Environmental and occupational health research and training needs in

Pakistan
1- Introduction:
The relation of environment with human health has long been established. In the resolution passed in
1968 in the general assembly of United Nations; the importance of environmental protection with
human rights had been admitted. The impact of clean environment on the health of human has been
declared as human rights. Mental and physical health of humans has a constant relationship with their
surrounding environment that poses risks and benefits. A strategically designed and managed
environment poses benefits to human health over a poorly designed or an ignored environment.

Commission of Human Rights has elaborated in 1990 the attainability and sustainability of safe and clean
environment is the right of humans for which systematic improvement of industrial environment is
considered pertinent. The concept of development of occupational health occurred in 20 th century after
the social change incurred by industrial revolution. Measure of good health can be observed by the
social well being and mental, physical status of an individual. European Who has described occupational
health as a key of maintaining long term employee health through engaging with determinants of
health, safety and environment [ CITATION WHO99 \l 1033 ].

1.1- Design And Management of Occupational Health Measures:

World Health Organization has designed a workplace model that promotes healthy lifestyle and
occupational health safety. In this model, multiple variables have been discussed to achieve a safe
occupational health measures such as safety concerns of physical environment; safety concerns of
psychological environment; available health resources at workplaces; developing concerns for taking
suitable measures for community. Achievement of these measures can result in siring impactful results
on workplace safety of workers.

Workplace and occupational health plays a crucial role which is why, promotion of WHO designed model
of safe and healthy workplace can lead to a support toward individuals as well as prevention of potential
sickness in the workers. Shifting from ideologies of labour health to public health can result in an
approach that is focused on the occupational health of a worker as well as the community
around[ CITATION Nei11 \l 1033 ] .

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1.2- Status Of Pakistan In Application Of Occupational Health Measure In
Workplace:
According to international labour organization, around 2.7million occupational accidents are recorded
around the world. This concludes that around 6000 occupational health cases occur destroying families
and health of numerous individuals affecting gross domestic product of a state as well. [ CITATION
Mah14 \l 1033 ]. Being a developing economy, industries in Pakistan are growing fast where formal and
informal segments of economy are playing valuable roles. Studies conducted by other observers suggest
that formal and informal economies of Pakistan face lack of safe occupational workplace practices in
terms of health. Another study conducted suggests that safe health measures in the workplace in
Pakistan are achieved with the help of management support; communication and attitude; and work
involvement for an achievement of safe work environment [ CITATION Moh18 \l 1033 ]

Developing economies have a margin of more informal type of economies where safety measures are
harder to follow. In one study conducted by an observer, informal economies are more weak in
occupational health strategies posing as great threats to social and economic sector of a state[ CITATION
Pan06 \l 1033 ]. Furthermore, informal economies are run by less privileged and poorly educated
individuals adding to more risks. It is pertinent to note that many occupational health safety rules are
also not followed by workers due to lack of established importance toward the subject and absence of a
regulatory authority [ CITATION Far07 \l 1033 ].

In this study, the importance of inculcating occupational health policies in relation with environment in
Pakistan will be discussed. The risks and its potential solutions provided by established institutions such
as WHO will be explored.

2- Objectives Of The Study:

Objectives of this study are:

 to identify the need of environmental research and research based training in the workforce of
Pakistan
 to identify the need of occupational health safety in Pakistan.

3- Methodology Of The Study:

3.1- Design Of The Study:

This study is quantitative in nature. Primary method of data collection will be utilized where the
research tool of this study is conducting a survey with closed ended questions. The objectives of the
study will be achieved by conducting a survey where relevant sample would be chosen to achieve the
objectives of the survey. Key dimensions of the study will be explored through the opinions provided by
the study sample. Significance of environmental and occupational health training in a developing
economy like Pakistan will be probed.

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3.2- Sample Of The Study:
The sample of this study will include environmental experts, government policy makers, occupational
health experts, and Human Resource managers of various organizations. By including a diverse group of
individuals in the sample, multiple dimensions of the study will be explored to understand the training
and research of occupational health research and training in Pakistan.

3.3- Ethical Consideration Of The Study:

As the study is quantitative in nature, the ethical consideration of the study exists in the data collection
tool of the study. The observations made in the primary tool of data collection are based on closed
ended questionnaire under a survey which provides a deep and directed sight in the matter of the
subject. This type of data leads to a creation of direct relation with the conclusion of the study.
Furthermore, any information provided in the study regarding the achievements, names, or any such
personal information about the sample of study is done with the permission of the sample of the study.
The objectives of the study are achieved by fulfilling the ethical values of a quantitative type of study.

3.4- Limitations Of The Study:

Limitations of the study are as follows:

 Due to lack of relevant knowledge in the labour force of Pakistan, the study can not be
generalized.
 The communication gap between employers and employees has not been ethically identified
leading to segregation on environmental issue. This limitation resulted in imbalance in
distribution of knowledge regarding the subject.
 Due to a growing economy, the subject of environment is growing itself on research basis, which
is why, the study can not be generalized

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