THE death of two sewage workers, who went into a manhole in Lahore to do some repairs without putting on gas masks or protective gear, and a labourer, who tried to help them out, was not the first tragedy of its kind. That is a common story. Unwary children fall victim to open manholes and electricians going up an electric pole without wearing proper gloves and other safety outfit are known to have died. Yet, the authorities have failed to realise the gravity of such happenings and take safety precautions. Poor families lose their dear ones and, in most cases, the only breadwinners. The unfortunate workforce must be provided the required equipment, trained to use it and cautioned against the hazards of taking undue taking risk.