Rights of Construction Workers: What Every Worker Should Know

Construction workers can rightly have the right to work in a safe, dignified and well-paid environment- no excuses. Basic protections encompass a limited working day and a weekly rest, overtime pay on additional working hours, full remuneration of all salaries on time, and provision of basic facilities on site like safe drinking water, clean toilets, first aid, and shaded rest places. Accommodation should be habitable and nearby the site where there are crunch facilities to be offered when a set number of women workers and children are present. Employers have a responsibility of registering the projects with the relevant authorities, maintain proper records of the workers and issue payslips indicating the salaries, overtime as well as deductions in clear terms. For in-depth stories and updates on worker protections, visit our Labour Rights coverage.

Safety is not an act of charity. Sites shall provide fall protection at the heights, guardrails in scaffolds, trench shielding, electrical lock out/ tag out, and safety gear like hard hats, safety shoes and eyewear, ear protection and harness. There should be daily toolbox talks, hazard signs, safe walk paths, and emergency operations. Critical accidents and near misses must be reported and investigated and medical attention and compensation should be given where necessary. Employees will be able to reject hazardous work without any form of retaliation and contractors will be required to hire qualified safety officers on big projects to ensure that the safety policies are adhered to.

The package includes social security and welfare benefits. They should have workers enrolled with the relevant welfare boards and health insurance, accident cover, pension schemes and even education support of dependents. All workers including migrants and contract labor will enjoy equal treatment in terms of payment, non-discrimination, and non-harassment. In case of refusal of rights, workers are able to record problems, resort to the help of site committees, unions, or worker groups, and address the problems to the labor departments, welfare boards, or legal assistance. Having copies of ID, contracts or appointment letters, attendance records and wage slips are an added advantage to any claim. On paper should be what is on the floor, and employees can find a legal way to get it.