Chandigarh, Dec 24: In a move aimed at improving working conditions for sanitation staff, the Punjab State Human Rights Commission on Tuesday rolled out welfare guidelines mandating free protective gear, insurance coverage and access to government schemes for daily sanitation and hygiene workers.
The commission said the guidelines are applicable to workers employed by both public and private agencies in sanitation-related duties across the state.
“Health and safety of sanitation workers shall be treated as a primary responsibility,” the PSHRC said while directing immediate implementation by all concerned authorities.
Issued by PSHRC member Jitender Singh Shunty, the guidelines cover workers involved in street sweeping, waste collection and transportation, cleaning of public toilets, open drains, public buildings, hospitals, markets and hospitality establishments.
“All sanitation and hygiene workers shall be provided Personal Protective Equipment, including gloves, protective footwear, masks, reflective uniforms and disinfectants, free of cost,” the guidelines said.
The commission said employers would be held responsible for providing safety equipment at private workplaces as well. “Sanitation workers shall not be required to arrange or pay for any hygiene or safety gear,” it said.
The PSHRC also asked authorities to take humane steps to prevent children from accompanying workers at sanitation sites and to coordinate with social welfare and education departments to safeguard their health and schooling.
In addition, all departments and urban local bodies have been directed to establish accessible grievance redressal systems to address complaints raised by sanitation workers.
