The writer is an experienced EHS Professional with Mechanical Engineering background, EHS certifications, sixteen years of professional experience working with Multinational Companies in EHS capacity, currently heading a senior EHS position based in United States.
The Constitution of Pakistan, through its Article 9, provides a guarantee of safety and security of life and property to all citizens of the country. These fundamental right states that no one can be deprived of their life or liberty except in accordance with the law.
It is one of the most crucial provisions that protect the safety and security of citizens, ensuring that the state is responsible for safeguarding their lives and assets while any violation of this right must comply with the law.
The Quranic verse, “And whoever kills a soul, it is as if he has slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he has saved mankind entirely.” (Quran 5:32), emphasizes the significance of preserving human life. This verse emphasizes the obligation of individuals and communities to prioritize the welfare of others and create a society that values and protects human life.
Pakistan, known for its Islamic identity and commitment to democratic principles, is failing to prioritize the health and safety of its citizens, a departure from its core values.
Current OHS Situation in Pakistan: Pakistan has a large workforce, with a population of over 220 million people. Many of these workers are employed in hazardous industries such as mining, construction, and manufacturing, where the risk of accidents and injuries is high.
Despite the existence of laws and regulations aimed at ensuring safe and healthy working conditions, the implementation of these laws is weak. As a result, many workers are exposed to unsafe working conditions, leading to an increase in work-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
According to ILO’s estimates for 2020, Pakistan had a total of 30.4 million workers, out of which around 19.4 million were in the informal sector. In terms of occupational injuries, the ILO reported that Pakistan had an estimated 12,400 fatal accidents and 7.5 million non-fatal accidents in 2020. According to International Labor Organization (ILO), approximately 38 workers in Pakistan die each day due to work-related accidents and diseases.
This is one of the highest rates of workplace accidents and fatalities in the World. It is important to acknowledge that a substantial number of safety incidents in Pakistan remain unreported, rendering it challenging to determine the actual number of incidents and casualties.
The safety and health of workers are vital elements of any workplace, ensuring their well-being. However, in Pakistan, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) situation is a growing concern with majority of employees being subjected to perilous working conditions that lead to accidents, injuries, and even death. Considering this, this article delves into the present state of OHS in Pakistan and highlights measures to enhance it.
Strategies to Improve OHS in Pakistan: In recent years, the Pakistani government has taken steps to improve workplace safety, such as introducing new safety regulations, establishing regulatory bodies, and increasing inspections. However, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that workplaces in Pakistan are safe and that workers are protected from harm.
Improving OHS in Pakistan requires a multifaceted approach that involves the government, employers, employees, and other stakeholders. Here are some strategies that can be implemented to improve OHS in Pakistan:
Review & Strengthen OHS Laws and Regulations: Pakistan has a reasonable legal framework aimed at ensuring OHS in the workplace. However, the implementation and enforcement of these laws and regulations are weak. The government should strengthen its laws and regulations to ensure compliance and improve OHS in the country.
There are gaps in the legal framework, and the laws often fail to address the changing nature of work and emerging hazards, such as those related to psychosocial risks and emerging technologies.
Therefore, there is a need for ongoing efforts to improve and update the legal framework for OHS in Pakistan. Pakistani Government can consult and adapt the improvement in OHS legal framework from its counterparts in United States and European Union and ensure a continuous review and improvement cycle is implemented.
Establish a comprehensive database & baseline for SIF Events : “SIF” in safety stands for “Serious Injuries and Fatalities.” SIF injuries refer to incidents that result in severe injuries or fatalities. Government should establish a comprehensive database for SIF incidents. Pareto principle should be applied to identify those 20% causes (and establishments) that are contributing to 80% of SIF incidents.
This will help prioritize and focus Government resources and efforts to reduce major causes of the incidences and make a positive impact in reducing fatalities and serious injuries.
Allocating Resources (Manpower, Funding, Infrastructure) & Ensure its Competency : To improve occupational health and safety (OHS) inspections in Pakistan, it is recommended that the government adopts the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) ‘Guidelines on general principles of labour inspection’.
Sufficient funds should also be allocated for the program’s success, and investing in training programs for labor inspectors would ensure their competency in identifying and addressing OHS issues.
Promoting OHS Awareness and Education: Many workers in Pakistan are not aware of their rights and responsibilities regarding OHS. Employers in Pakistan should raise awareness among their employees about their rights and responsibilities concerning occupational health and safety (OHS).
This includes educating workers on safe work practices, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and identification of workplace hazards. To complement this, the government should launch OHS awareness campaigns and make available resources such as posters and brochures that promote safe working practices.
Encouraging the Use of Technology: The use of technology can significantly improve OHS in the workplace. For instance, employers can use sensors to detect and monitor hazardous gases, and employees can use wearables to track their health and safety status. The government should invest in research and development of new technologies that can improve OHS in the country.
Strengthening Workers’ Participation and Involvement: Workers’ participation and involvement in OHS are critical for ensuring a safe and healthy working environment. Employers should encourage workers to get involve in development of company’s OHS policy, procedures, and risk management programs. Employees must be encouraged to report OHS hazards and provide feedback on the effectiveness of OHS programs.
The government should also promote workers’ involvement in OHS decision-making processes. Government should encourage organizations to establish safety committees where both worker and management representative interact and align on OHS matters.
Conclusion: Improving OHS in Pakistan requires a collaborative effort from the government, employers, employees, and other stakeholders. The strategies discussed in this article, including strengthening laws and regulations, establishing SIF database, allocating resources, promoting OHS awareness and education, encouraging the use of technology, and strengthening workers’ participation and involvement, can help improve OHS in the country. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of workers, Pakistan can create a more productive and prosperous workforce that contributes to the country’s economic growth and development and fulfil its core founding values and principles.
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