ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is considering ratifying the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention on Safety and Health in Mines, as a senior official of the Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development indicated that ensuring safety and health of mine workers is imperative.

A road map has been made by the ministry to advance the process of ratification of ILO convention No 176, according to the official.

Speaking at the provincial validation workshop on gap assessment of the ILO Convention No 176 recently held in Karachi, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Joint Secretary Muhammad Wishaq said ensuring safety and health of workers working in mines was not only a human rights issue but also a business imperative as improving working conditions of workers resulted into better productivity and growth of the sector.

Participants of the workshop deliberated on four areas of concern, including strengthening governance and institutional performance of mines inspectorates; better cooperation among workers and employers; better coverage of social protection of workers and compliance with labour standards especially with regard to OSH in mines.

Representatives of workers pointed out that institutional apathy and the contract system were the reasons why the mining industry remained risk prone. Hundreds of coal mines are operated in an unregulated manner. Fragmented ownership structure, illegal ownership, and failure to implement rules and regulations contribute to the deteriorating health and safety of mine workers in Pakistani mines.

The ILO says occupational accidents and diseases lead to devastating impacts on workers, enterprises and entire communities and economies.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2023