What Every Worker Must Know : Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020

This law ensures that people working in factories, construction sites, mines, or other workplaces are safe, treated fairly, and have access to clean and healthy working conditions.

Key Highlights:

Covers All Workers:

Applies to most types of workplaces with 10 or more workers, including factories, mines, docks, and construction sites.

Health & Safety First:

Employers must provide clean drinking water, toilets, ventilation, lighting, and safe machinery.

Working Hours:

Normal work hours are 8 hours a day. Anything more is overtime and must be paid extra.

Women Workers:

Women can work night shifts (with consent), but employers must ensure safety, transport, and proper facilities.

Contract Workers & Migrant Workers:

Contract and inter-state migrant workers get equal rights – like minimum wages, housing (in some cases), and health support.

Free Annual Health Check-ups:

Mandatory for workers in risky or hazardous jobs.

Single License for Employers:

Businesses can now get one licence to hire contract workers in different states – making things easier but with continued worker protections.

Welfare Facilities:

Companies must provide canteens, restrooms, first-aid boxes, and crèche facilities (for female workers with children).

Portability for Migrant Workers:

They can register online and carry their benefits (like health and social security) from one job/location to another.

Reporting Accidents:

If a serious accident or injury happens, employers must report to authorities immediately and provide help.

Inspections:

Labour officers can inspect workplaces to check if rules are followed. Surprise checks are allowed.

FAQs – Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020

1. Who is protected under this law?

Anyone working in factories, mines, construction, shops, or other organised workplaces—especially if there are 10 or more workers.

2. Do employers have to provide clean toilets and drinking water?

Yes. It is the employer’s duty to ensure clean toilets, drinking water, and proper ventilation at the workplace.

3. How many hours can I be made to work in a day?

Usually 8 hours a day. More than that is overtime and you must be paid extra for it.

4. What are my rights if I work at a construction site?

You must get safety equipment, proper wages, rest breaks, and access to first aid.

5. Is safety gear mandatory at risky workplaces?

Yes. Employers must provide helmets, gloves, boots, masks, etc., if the work involves risk.

6. Can women work night shifts?

Yes, but only if they agree and the employer ensures safety, transport, and proper facilities.

7. I am a contract worker. Am I protected under this Code?

Yes. You have the same basic rights, like fair wages, safety, and rest time.

8. What happens if I get injured at work?

The employer must provide immediate medical help and report it to the labour authorities.

9. Can the government inspect my workplace without notice?

Yes. Labour officers can conduct surprise inspections to check safety and worker welfare.

10. Do I get any medical check-up under this law?

Yes. If you work in hazardous jobs, free yearly health check-ups must be provided.

11. I am a migrant worker. What are my rights?

You can register online and get benefits like housing, health care, and social security—even if you move for work.

12. Can an employer fire me for complaining about bad conditions?

No. That is illegal. You have the right to work in safe and healthy conditions.

13. What if my workplace has no toilet or water?

You can complain to the labour officer or helpline. The employer can be fined.

14. Is housing provided for workers?

In some cases (like for migrant or contract workers in remote areas), employers must provide housing or allowances.

15. Do women with children get any extra facilities?

Yes. Employers must provide crèche (childcare) facilities if there are enough women workers.

16. Can I refuse unsafe work?

Yes. You can refuse dangerous tasks without protection and report it to the authorities.

17. How do I report an unsafe workplace?

You can contact the labour department, call their helpline, or report online.

18. Are small shops and offices included?

If they have 10 or more workers, they are covered. Even smaller workplaces must ensure basic safety.

19. Does this law apply to both private and government jobs?

Yes. It applies to both sectors.

20. What if my employer does not follow the rules?

They can face penalties, fines, and, in serious cases, legal action.