WHEN profit-making enterprises neglect occupational safety and health measures in gross violation of workers’ legal rights, the state must intervene to regulate construction and other industries. Clearly, the 2012 Karachi Baldia factory fire that resulted in the death of 258 workers is one case in point that demonstrates how industries are notorious for cutting corners when it comes to workplace safety. Seeking justice for those impacted by similar workplace accidents, union leaders from the National Trade Union Federation took to the podium at a recent news conference in Karachi to demand safer working conditions. Calling for the implementation of labour laws, they also pointed to the endemic risks of using asbestos — an inexpensive, accessible construction material but with hazardous properties. While many countries have prohibited asbestos to limit exposure and prevent health conditions like lung cancer, our government has not done so. According to WHO, asbestos causes about half the world’s deaths from occupational cancer. It also estimates a staggering 125m people globally are exposed annually to it in the workplace increasing the risk of a public health crisis. This makes the long-term use of asbestos cruel and uneconomical. Given the devastating health consequences, our government must promote safer substitute materials.

Only watertight legal protection for workers, in factories, construction and ship-breaking, among other areas of work, will ensure their rights are not usurped by greedy industrialists. For this, the government should draw up a national workplace policy framework to be adopted by the provinces. Additionally, resources and expertise must be provided so that governments have no excuses to neglect the well-being of their labour force. Improving working conditions is imperative. Although Pakistan has ratified the ILO’s Labour Inspection Convention, inspectors hardly keep an eye on industries. Surely, when industrial accidents have caused death and injuries, implementing safety rules in compliance with international standards should be a priority.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2018