Need To Train Laborers At Sites To Follow Corona Guidelines

The realty sector has long awaited the government's decision to resume work at construction sites. The permissions are being given now in areas, not falling in containment zones, followed by a set of guidelines that have to be followed. The list of guidelines are exhaustive and deals with almost every aspect that is necessary to maintain hygiene and social distancing to control the pandemic.

Dr. Rahul Chaudhary, Promoter, Sun World Group

Ever since the lockdown, the construction sites bearing a deserted look were staring at uncertain future with huge raw material and heavy machinery lying unused. The financial stress was tremendous on realtors, as they have to bear fixed costs on these sites including taking care of the labourers. Now, with the permissions being granted for construction to begin, the challenge is to ensure that the labourers at the sites follow the guidelines given by the authorities.

Few days back, a video went viral on social media where health workers in India were giving sanitizer on the hands of labourers coming from another state. One labourer thought that the sanitizer is 'prasad' from temple and sipped it even before the health workers could react. It is just an example to show that the concepts of social distancing, sanitizations, etc, are alien to many labourers and for them it becomes a tedious task to follow it strictly. It will be the responsibility of the developer to ensure that everyone at the site abide by the rules. This can be done by using various methods to lovingly force the hardworking labourers for taking care of themselves and in the process help the society.

First step to make them understand is to have the presence of paraphernalia related to hygiene at the site which includes wash basins lined up, hand sanitizers being out up at various points, etc. 'When you see, you believe' should be the mantra to make them understand the gravity of situation.

Secondly, regular reminders for sticking to guidelines should be given through ringing a siren/bell, or by just simply telling them at intervals to sanitize/wash hands. Reminders can also be in the form of graphic notices or messages put up at commonly visited locations.

Thirdly, a news wall can be put up where the latest news of Corona cases and deaths can be put up. It is found that many people are not taking it seriously saying that the immunity of Indians is strong. Such mentality has to be countered by subtle messages of virus and the need to curb the spread.

Last but not the least, regular visit of doctors at the site is important. Even one doctor's visit after every few days is enough to send out the message that the country is going through a grave situation. The visit of healthcare workers will not only ensure sound health of the laborers, but also provide them with awareness tips for illnesses.