Key Provisions

Different applicability thresholds based on establishment type.

• Any industry, trade, business, manufacturing - in which ten or more workers are employed
• Motor transport undertaking, newspaper establishment, audio-video production, building and other construction work or plantation - ten or more workers employed
• Factory - 10 or more workers employed
• Mines, ports - no threshold
• No thresholds for hazardous and life threatening activities

One registration for establishment under this Code within 60 days.

• Single window registration for establishments
• Registration for establishments with 10 or more workers
• Common license for factory, contract labour and beedi establishments
• Validity period as prescribed by appropriate Government
• Registration within 60 days of applicability date

Mandatory issuance of appointment letters to all employees.

• Every employee to be issued an appointment letter
• Letter to contain terms and conditions of employment
• Applicable to all establishments covered under the Code
• No exemptions based on worker category

Comprehensive duties of employers for workplace safety.

• Provide and maintain safe workplace free from hazards
• Provide information, instruction and training on safety
• Provide personal protective equipment
• Ensure welfare facilities for employees
• Notify accidents and dangerous occurrences
• Maintain health and safety records

Employees also have statutory duties for workplace safety.

• Take reasonable care for health and safety of self and others
• Report to employer any unsafe situation
• Cooperate with employer in meeting statutory obligations
• Not misuse any safety equipment provided
• Comply with safety instructions

Women permitted to work in all establishments for all types of work.

• Women can work in ALL establishments for ALL types of work
• Night work (7 PM - 6 AM) permitted with safeguards
• Employer must ensure safety, security, and dignity
• Adequate transportation must be provided for night work
• Consent of woman required for night shifts
• No discrimination in recruitment or conditions

Revised framework for contract labour engagement.

• Applicability threshold: 50 workers (increased from 20)
• Work-specific license for contractors (project-based)
• Contract labour prohibited in core activities with 3 exceptions
• Exceptions: Sudden increase in work, work not done by regular workers, intermittent work
• Principal employer responsible for wage payment on contractor default
• Duties matrix clearly defined between principal employer and contractor

Mandatory welfare provisions for employees.

• Cleanliness and disposal of wastes
• Adequate ventilation and temperature control
• Sufficient lighting (natural and artificial)
• Potable drinking water
• Sufficient latrines and urinals (separate for men and women)
• Washing facilities and locker rooms
• Canteen where 100+ workers employed
• First-aid facilities and medical examination
• Crèche where 50+ women employed
• Annual health checkup for hazardous processes

Special provisions for migrant workers with portable benefits.

• Self-declaration based registration via Aadhaar
• Portability of benefits across states
• Annual journey allowance (corrected from one-time)
• Equal treatment with local workers
• Toll-free helpline for grievances
• Applicable to establishments with 10+ inter-state migrants

Government can declare any premises a factory.

• Appropriate Government can declare any premises as a factory
• Applicable regardless of number of workers employed
• Used to extend safety protections to high-risk premises
• Notification-based power

Central advisory body on occupational safety.

• National Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board at Central level
• State Boards at state level
• Advisory role on policy and standards
• Representation of employers, workers and experts