Safety Health Working Act

Overview

What is the OSH Code?

The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 consolidates and amends 13 central labour laws including the Factories Act, Mines Act, and Contract Labour Act into a single comprehensive legislation.

It aims to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for workers across all sectors while simplifying compliance for employers through a unified framework.

Right to know about hazards in the workplace

Right to participate in safety committees

Right to refuse unsafe work without penalty

Right to report unsafe conditions to authorities

Right to compensation for work-related injuries

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code.

The OSH Code, 2020 consolidates and replaces 13 central labour laws including the Factories Act, Mines Act, and Contract Labour Act into a single comprehensive legislation. It aims to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for workers across all sectors while simplifying compliance for employers.

Factories employing 10 or more workers with power, or 20 or more without power
Mines, docks, and building & construction works
Plantations with 5 or more workers
Contract labour establishments with 50 or more workers
Inter-state migrant workers' establishments
Beedi and cigar establishments, and audio-visual productions

The maximum working hours are 48 hours per week and 9 hours per day. Workers must be given a rest interval of at least 30 minutes after 5 continuous hours of work. Overtime is permitted but must be compensated at twice the ordinary rate of wages.

Adult workers are entitled to 1 day of annual leave with wages for every 20 days of work performed in the previous calendar year. Workers in mines get 1 day for every 15 days worked. Unused leave can be carried forward up to 30 days.

Provide and maintain safe plant, machinery, and systems of work
Ensure safe use, handling, storage, and transport of articles and substances
Provide necessary information, instruction, training, and supervision
Maintain all places of work in a safe condition with safe means of access
Provide adequate welfare facilities and arrangements
Conduct risk assessments and implement control measures
Maintain accident records and report to authorities as required
Appoint safety officers in establishments with 500 or more workers

Right to know about hazards in the workplace
Right to participate in safety committees
Right to refuse unsafe work without penalty
Right to report unsafe conditions to authorities
Right to compensation for work-related injuries

Yes. Establishments with 500 or more workers must constitute a Safety Committee comprising equal representation from employers and workers. The committee is responsible for promoting cooperation in maintaining safe and healthy working conditions.

First offence: Fine up to ₹2 lakh or imprisonment up to 2 years
Repeat offence: Fine up to ₹5 lakh or imprisonment up to 3 years
Death due to employer negligence: Imprisonment up to 5 years
Failure to maintain records: Fine up to ₹1 lakh

ConfluxHR helps track working hours, overtime, and leave entitlements automatically. It maintains digital compliance records, sends alerts for safety audit deadlines, and generates reports required by inspectors — ensuring your establishment stays compliant with the OSH Code.