A lumberjack in Five Gardens in Matunga East paid the ultimate price for trimming trees without a safety harness when he fell 20 feet to his death. Although there are conflicting reports about him wearing a safety harness, eyewitnesses insist that he was not wearing one when the incident occurred.

During this season, it's common for the civic authorities to hire contractors to trim branches to prevent trees falling on to pedestrians and motorists after a heavy spell of rain. With charges flying to and fro, it is time the State makes it non-negotiable for contractors to give workers safety gear for such work. Helmets, harness and even a safety net must be considered.