CHENNAI: With the mandatory use of safety app coming into effect from December 1, a trade union in Tangedco has opposed the move saying that it would increase the workload and that not all field-level workers would have an Android phone.

In a letter to Tangedco’s CMD, general secretary S Rajendran of the Central Organisation of TN Electricity Employees, pointed out that most accidents happen in the distribution wing because of increased workload and a large number of vacancies.

“Without taking any steps to fill up those vacancies, the new safety app has been created to increase the workload. The app will come into effect from December 1 from the assistant engineers to field workers without consulting with the trade unions,” he said. “It has been introduced without taking into account that all the workers should have Android phones with network coverage to carry out the works.”

Rajendran has asked the utility provider to fill the vacancies as per the workload agreement and provide Android phones with internet facilities to field workers before introducing the app.

A senior Tangedco official said that most workers already use Android phones. “The app has been launched for field staff to adhere to safety practices before taking up any work. It leverages GIS tech to mitigate accidents and save lives of staff. It’s done with the interest of the workers’ safety in mind,” the official added.