The construction of the 27.1 kilometre project will be monitored and checked by special teams comprising labour inspectors. PHOTO: APP
The Labour and Human Resource Department is finalising an effective inspection mechanism to ensure Occupational Safety and Health for labourers working on the construction packages of the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train, Minister Raja Ashfaq Sarwar said on Tuesday.
The construction of the 27.1 kilometre project will be monitored and checked by special teams comprising labour inspectors. “Special powers will be accorded to the labour inspectors working on the teams…a notification in this regard will be issued by the Labour Department in the coming days,” Sarwar said.
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He was presiding over a meeting. Labour and Human Resource Secretary Ali Sarfaraz, Lahore Labour Director Syed Hasnaat Javed, Inspections Deputy Director Daud Abdullah, Centre for Improvement of Working Condition (CIWC) Deputy Director Tahir Manzoor, Dr Javed Gill and other officers attended the meeting.
Sarfaraz told participants of the meeting that regular workplace inspections would prevent accidents as the labour inspectors would identify and record potential hazards in the construction process. “The teams will ensure that international standards on work safety are adhered to in order to prevent workplace injuries.”
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He said thousands of labourers were working with the civil, mechanical, electrical, road transport infrastructure, Sui Gas, water supply, sewerage, telecommunication and other related departments on the project. The inspection teams would coordinate with the departments, contractors, supervisors and labourers to raise awareness regarding measures to be taken to ensure occupational safety under the Factories Act, the Workmen’s Compensation Act, and the law enforcement mechanism.
Sarwar directed officers to ensure the implementation of Labour laws and rules to ensure the safety of labourers. He said a comprehensive form was being prepared for all stakeholders including construction companies, contractors, supervisors and workers with details regarding important warnings, safety measures, use of safety kits and awareness programmes to be followed by them. He said the Centre for Improving of Working Conditions would also hold special training programmes for labourers and relevant staff to raise awareness about adopting occupational safety measures during the construction of the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train.
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Sarwar said the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train was the first of its kind in the country and held special significance for the people of Punjab. “The idea is to provide safe, comfortable and economical transport to the masses, he said.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2015.
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