ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan workplace safety policy moved closer to completion on September 9 as federal and provincial officials reviewed a national framework covering heat, chemicals, technology and other occupational risks.
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development convened the consultation with technical support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), bringing together government officials, employers and workers to review the draft National Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Policy and its implementation framework.
The proposed policy covers workers in both formal and informal economies. It identifies extreme heat, climate-related hazards, chemical and biological exposure, technological change and evolving employment arrangements among risks requiring stronger protection.
The framework also seeks specific safeguards for women, young and older workers, persons with disabilities, migrant workers, domestic and home-based workers, agricultural labourers and digital platform workers.
Federal Secretary for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry said safer workplaces were essential to sustainable economic growth and productivity.
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ILO Country Director for Pakistan Geir Thomas Tonstol said the policy had been developed through scientific evidence and provincial consultations involving workers and employers. He said the goal was an operational system, not another policy document.
Under the proposed arrangement, provincial authorities would lead implementation in line with their responsibilities under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, while the federal government would coordinate priorities, data sharing and inter-provincial cooperation.
The framework is aligned with the ILO’s Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187). Participants also backed further steps towards Pakistan’s ratification of both fundamental conventions.
The consultation also called for stronger workplace safety standards and improved national reporting of occupational injuries and health risks.
