##New Labour Code: Occupational Saftey,Health & Working Conditions Code,2020

 

Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2020

      Ensuring Safe and Humane Workplaces

The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH Code) is a new labour law made by the Government of India.
It combines 13 old labour laws into one single law.

The main aim is to make sure that all workers get a safe, healthy, and decent place to work, no matter which industry they are in.

 Why was this law made?

Earlier, there were many different labour laws, and it was confusing for both employers and workers.
This new Code was made to:

• Make labour laws simple and uniform
• Improve workplace safety and health
• Protect migrant and contract workers
• Reduce unnecessary paperwork for businesses
• Support ease of doing business

Who is covered under this Code?

This law applies to:

• Factories
• Construction sites
• Mines
• Offices and shops (as notified)
• Contract workers
• Inter-state migrant workers
• Big establishments and many small ones too

The main benefits for workers?

Under this Code, workers get:

• A safe and clean workplace
• Proper drinking water, toilets, and rest areas
• Safety equipment (like helmets, gloves, masks) where needed
• Medical check-ups in risky jobs
• Equal wages for migrant workers
• Journey allowance for inter-state migrant workers
• The right to complain if the workplace is unsafe
• The right to refuse dangerous work

 Major Features:

1. Working hours

• Maximum daily working hours
• Weekly working hours (usually 48 hours per week)
• Overtime limits
• Weekly rest days

This helps protect workers from being overworked.

2. Women Working Night Shifts

Women allowed to work night shifts with:

• Consent
• Safety measures
• Transport facilities

3. Inter-State Migrant Workers

• Can self-register
• Entitled to benefits
• Access to public distribution system

4. Contract Labour

Requires registration & licensing
Ensures basic facilities for contract workers

5. Health & Safety Standards

Mandates:

• Cleanliness
• Ventilation
• Drinking water
• Annual health check-ups
• Safety committees

6. Single Registration & License

One registration for:

• Factory
• Establishment
• Contract labour
  Simplifies compliance.

Impact:

• Improves worker dignity
• Enhances safety culture
• Reduces bureaucratic burden

 Duties of employers

Employers must:

• Keep the workplace safe and healthy
• Provide basic facilities (water, toilets, canteen, crèche where required)
• Give safety training to workers
• Inform workers about workplace dangers
• Follow working hour and overtime rules
• Maintain proper records and registrations

If an employer does not follow the law:

• Heavy fines can be imposed
• In serious cases, jail can also happen
• Minor offences can be settled by paying a fine

The 4 Labour Codes aim to strike a balance between:
 Worker Protection
 Economic Growth
 Business Ease
 Industrial Harmony

 

This code makes workplaces safer, protects workers’ rights, and makes rules simpler for businesses.