It is crucial to acknowledge the safety and wellbeing of the millions of laborers working in Pakistan’s construction industry

Mujtaba Hassan

As we celebrated International Labor Day on May 1st, it is crucial to acknowledge the safety and wellbeing of the millions of laborers working in Pakistan’s construction industry. This sector is notorious for labor rights violations and a lack of safety standards, resulting in accidents and fatalities.

The construction industry in Pakistan is known for being one of the most dangerous sectors to work in, with accidents and fatalities all too common. This is largely due to the fact that safety regulations are not properly enforced, and many employers are more focused on maximizing profits than on ensuring the safety of their workers. Moreover, the widespread use of unskilled laborers and the lack of proper training make the situation even worse.

While there have been some measures taken to improve labor safety in the construction industry, they are often not implemented effectively. For example, the Pakistan Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2017, which sets out general safety and health requirements for all workplaces, is not always enforced.

There have been some measures taken to improve labor safety in the construction industry, they are often not implemented effectively

To ensure better occupational health and safety for laborers in the construction industry, there are several improvements that could be made. Employers need to be held more accountable for safety standards, and the government should increase its efforts to enforce safety regulations. Providing proper training to workers, especially those who are unskilled, is also essential. Moreover, labor rights violations need to be addressed. Fair wages and safe working conditions must be ensured, and exploitation must be eradicated. This not only puts workers’ lives at risk but also perpetuates a cycle of poverty.

We must work towards building a better future for our workers, who are the backbone of our economy. By ensuring occupational health and safety for Pakistan’s construction workers, we can improve their lives and build a more sustainable future for our country.

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Engr. Mujtaba Hassan (Bachelor and Masters in Civil Engineering) has Specialization in Construction Management