Industries asked to follow health, safety rules

LAHORE, April 28: Speakers at a seminar said on Thursday all industries would have to comply with health and safety regulations in order to be competitive in the marketplace and to enhance workers` productivity. The seminar was held by the Centre for the Improvement of Working Conditions and Environment to mark World Day for Safety and Health at Work. Punjab Labour Welfare Director Humayun Mazhar said the provincial government was trying to promote better facilities to the industries. "Certain changes in the relevant laws are also being considered to improve safety and working environment in industries of the province," he added. Dr Rizwan Naseer, Punjab Emergency Services (PES) director general, spoke on the role of Rescue-1122 in saving lives in Punjab. "The PES saved lives of 923,773 people in 340,358 traffic accidents, 447,226 medical emergencies, 22,533 fire emergencies, 1,959 building collapse incidents, 19,838 crime occurrences, 1573 drowning and 467 blast/explosive incidents since its inception in 2004," he said. CIWCE`s Director Saeed Awan said the Punjab government was providing massive funds to promote health and safety at workplaces through awareness campaigns and ensuring provision of laboratory facilities for the assessment of workplace hazards in the province. — Staff Reporter