A serious physical injury could put an enormous financial burden on a labourer and his family — which is exacerbated if he is the sole breadwinner of his household.

This damage has a three-fold effect; it translates into financial losses for a corporation, undermines a family's capacity to earn their bread and butter, and negatively impacts a nation’s gross productivity levels.

Pakistan has seen some of the most horrific industrial disasters in recent history.

The tragic factory collapse in Lahore that killed more than 45 workers is proof that occupational safety and health is not a top priority in Pakistan.

A fire that consumed a factory in Baldia Town, Karachi, in September 2012, resulted in the death of over 260 workers. It also generated international awareness about the distressing working conditions in Pakistan.

After the incidents, short and medium term plans were drafted which are yet to be implemented. Meanwhile, illegal and dangerous practices continue to take place with brash indifference in factories.

Also read: Factories of death

Often, injuries can be prevented, or their severity minimised to a large degree, if certain safety checks and procedures are put in place.

Driving across Karachi, one can easily testify to the gross negligence of small and large corporations towards the safety of their workers.

Billboard advertising companies are one of the many businesses that ignore worker safety. Labourers can be seen without any safety gear, such as a harness, ropes and helmets, climbing over fifty feet high.

Ironically, the ropes they do use are only thick enough to hang instruments. The authority turns a blind eye towards these blatant safety compromises.

Workers can be seen at the top of a tall billboard. —Photo by author
Construction workers are at a higher risk of potential falls and severe injuries. The daily wage labourer or mazdoor, hired by a construction company, or a private contractor, are seen atop high rise buildings and houses cementing roofs, carrying bricks or pushing wheelbarrows.

Eye injuries caused by dust and gravel are common, as there is no concept of wearing eye shields. Recently, some companies have started providing helmets to their workers to protect them from falling objects at construction sites.