The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has proposed a Rs. 39.76 million capacity-building project aimed at improving occupational safety and health (OSH) standards for workers, particularly in high-risk and export-oriented sectors.
The initiative is designed to directly train 3,920 workers in occupational safety and health practices. In addition, the project will develop six master trainers and instructors to ensure the long-term sustainability of training efforts and continued knowledge transfer.
Titled “Capacity Building of Workers/Employees Regarding Occupational Safety and Health,” the project is scheduled to be implemented over a two years, from July 2026 to June 2028.
The ministry’s proposal focuses on strengthening workplace safety practices and building institutional training capacity to support workers across key industries.
The document identifies key priority sectors, 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 labor sectors.
These industries have been prioritized due to higher exposure to occupational risks and their importance in export-driven economic activity.
The project seeks to address major challenges such as workplace accidents, limited safety awareness, and gaps in institutional capacity. Through structured training programs, awareness campaigns, and institutional strengthening, the government aims to build a preventive safety culture across industries.
Beyond workplace safety improvements, the project is expected to generate economic benefits through reduced medical and insurance costs, higher productivity, and lower accident-related downtime.
Social benefits include safer working environments and improved quality of life for workers and their families, while environmental gains are projected through fewer industrial accidents and stronger regulatory compliance.
