Ensure safety of employees, MP tells S Railway

Coimbatore: MP P R Natarajan has shot off a letter to the Southern Railway urging it to follow the Covid-19 precautions and work practices across the board and stations.
Pointing out that 700 railway employees were already tested positive for the virus as they could not follow all precautions, he warned that the second wave was deadlier than the first one. “Only 50% attendance is allowed in offices. The railway should arrange a pickup and drop facility for employees since the public transport is not available.”
Being part of essential services, the railway employees have to work during the lockdown. “As per the rules, only 50% of the employees is allowed to work on any given day. So, it has to be ensured by either changing the duty roster or introducing the rotation system. Even those in attendance should be guided to work by maintaining social distancing,” he wrote.
The CPM leader said the railway should provide face masks, hand sanitizers and hand wash facilities to the employees. “It should arrange special vehicles to bring the employees to workplaces since there is no public transport.”
Referring to the increase in Covid-19 fatalities and shortage of medicines, oxygen and vaccines, the MP urged the railway to equip its hospitals with drugs, oxygen supply and enough beds.