Moaaz Manzoor

The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has proposed a Rs39.76 million capacity-building project to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) standards for workers and employees, particularly in high-risk and export-oriented sectors, official documents available with Wealth Pakistan show.

The project, titled ‘Capacity Building of Workers/Employees regarding Occupational Safety and Health’, is scheduled to be implemented over a two-year period from July 2026 to June 2028. Under the proposal, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development will act as the sponsoring agency, while the Directorate of Workers Education (DWE) will serve as the executing agency.

According to the concept note, occupational safety and health remains among the most under-addressed areas of Pakistan’s labour market, especially in construction, manufacturing and informal sectors. The document highlights a high incidence of workplace accidents, injuries and occupational diseases, alongside weak safety culture, low awareness among workers and employers, inadequate reporting and monitoring mechanisms, limited institutional capacity for OSH training, and gaps between national practices and international OSH standards.

These deficiencies result in loss of life, reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs and reputational risks for Pakistan, particularly in export-oriented sectors.

The proposed initiative aims to directly train 3,920 workers in occupational safety and health practices and develop six master trainers and instructors to ensure sustainability of training interventions. In addition, 30 workplace inspections and safety audits are planned to promote compliance with national and international OSH standards.

The document identifies several sectoral priority areas, including construction and infrastructure, health services, food, drink and tobacco industries, oil and gas production and refining, basic metal production, brick kilns and other hazardous labour sectors. These sectors have been prioritised due to higher exposure to occupational risks and their significance in export-oriented economic activity.

The total project cost of Rs39.76 million comprises Rs4.60 million allocated for training of trainers and workshops, Rs9 million for training courses for workers and employees, Rs18.96 million for operating expenses, and Rs7.20 million for purchase of equipment.

The project does not involve any foreign funding, loans or equity contributions.

The initiative is expected to improve workplace safety culture, reduce occupational accidents and injuries, enhance employability of workers for domestic and international labour markets, and strengthen institutional capacity for occupational safety and health promotion.

The concept note further states that the project aligns with international labour standards, including relevant International Labour Organization conventions and Sustainable Development Goals, and characterises the initiative as a low-cost, high-impact intervention with long-term economic, social and public health benefits.

Credit: INP-WealthPk