The Karnataka Interstate Migrants Alliance for Transformation (KISMAT— a BREADS’ project) supported Responsenet Development Services, Delhi in organising a Health and Safety Awareness programme for manual scavengers in association with the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board (BWSSB). The programme was conducted at the BWSSB offices in Jaibharath Nagar and Vasanth Nagar on 3 and 4 November 2022, and attended by 50 BWSSB sanitary workers (25 each day). Each worker also received a PPE kit.
The programme was inaugurated by Mr. Hanumantha (Assistant Executive Engineer, BWSSB), Mr. Mallappa (BWSSB officer), Mr. Punith (BWSSB officer), and Mr Mahesh (BWSSB officer). The resource person for the programme, Mr. Kishore Attavar (Ex-professor, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangalore) spoke about health and safety awareness, proper waste disposal and management.
The objective of the programme was to change the workers’ attitude towards health and safety issues. They were given tips on preventive measures to reduce injuries and health hazards during work. The participants were happy with the session and shared a positive response as they became aware of health and safety measures at their workplace.
The participants were given a demo of how to use the PPE kits, which consisted of chemical-resistant gloves for hand protection, half face respirator, gum boots, a reflecting jacket, safety glasses, and antiseptic cream.
