PWF for changes to safety law

LAHORE, April 28: The government should amend the `outdated` safety and health law and get it enforced through independent labour inspection machinery in accordance with the principles of ILO Convention No. 81. A press release issued by Pakistan Workers Federation to mark World Safety Day on Thursday urged the federal government to ensure respect workers` fundamental rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining so as to enable them to strengthen their collective voice. It said if the government followed international standards of safety it could prevent rising fatal and non-fatal incidents and occupational diseases of workers at workplaces, including coal mining, electricity, construction, chemical and engineering, industries and informal sector.