ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Wednesday stepped up efforts to establish a comprehensive national occupational safety and health (OSH) framework, bringing together the government, International Labour Organisation (ILO), workers, employers and provincial authorities in Islamabad to finalise a practical policy aimed at reducing workplace deaths, injuries and health risks across Pakistan’s formal and informal economies. The consultative dialogue, hosted by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (MOPHRD) with technical support from the ILO, focused on refining the draft National OSH Policy and identifying mechanisms for its effective implementation. The proposed framework seeks to protect workers from both conventional and emerging occupational hazards, including extreme heat, climate related risks, chemical and biological exposure, technological change and evolving forms of employment. Officials and stakeholders said particular attention would be given to vulnerable workers, including women, young and elderly workers, persons with disabilities, migrant workers, home based and domestic workers, agricultural labourers and digital platform workers. APP
