A fresh round of security protocols was unveiled on August 19 by the West Bengal Health Department in an effort to better protect women who work night shifts in the public and private sectors. This program is a component of the flagship “Rattierer Saathi — Helpers of the Night” campaign, which was created to address the growing concerns regarding the safety of female employees, especially in healthcare settings.
To improve safety, the recently released recommendations require a number of significant adjustments. First and foremost, all medical schools, hospitals, and dorms that do not already have such arrangements in place must install bathrooms and toilets that are solely reserved for women. The purpose of this policy is to guarantee that female employees have access to private, secure restrooms while they work.
The program will also assign female volunteers to night shifts in order to give additional protection and assistance. Areas where women work will be monitored and protected by the establishment of safe zones that are outfitted with extensive CCTV coverage. Additionally, a brand-new smartphone app with emergency alarm gadgets for women will be created. This software will be immediately connected to nearby police departments and command centers to enable quick help in the event that it is required.
The recommendations stress how crucial it is to make frequent use of emergency hotlines like 100 and 112. To ensure safe working conditions, regular security inspections will be carried out, including breathalyzer testing. If there aren’t currently Vishakha Committees in existence, organizations are urged to create them in order to confront and resolve sexual harassment-related issues.
The rules suggest that women work in pairs or teams during night shifts to enhance safety by making each other more aware of their movements and presence. It is also recommended that private institutions embrace the “Rattierer Saathi” program and put comparable safety measures in place.
The West Bengal Health Department has listed a number of additional safety improvements in addition to these measures:
Night Police Patrolling: To maintain a safe atmosphere, more patrols will be carried out in and near medical schools, hospitals, women’s hostels, and other pertinent sites.
Facilities and Identity: All hospital floors shall have access to sufficient drinking water, and faculty, staff, and security personnel shall be obliged to present their identity cards.
Police security officers are tasked with supervising security at district hospitals, medical colleges, and hospitals.
Working Hours: According to the standards, women should try to avoid working night shifts and limit their working hours to no more than 12 hours at a time.
These actions show a thorough approach to enhancing women’s working conditions and safety, especially for those who hold dangerous night shift jobs.
SOURCE :
THE PRINT
