If you were told that you would be paid more if you get by
with pollution, would you say yes? That is what is happening in Beijing, China
amidst smog thanks to the rapid industrialization being witnessed in the country.
It comes as the first of its kind but not a total surprise as most people asked
to work overseas are usually promised hardship allowances to be encouraged to
work in uncomfortable regions and unimaginable working conditions.
Coal burning in China is on the rise with manufacturing
plants mushrooming, an indication of a vibrant economy. China has recently been
described as being "unsustainable" with regards to growing pollution
dubbed "China smog". The call for companies to clean up their act in
China is really something to be adopted in any industrialized country. It is
taking care of the environment that in turn enables it to sustain us.
That aside, most of us would forgo our health for bigger
salaries without even blinking. As people strive to make ends meet, employers
are taking advantage of this vulnerability in order to push people almost over
the cliff. By using lucrative health covers, people are bearing with working
conditions that are threatening their lives. In China, for instance, people are
given extra allowances in order to work in rooms full of smoke and other
hazardous emissions. Back home, the recent Nyatike Siri gold mines that caused
the death of two miners is no different.
What profit then lies in wealth that will later be used for
numerous health checkups and treatment of health complications that could have
been avoided altogether? Many of us opt to put ourselves in life threatening
situations all in the name of "putting food on the table". The rise
of unemployment does not make things any better so we cling to any job that
comes along as we have limited options. Indeed work should be honorable but
where is the honor of the employers to their workers?
Pollution is behind the still air, stuffed working areas and
generally a stressful environment. When one is subjected to such on a daily
basis, what becomes of their health in a month, a year, 10 years down the line?
The pollution premium can be arguably be compared to the
many other conditions faced by professionals around the world. Soldiers in
constant risk of death by working in danger zones; investigative journalists
always on the run from powerful states men; workers in manufacturing plants
dealing with dangerous machinery. These are indeed clear cut examples, but the
missing link is how their health is affected. The reason why the pollution
premium directly threatens the health of workers.
I am yet to hear of a health insurance company in the
business of insuring individuals who intentionally put their lives at risk and
hoping for compensation in the end. So the dilemma becomes whether to
financially sustain our livelihoods or stay healthy.
The conversation continues…
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