Center held a conference titled, ‘Return on Prevention: Costs and Benefits of Investments in Occupational Safety and Health in Pakistan’s Textile and Garment Sector’. The ceremony took place in Lahore on November 27, 2018 and was attended by dignitaries and stakeholders in the government, textile industry, the development and diplomatic circles.
This initiative was undertaken in partnership with GIZ and Center for the Improvement of Working Conditions and Environment (CIWCE) to improve labour standards in Punjab. The objective of the conference was to reach out to the textile business community in order to spread awareness of a unique concept called ‘Return on Prevention’ (ROP). Largely, ROP illustrates the potential economic benefits to business when complying to occupational safety and health standards.
The guest of honour, Additional Secretary, Dr. Suhail Shehzad from the Labour and HR Department Punjab, highlighted the achievements of the ‘Return On Prevention’ study and his commitment to further the cause. The government was also represented by Mr. Saqib Mannan, Commissioner Punjab Employee Social Security Institution, speaking words of encouragement on the initiative. Dr Jürgen Zoll, First Secretary Development Cooperation, German Embassy Islamabad, congratulated GIZ and the labour department for holding such an important event on a large scale.
Speakers from the private textile sector talked about their experiences on following workplace prevention and its returns. Personal experiences in implementing occupational safety practices were also shared. The occasion steered a meaningful dialogue among stakeholders from different sectors about the importance of occupational safety and health standards and the huge potential it has for the textile industry. Notable professionals from the textile industry representing leading textile companies from across Pakistan, emphasized on the long term monetary and non-monetary benefits of complying to occupational safety and health.
Mr. Anis Ul Haq, Secretary General APTMA, spoke about about the need for holding more of these events as they provided a platform for the private and the government sector to come together. Ms. Ume Laila, Executive Director of Home Net Pakistan emphasised that the informal sector must be included when talking about occupational safety as this sector formed 75 percent of the industry.
A key take away from the occasion was a finding of a research that was conducted on the occupational safety and health called ‘Return on Prevention’. Amongst other findings, the research verified the monetary returns on prevention, a term generally used to describe prevention of hazards and accidents by following occupational safety and health standards. While the returns varied from company to company, on an average, there was a potential of 2.5 Rupees return on every 1 Rupee invested in prevention.
The conference also showcased a short film on ‘Return on Prevention’ highlighting the study, its findings and general occupational practices in the textile industry.