Workforce Safety Vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s Construction Sector

Background: The construction workforce drives infrastructure growth in Pakistan but faces severe occupational safety and health (OSH) risks, including high injury rates and poor protection. These vulnerabilities threaten worker well-being and jeopardize sustainable development.

Objective: This study investigates OSH vulnerabilities among construction workers in Pakistan and identifies sociodemographic factors contributing to occupational injuries.

Methods: The Labour Force Survey (LFS), a nationally representative survey conducted by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, collects comprehensive data on employment, occupational injuries, and sociodemographic characteristics using standardized questionnaires. LFS data from 2001–02 to 2017–18 were analyzed using the index value trend method, documenting construction worker injuries from 151 cases (7.3% injury rate) in 2001–02 to 516 cases (8.6% injury rate) in 2017–18 across four provinces. Injuries were examined by age, province, education, occupation, unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, and treatment received.

Findings: Younger workers, those in rural areas, and low-skilled, less-educated blue-collar employees faced the highest risk of occupational injuries. Unsafe practices, including neglecting the use of protective equipment and improper handling of materials, combined with hazardous site conditions, were the primary contributors to accidents. Trends across provinces and occupational categories reveal persistent vulnerabilities, indicating that despite some minor improvements over time, significant risks in workplace safety remain.

Conclusions: Targeted OSH interventions, including safety training, mandatory compliance in construction projects, and formalization of informal labor, are essential. Integrating OSH measures with social protection programs can reduce injuries, improve workforce health, and support safer practices in Pakistan’s infrastructure development.