Compliance under Occupational health and safety (OHS) rules and amended thereafter

Compliance under Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) rules involves adhering to laws, regulations, and standards that aim to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for employees. OHS compliance is critical to protect workers from workplace hazards, reduce accidents, and promote well-being. In India, these rules are governed by various laws, such as the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code, 2020, alongside sector-specific regulations.

Key Compliance areas under the rules

1.
Health and Safety Management System (HSMS):
  • Developing and implementing a formal system to manage workplace safety, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation measures.
2.
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA):
  • Regularly assessing the workplace to identify potential hazards.
  • Implementing control measures to mitigate risks, including engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment (PPE) controls.
3.
Workplace Safety Standards:
  • Ensuring compliance with standards related to machinery safety, electrical safety, fire safety, and workplace ergonomics.
4.
Medical Surveillance:
  • Conducting pre-employment and periodic medical examinations for employees working in hazardous environments.
  • Monitoring and addressing occupational illnesses and injuries.
5.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Providing and maintaining appropriate PPE such as helmets, gloves, goggles, and safety shoes.
  • Training employees on the proper use and maintenance of PPE.
6.
Emergency Preparedness and Response:
  • Preparing emergency response plans for incidents such as fire, chemical spills, or natural disasters.
  • Conducting mock drills and training sessions on emergency procedures.
7.
Worker Training and Awareness:
  • Conducting regular training sessions on workplace hazards, safe operating procedures, and first aid.
  • Ensuring workers understand their rights and responsibilities under OHS laws.
8.
Accident Reporting and Investigation:
  • Reporting workplace accidents and injuries to relevant authorities within specified timelines.
  • Conducting root cause analysis of accidents and implementing corrective actions.
9.
Workplace Amenities:
  • Providing basic facilities such as clean drinking water, sanitation, ventilation, lighting, and first-aid kits.
10.
Safety Committees and Worker Representation:
  • Establishing safety committees in workplaces with a certain threshold of workers (as per applicable laws).
  • Ensuring worker representation in safety discussions and decision-making.
11.
Record Keeping and Documentation:
  • Maintaining records of accidents, safety inspections, and training programs.
  • Submitting compliance reports and documentation to regulatory authorities.
12.
Sector-Specific Standards:
  • Adhering to industry-specific OHS requirements for sectors like construction, manufacturing, chemicals, and mining.

Services Offered Under This Regulatory Compliance

Workplace Risk Assessments
  • Conduct Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) to identify and address safety gaps.
Development of Safety Systems
  • Design and implement Health and Safety Management Systems (HSMS) tailored to client needs.
  • Draft safety policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and emergency response plans.
Training and Capacity Building:
  • Conduct employee training on hazard awareness, PPE usage, and safe work practices.
  • Organize mock drills and emergency response simulations.
Compliance Audits
  • Perform OHS compliance audits to ensure adherence to laws and regulations.
  • Provide recommendations for closing compliance gaps.
Incident Management
  • Assist in accident reporting, investigation, and root cause analysis
  • Develop corrective and preventive measures to avoid recurrence.
Sector-Specific OHS Support
  • Provide specialized services for high-risk industries like chemicals, construction, and manufacturing.
Documentation and Record Maintenance
  • Help clients maintain necessary records, including accident reports, training logs, and safety inspection reports
Regulatory Liaison
  • Assist in engaging with regulators for audits, inspections, and compliance submissions.

Frequent asked Questions (FAQs)

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) refers to laws, standards, and practices designed to protect workers from workplace hazards, prevent injuries, and ensure a safe working environment. OHS compliance is essential for:
  • Worker safety and well-being.
  • Reducing accidents and workplace illnesses.
  • Regulatory compliance and avoiding penalties.
  • Enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.

  • Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (OSH Code), 2020 – Consolidates 13 labor laws into one framework for worker safety.
  • Factories Act, 1948 – Regulates worker safety in manufacturing units.
  • Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act, 1996 – Ensures the safety of construction workers.
  • The Mines Act, 1952 – Governs safety in mining operations.
  • The Dock Workers (Safety, Health and Welfare) Act, 1986 – Regulates safety in ports and docks.

  • Manufacturing industries (factories, refineries, chemical plants).
  • Construction and infrastructure projects.
  • Mining and extraction industries.
  • Oil & gas, power plants, and hazardous industries.
  • Warehouses, logistics, and transport companies.

  • Workplace risk assessment and hazard identification.
  • Implementation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Fire safety measures and emergency preparedness.
  • Safe handling and storage of hazardous substances.
  • Medical check-ups and employee health monitoring.

  • Fines up to ₹2 lakhs per violation under the OSH Code, 2020.
  • Factory closure or suspension of licenses in case of severe safety violations.
  • Criminal liability, including imprisonment, in cases of worker fatalities due to negligence.

  • OSH Code, 2020 replaced multiple labor laws with a unified safety framework.
  • 2021 Amendment introduced mandatory safety training programs for hazardous industries.
  • 2023 Update focused on digitization of health records and workplace safety audits.

  • Providing a safe and healthy working environment.
  • Conducting regular workplace inspections and risk assessments.
  • Ensuring proper training and awareness programs for workers.
  • Implementing emergency response and evacuation procedures.

  • Adopt an ISO 45001:2018 certified Occupational Health & Safety Management System.
  • Establish a safety committee and conduct regular safety drills.
  • Use real-time monitoring tools for workplace hazard detection.
  • Maintain incident reporting mechanisms and conduct accident investigations.

  • OHS compliance contributes to the ‘S’ (Social) pillar of ESG.
  • Companies must disclose worker safety metrics under GRI, BRSR, and IFRS sustainability frameworks.
  • A strong OHS system enhances corporate reputation and stakeholder trust.

  • Subscribe to updates from Ministry of Labour & Employment and DGMS (Directorate General of Mines Safety).
  • Conduct third-party safety audits to ensure compliance.
  • Attend OHS training programs and workshops.
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