Pakistan Approves National Safety Code for Construction Sector, Bringing Legal Protection to Millions of Workers

Construction plays a central role in Pakistan’s economic growth, contributing significantly to employment generation, infrastructure development, and national investment initiatives.

In a major policy breakthrough for worker welfare and industrial regulation, the Government of Pakistan has approved a national Code of Practice on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for the construction sector—one of the country's largest, fastest-growing, and most hazardous industries.

The move marks a significant shift toward formalising safety standards across a sector long plagued by high accident rates, weak enforcement, and widespread informal employment. With the Code now issued through a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO), it establishes legally binding minimum safety requirements for construction sites nationwide, covering millions of workers across urban and rural projects.

A High-Risk Sector Gets Long-Awaited Reform

Construction plays a central role in Pakistan's economic growth, contributing significantly to employment generation, infrastructure development, and national investment initiatives. From large-scale infrastructure corridors to urban housing expansion, the sector underpins key development priorities.

However, it has also remained one of the most dangerous workplaces in the country. Industry estimates suggest that thousands of workplace injuries and fatalities occur annually due to:

• Lack of protective equipment

• Poor site management and safety oversight

• Informal labour arrangements with minimal regulation

• Limited awareness of occupational safety standards

Beyond the human cost, unsafe practices impose substantial economic losses through project delays, compensation claims, productivity disruptions, and long-term health impacts.

The newly approved Code aims to address these systemic issues by embedding safety into every stage of construction activity.

Comprehensive Coverage Across the Construction Lifecycle

The Code applies broadly across the sector, covering:

• Building construction and housing projects

• Civil engineering works such as roads, bridges, and dams

• Large-scale infrastructure development

• Demolition and site clearance operations

Crucially, it spans the entire lifecycle of construction projects—from planning and design to procurement, execution, and completion—ensuring safety considerations are integrated from the earliest stages rather than treated as an afterthought.

It also introduces clear responsibilities for employers, contractors, and site managers, alongside mandatory compliance measures designed to reduce workplace hazards.

Inclusion of Informal Workers a Key Innovation

One of the most significant features of the Code is its explicit inclusion of informal and unregistered workers, who make up a substantial portion of Pakistan's construction labour force.

By extending protections to all categories of workers—regardless of employment status—the policy seeks to close long-standing gaps in labour rights and safety enforcement.

The Code also promotes non-discriminatory access to safety measures, ensuring that vulnerable groups, including migrant labourers and daily wage workers, are equally protected.

Backed by Global Standards and Local Collaboration

The development of the Code reflects a tripartite approach, bringing together government institutions, employers, and worker representatives. The process was co-led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), following a formal request from the Government.

The framework is aligned with international best practices, particularly the ILO's global Code of Practice on OSH in construction, while also integrating Pakistan's existing regulatory structures.

Geir Tonstol, Country Director for ILO Pakistan, described the approval as a critical milestone:

"This is an important step towards improving safety and health in one of Pakistan's highest-risk sectors. It reflects the shared commitment of government, employers and workers to strengthen protections for those working on construction sites. With clear and enforceable standards now in place, the focus must now shift to implementation."

Strengthening Enforcement and Accountability

A key challenge in Pakistan's labour sector has historically been enforcement. The new Code directly addresses this by introducing:

• Stronger inspection mechanisms

• Clear compliance benchmarks

• Corrective and enforcement provisions for violations

• Defined roles for federal and provincial authorities

Regulatory bodies will be tasked with ensuring adherence, supported by enhanced monitoring systems and potential penalties for non-compliance.

Transition Period for Nationwide Implementation

The Code will come into force one year after its official notification, allowing time for stakeholders—including contractors, developers, and regulatory agencies—to align operations with the new standards.

This transition period is expected to include:

• Awareness campaigns and training programmes

• Capacity-building for inspectors and enforcement agencies

• Industry adaptation to new compliance requirements

• Integration of safety technologies and practices

Economic and Social Impact

Experts say the long-term benefits of the Code could be substantial. Improved safety standards are expected to:

• Reduce workplace injuries and fatalities

• Increase productivity and project efficiency

• Lower financial losses linked to accidents

• Enhance investor confidence in large-scale infrastructure projects

• Align Pakistan's construction sector with international labour standards

As Pakistan continues to expand its infrastructure footprint, the introduction of a unified national safety framework could prove transformative—both for worker welfare and economic sustainability.

Looking Ahead

While the approval of the Code represents a landmark achievement, its success will depend heavily on effective implementation, enforcement, and industry adoption.

With construction activity expected to grow in the coming years, policymakers and stakeholders alike will be closely watching how the new framework translates from regulation into real-world impact on worksites across the country.