracting companies to ensure safety protocols, with six workers having died in recent accidents during the construction of NH66 in Kasaragod. They demanded stricter enforcement of safety protocols and surveillance by officials to ensure that the contracting companies provide proper safety gear to the workers.

Two workers, Ashwin and Akshay from Vadakara, employed with Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society for fixing the lights on the NH66 stretch from Thalapady to Chengala, died after the hook of the man-cage attached to the crane got detached, resulting in their fatal fall from a 10m height. Another worker, Rakhi Bul Haq from Assam, died after falling from the Cherkala overbridge in Chengala-Nileshwar stretch of the NH66 on September 9. He was working for Megha Engineering Infrastructure Limited (MEIL).