Explore workplace health and safety laws in Pakistan
Pakistan has a comprehensive framework of laws aimed at protecting public health and ensuring safety. These laws are enforced by federal and provincial governments, with some variation across provinces.
The Pakistan Occupational Health and Safety Act, 2018 (POHSA 2018) establishes the foundation for health and safety regulations in Pakistan. It mandates employers to provide a safe work environment free from recognized hazards.
Each province in Pakistan has enacted its own health and safety legislation in recent years:
These provincial acts address specific concerns relevant to their jurisdictions and complement the national POHSA framework.
Pakistan has a vast array of laws promoting public health:
Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) in Pakistan is enforced through a combination of legal requirements and recommended best practices. The key elements of this enforcement include the identification and elimination of hazards, provision of a safe work environment, development of OSH policies, provision of training and personal protective equipment, and reporting of accidents and injuries.
Employers are required to proactively identify potential hazards in the workplace and take steps to eliminate or control them. This involves a thorough assessment of the workplace environment and the implementation of measures to mitigate identified risks.
Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe work environment free from recognized hazards likely to cause injury or illness. This includes ensuring that all equipment and machinery are in good working condition and that employees are adequately protected from potential harm.
Employers are required to establish and implement a documented Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). This system should outline safety procedures and risk mitigation plans, providing a clear framework for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.
Employers must train workers on identified hazards, safe work practices, and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This ensures that employees are aware of potential risks and know how to protect themselves effectively.
Work-related accidents and injuries must be reported to the relevant authorities. This allows for the monitoring of workplace safety and the implementation of necessary improvements.
In addition to these legal requirements, there are also recommended best practices that aim to create a comprehensive OSH culture. These include regular risk assessment and management, active employee participation, emergency preparedness and response, and continuous improvement in workplace safety.
Workplace inspections are a vital part of enforcing occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations in Pakistan. These inspections help identify potential hazards, ensure legal compliance, and foster a safety culture.
Provincial Labour Departments are responsible for conducting workplace inspections. These departments employ inspectors who specialize in occupational safety and health.
Workplace inspections are typically based on a set of criteria outlined in national and provincial OSH legislation. These include:
The specific inspection criteria may vary depending on the industry and potential hazards involved.
The frequency of workplace inspections can vary based on the level of perceived risk in a particular workplace. High-risk workplaces, such as factories with heavy machinery or those dealing with hazardous materials, are generally inspected more frequently than low-risk offices.
Workplace inspections in Pakistan typically follow a defined procedure:
Employers have the right to appeal any inspection findings or enforcement actions.
Employers who actively cooperate with inspectors and demonstrate a commitment to workplace safety can create a more positive and productive inspection experience. By proactively addressing potential hazards and maintaining a safe work environment, employers can minimize the risk of enforcement actions and ensure the well-being of their workforce.
Workplace accidents can occur despite preventive measures. In Pakistan, protocols have been established to ensure proper reporting, investigation, and potential compensation for these accidents.
Employers are mandated to report workplace accidents and injuries. The timelines for reporting vary depending on the severity of the accident:
Employers are also required to maintain a record of all workplace accidents and injuries. This record must be made available to inspectors upon request.
After an accident report, the provincial Labour Department may conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the accident and identify any potential violations. The investigation may involve:
The purpose of the investigation is not solely to assign blame but to identify preventive measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Workers injured in work-related accidents may be entitled to compensation under various schemes:
The specific compensation an injured worker receives will depend on the severity of the injury, their earning history, and the applicable compensation scheme.
We're here to help you on your global hiring journey.