Occupational Safety and Health Code Explained

The Occupational Safety and Health Code establishes uniform safety standards working condition rules health checkup requirements and welfare provisions for all workplace categories. It modernises India’s safety laws through clearer employer duties expanded protections for workers and stronger compliance mechanisms. This article provides a complete overview for HR teams preparing for Labour Codes 2025.

Introduction

The Occupational Safety and Health Code replaces multiple older laws and unifies safety health and workplace condition requirements into a single structured framework. It applies across factories establishments warehouses offices construction worksites and all sectors notified by the Government. The Code lays out detailed responsibilities for employers workplace facility requirements measures for hazardous processes medical examinations migrant worker benefits and provisions for women working at night.

With Labour Codes 2025 coming into effect HR teams must re evaluate internal policies workplace conditions contractor management safety audits training systems and employee communication standards. The Code also introduces provisions for digital records consent based night shift work and uniform definitions that reduce ambiguity for compliance teams.
This article offers an in depth explanation of the OSH rules so organisations can prepare effectively.

Key Changes at a Glance

• Unified safety and working condition rules for all sectors
• Mandatory medical checkups for specified categories
• Women allowed to work at night with consent and safety measures
• Better facilities for migrant workers
• Digital registers and online compliance
• Clear employer duties for safe workplaces
• Updated welfare facility requirements
• Stronger norms for hazardous processes
• Standardised working condition regulations

Detailed Explanation of Occupational Safety and Health Code

The points below simplify the key OSH Code requirements to help HR teams prepare for Labour Codes 2025.

1. Uniform Safety Standards Across All Establishments

The Code creates a single safety framework that applies across factories offices warehouses construction and other notified workplaces. Employers must ensure clearly documented safety protocols updated policies and regular audits.

2. Mandatory Health Checkups for Workers

Workers in specified categories must undergo periodic medical examinations.
This includes employees involved in:

• Hazardous processes
• Physically intensive roles
• Chemical handling
• High risk operations

HR teams must maintain digital medical records and schedule checkups proactively.

3. Women Working in Night Shifts

Women may now work between 7 PM and 6 AM subject to:

• Written consent
• Workplace safety measures
• Transport facilities
• Adequate security arrangements
• No discrimination in shifts or wages

For a deeper view on women safety rules see Women Night Shift Safety Rules.

4. Facilities and Welfare Requirements

The Code mandates:

• Clean drinking water
• Washing facilities
• Changing rooms
• First aid boxes
• Rest rooms
• Creche facility where applicable
• Canteen for notified establishment sizes

These must be maintained hygienically and inspected regularly.

5. Special Provisions for Migrant Workers

Migrant workers are entitled to:

• Journey allowance
• Portability of benefits
• Interstate support
• Digital registration
• Equal working conditions

For detailed migrant worker rules refer to Inter State Migrant Worker Provisions.

6. Regulations for Hazardous Processes

Industries handling dangerous chemicals or hazardous operations must follow:

• Specific safety protocols
• Safety audits
• Emergency plans
• Worker training
• Updated equipment standards

This reduces risk for high hazard sectors such as manufacturing chemicals logistics and energy.

7. Working Hours and Rest Intervals

Working hours overtime breaks weekly rest and leave requirements must follow standardised rules under the OSH Code.
For working hour details see Working Hours Leave and Overtime Rules.

8. Digital Registers and Online Compliance

All registers returns and forms must be maintained electronically.
This ensures transparency reduces paperwork and simplifies inspections.

9. Contractor and Contract Labour Requirements

Principal employers must ensure contractors follow OSH Code provisions for safety facilities and worker welfare. For contract labour rules see Updated Contract Labour Rules.

Occupational Safety and Health

HR Checklist for Immediate Action for OSH Code Compliance

• Update workplace safety policies as per OSH norms
• Implement annual and periodic medical checkups
• Establish clear processes for women working at night
• Ensure digital registers and online filings
• Review welfare facilities in all locations
• Conduct contractor compliance audits
• Update emergency preparedness plans
• Train employees on safety processes and rights

Explore HRStop Today

HRStop supports OSH Code compliance with digital registers worker records night shift consent workflows contractor management documentation and automated safety check reminders.

How HRStop Helps

• Digital OSH compliance registers
• Night shift consent and tracking
• Medical checkup scheduling and recordkeeping
• Contractor and labour compliance modules
• Documented safety workflows and approvals
• Multi location compliance dashboards

Related Articles

• Working Hours Leave and Overtime Rules
• Women Night Shift Safety Rules
• Inter State Migrant Worker Provisions
• Updated Contract Labour Rules
• India’s New Labour Codes 2025 Overview

Conclusion

The OSH Code strengthens workplace health and safety by establishing clear employer duties employee protections and welfare standards. With uniform rules across sectors digital compliance requirements modern safety provisions and expanded rights for women and migrant workers the Code aims to create safer workplaces nationwide. HR teams must proactively update policies processes infrastructure and training to ensure readiness for Labour Codes 2025.

FAQs

Are women allowed to work night shifts under the OSH Code
Yes with written consent and mandatory safety measures.

Is digital recordkeeping mandatory under the Code
Yes all OSH related registers and returns must be digital.

Do migrant workers receive additional benefits
Yes including journey allowance and benefit portability.

Are medical checkups compulsory
Yes for workers in notified categories especially hazardous roles.

Does the Code apply to offices and non factory workplaces
Yes it applies to all establishments notified under the Code.