Construction Safety in Kerala is always given low priority , as in many other regions around the world. Some of the main issues with construction safety include:
Lack of Health and Safety Governance and policy enforcement: In India a National Policy on Safety, Health and Environment at Work Place was announced in 2009 and it calls for legislation on Health and Safety at workplaces, however the main Occupational Health and Safety legal requirements comes from Indian Factories act 1948, which is not strictly enforced and it doesn’t cover all business sectors as well. Inadequate and incompetent resources along with lack of commitment makes the authorities intervention more reactive in nature than proactive.
Incompetent workforce : One of the primary issues with construction safety in Kerala is the lack of competent workforce , migrant workers are heavily used in Construction Industry , and many construction workers are not adequately trained to operate machinery and equipment, handle hazardous materials, or identify and mitigate risks.
Migrant workers are always exploited by employers in terms of low wages and inadequate welfare facilities and often these workers are not aware of their rights. They are not been given access to training or protective equipment, and they are always reluctant to speak out about safety concerns.
Poor Infrastructure: Kerala’s infrastructure is often inadequate, which can increase the risk of accidents and injuries on construction sites. Poor lighting, inadequate scaffolding, and uneven ground can all contribute to accidents.
Lack of Safety Equipment: Many construction workers in Kerala do not have access to proper safety equipment, such as hard hats, safety harnesses, or protective clothing. This can increase the risk of injuries and accidents on the job.
Overcrowding: Kerala has a high population density, and construction sites are often overcrowded. This can make it difficult to maintain safe working conditions and increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
Overall, addressing these issues will require a concerted effort from the government, construction companies, and workers themselves to improve construction site safety and protect workers from harm.
There are a few initiatives taken by authorities to develop skill development centres, health campaigns programs by Health departments in labour accommodations etc, however more structured HSE programs and initiatives are required from authorities and different stakeholders including employers, NGO’s and influence groups to address these burning issues in Construction sectors.
