Q. What is the Workplace Safety Act in India?
The Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH Code) governs workplace safety in India, covering working hours, hazardous conditions, and employer responsibilities. It consolidates multiple labor laws to ensure a uniform framework for occupational safety.
Q. What is the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Policy in India?
The HSE Policy is a set of safety regulations requiring employers to ensure a safe work environment, provide protective equipment, and implement emergency response systems under the OSH Code, 2020. Employers must also conduct risk assessments and periodic safety training programs.
Q. What are the three basic rights of workers in India regarding workplace safety?
Workers have the right to (1) a safe workplace, (2) refuse unsafe work, and (3) access health and safety information, as per the OSH Code, 2020. Employers must display safety regulations at workplaces and conduct regular safety audits.
Q. What is the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standard in India?
India does not follow OSHA (U.S. law) but regulates workplace safety through the OSH Code, 2020, ensuring health and safety standards for industries and hazardous work. The government enforces compliance through labor inspectors and surprise inspections.
Q. How many hours of work are legally allowed in India?
The legal limit is 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week, with overtime capped at 50 hours per quarter, as per the OSH Code, 2020. Employers must compensate overtime at twice the regular wage and ensure proper rest periods for workers.
Read More: What are Full-Time Hours?
Q. Which types of labor are prohibited by law in India?
Child labor (under 14 years), bonded labor, and hazardous work for adolescents (14-18 years) are prohibited under the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. Any employer found engaging minors in hazardous work faces legal action and fines.
Q. What are the general rights of laborers in India regarding workplace safety?
Laborers have the right to safe working conditions, protective equipment, medical benefits, and compensation for workplace injuries, as per the OSH Code, 2020. Employers are required to maintain first aid facilities and ensure quick medical assistance in case of accidents.
Q. What are the specific rights of migrant laborers in India?
Migrant workers are entitled to healthcare, accommodation, equal pay, and transportation benefits, under the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979, now covered under the OSH Code, 2020. They must be provided with identity cards, wage slips, and protection from exploitation.
Q. Is there a law in India that allows employees to refuse to work in unsafe conditions?
Yes, under the OSH Code, 2020, workers can refuse work in hazardous conditions and report safety violations to labor authorities. Employers must address safety concerns immediately or risk legal consequences.
Read more: What is Workforce Management?
Q. What is the penalty for violating workplace safety laws in India?
Employers violating safety laws can be fined up to ₹2 lakhs, and serious violations causing worker death or injury can lead to imprisonment up to two years, as per the OSH Code, 2020. Repeated violations may result in stricter penalties and business closures.
