PMC warns contractors: no work without enough labour and safety measures on site

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a stern warning to contractors carrying out construction work in the city. If a site does not have enough workers, skilled staff, necessary machinery and safety equipment, work will not be allowed to continue. Contractors who violate safety rules will face strict action under the terms of their contracts. The City Engineer's office has issued clear instructions on the matter.

Besides the PMC, private developers are also running several road, bridge, building and other infrastructure projects in the city. Open pits, excavation, unfinished roads and construction material strewn about at these places become a hazard for the public. The risk rises further during festivals, when there may be fewer workers and the necessary equipment and material may not be available.

Last year, accidents occurred at some places during the Diwali holidays because of a shortage of workers. In view of this, the civic body has taken a stricter stand on safety this year.

According to the instructions, a sufficient number of workers must be present on site. Work cannot continue without the necessary material, machinery and technical staff. Strong barricading must be put up around road pits, drains and other hazardous spots. A safe alternative route must also be provided for pedestrians. Reflectors, blinkers and adequate lighting must also be ensured.

Contractors will be responsible for providing construction workers with helmets, safety shoes, safety belts and reflective jackets. The PMC has said that neglect of safety rules in a rush to finish projects on time will not be tolerated.

PMC junior and deputy engineers have been given the responsibility of enforcing the rules. They must inspect all construction sites in their areas and submit a "safety compliance checklist". Where full safety arrangements are not found, work must be stopped immediately and the entire site made safe. Even when work is halted, contractors will not be able to leave the site in an unsafe condition.

City Engineer Aniruddha Pavaskar said the safety of citizens and workers will not be compromised under any circumstances. He said that if violations of safety rules or negligence are found, the responsibility of the contractors concerned will be fixed and strict action will begin under the terms of their contracts.

Contractors who wish to continue construction during the Diwali holidays will therefore have to take special care and keep all necessary safety arrangements in place.