As a preventive measure against COVID-19, the Chennai Metrowater has procured about 250 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits to provide it to its field workers. The move is to ensure the safety of the workers as the water agency operates nearly 5,500 trips in a day across the city supplying water and many of them involved in spraying disinfectants.
According to the Metrowater officials, the workers have been provided with proper protective equipment like gloves, masks and sanitizers. Also, the workers are being educated about the precautionary measure amidst the viral outbreak. The steps taken are important for well being of the workers as many of them are also involved in spraying disinfectants, added the officials.
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Timekeepers allocating trips to lorry driver in zone 8 have been provided protective suits. Moreover, temperature checks using handheld temperature guns are being conducted at various distribution points like Kilpauk Water Works. The workers, as well as the drivers, are being screened with thermal guns.
An official said, “We are planning to buy more such kits for the field workers. We ensure that staff members do not work with illness. Elderly persons are discouraged from fetching water during street supply.”
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Further, the agency is also educating lorry drivers and other workers on practising social distancing, especially at distribution stations. Around 700 lorries have been hired for supplying water and about 1,400 drivers and cleaning staff operate the trips.
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Drovers and workers working for the agency said such preventive measures should be provided at every distribution station. The station near Valluvar Kottam is yet to implement such measures completely. The water agency must also consider providing incentives to encourage drivers and cleaners, engaged in essential services, during the period, the workers added.
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