SDG-10 Safety tools for Labor (Daily Wage)

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Context and Background:

Casual workers and laborers in Pakistan often face hazardous working conditions without proper safety equipment. This poses significant risks to their health and safety, leading to injuries, disabilities, and even fatalities. Many of these workers are employed in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation, where workplace accidents are prevalent. The lack of access to safety gears exacerbates their vulnerability, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to protect their well-being.

Challenge:

The primary challenge is the widespread absence of safety gears among casual workers and laborers due to factors such as low wages, lack of awareness, and employer negligence. Additionally, there is limited enforcement of safety regulations and inadequate government oversight in many sectors, further compromising the safety of these workers. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the supply and demand sides of safety gear provision while advocating for policy reforms and greater accountability.

Methodology:

1. Needs Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment to identify high-risk sectors and prioritize safety gear requirements based on the nature of work and prevalent hazards.
2. Partnership Development: Collaborate with government agencies, labor unions, employers, and civil society organizations to raise awareness and mobilize resources for safety gear provision.
3. Procurement and Distribution: Source quality safety gears such as helmets, gloves, goggles, and safety shoes through ethical suppliers. Establish distribution channels to ensure equitable access to safety gears among casual workers and laborers across different regions.
4. Training and Capacity Building: Provide training sessions on safety protocols, usage of safety gears, and emergency response procedures to enhance the knowledge and skills of workers and employers.
5. Advocacy and Awareness: Advocate for the enforcement of existing safety regulations and the formulation of new policies to strengthen workplace safety standards. Raise awareness among employers, workers, and the general public about the importance of safety gears in preventing occupational hazards.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement robust monitoring mechanisms to track the distribution and utilization of safety gears, as well as assess the impact on reducing workplace accidents and injuries. Gather feedback from beneficiaries and stakeholders to inform program improvements and ensure accountability.

Long-Term Impact:

• Reduced Workplace Accidents: Provision of safety gears will minimize the risk of injuries and fatalities among casual workers and laborers, fostering a safer working environment.
• Enhanced Well-being: Improved access to safety gears will safeguard the health and well-being of workers, reducing the burden of occupational diseases and disabilities.
• Empowerment and Dignity: By prioritizing the safety of casual workers, the project will empower them to assert their rights and demand better working conditions, promoting dignity and respect in the workplace.
• Economic Stability: Fewer workplace accidents mean fewer medical expenses and lost wages for workers, contributing to their economic stability and productivity.

Through these interventions, the Sanash Welfare Foundation aims to create a culture of safety and protection for casual workers and laborers in Pakistan, ensuring their fundamental right to work in a safe and healthy environment.