Employers’ Federation of Pakistan with support from ILO organizes the 17th Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Awards
ILO and other social partners reaffirm their commitment to promoting safe and productive workplaces ensuring the safety of workers and enterprise sustainability.
KARACHI, Pakistan (ILO News) – Supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP) organized, on 25 September 2023, the 17th Occupational Safety and Health Award, to recognize the efforts of Pakistani enterprises that have demonstrated good occupational safety and health (OSH) practices and taken innovative initiatives to ensure the safety of workers at the workplace.
Over the last 17 years, more than 550 companies have been recognized for their good OSH practices and assisted in improving workplace health and safety through training and guidance provided by the ILO and EFP.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Government, employers’ and workers' organizations, and enterprises – including winning and participating enterprises. Omer Soomro, Minister for Law and Religious Affairs, Government of Sindh, attended the ceremony as chief guest.
“Occupational safety and health is a fundamental principle and right at work. ILO is pleased to acknowledge that the Government of Pakistan is actively pursuing the ratification of ILO’s core OSH Conventions including: Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187)” said Geir Tonstol, ILO’s Country Director for Pakistan. “The ratification of these two Conventions would further demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to a safe and inclusive world of work,” he added.
“EFP recognizes that OSH is not only a fundamental right but also a moral and practical necessity. In 2022, the International Labour Conference in Geneva adopted the ILO’s two OSH Conventions as core labour standards, thereby increasing the responsibilities of the government, employers and workers to respect and comply with OSH legislation,” said Malik Tahir Javaid, President of the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan.
Tahir Javaid emphasized that the development of local industry and industrialization in Pakistan are the only solutions to addressing the challenges that the economy is currently facing, including increasing unemployment and poverty. “We, therefore, request the Government to place more importance on skills development, simplification of labour legislations and strengthening of social protection and other mechanisms to support the industry,” he added.
“The Sindh Government is fully committed to promoting a culture of health and safety, making the well-being of its people a central focus of the province's sustainable development and growth strategy," said Omer Soomro, Minister for Law and Religious Affairs, Government of Sindh.
Omer Soomro urged employers, especially those in export sectors, to adhere to ILO labour standards, including OSH Conventions, to continue benefitting from the EU’s GSP Plus benefits and support Pakistan's sustainable development through increased exports.
Also speaking at the occasion Zahoor Awan, ILO’s Governing Body Member, and Munazza Gillani, Country Director Sight Savers, appreciated this very important initiative coming directly from employers and also stressed upon the need to collectively work further on promoting health and safety, especially for individuals with special needs.
