Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

Introduction

In today’s industrial landscape, ensuring the health and safety of employees has become one of the most crucial aspects of organizational governance. Whether it is a manufacturing unit, construction site, warehouse, or corporate office, every workplace is bound by law to provide a safe and healthy working environment for its employees.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is the discipline concerned with protecting people at work from physical, chemical, and biological hazards. It encompasses policies, procedures, and standards designed to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and illnesses in the workplace.

In India, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020, forms the backbone of OHS regulation. This code consolidates 13 existing labour laws such as:

• The Factories Act, 1948
• The Mines Act, 1952
• The Dock Workers (Safety, Health and Welfare) Act, 1986
• The Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996

The aim of this integration is to simplify compliance, standardize safety protocols across industries, and align India’s regulatory framework with global occupational safety standards such as ISO 45001:2018.

As a consultant, we at Aseries Envirotek India Pvt. Ltd. assist industries in interpreting these laws, conducting safety audits, and building robust compliance frameworks that go beyond mere legal fulfilment focusing instead on prevention, preparedness, and continuous improvement.

Importance of OHS Compliance

Occupational Health and Safety compliance is not a checkbox exercise. It is a long-term investment into your organization’s human capital and sustainability. The importance can be viewed across several dimensions:

1. Legal Mandate and Protection:
   The OHS Code makes it mandatory for every establishment to comply with specific health and safety provisions. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, suspension of operations, or even imprisonment of responsible officers.
2. Humanitarian and Ethical Responsibility:
   Every worker deserves a safe and dignified workplace. OHS compliance ensures protection against occupational diseases, heat stress, noise, dust exposure, chemical burns, or ergonomic strain.
3. Productivity and Efficiency:
   Safe workplaces are more productive. When employees feel secure and valued, absenteeism decreases, motivation improves, and overall performance rises.
4. Reputation and Corporate Image:
   Companies that demonstrate strong safety standards earn greater trust among clients, investors, and regulatory bodies. It becomes a part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG commitments.
5. Alignment with Global Standards:
   OHS compliance ensures alignment with international frameworks, facilitating business with multinational clients and export markets that demand verified safety systems.

Key Criteria and Provisions under the OHS Code, 2020

The OSH Code lays down a comprehensive framework of responsibilities for employers, workers, and the government. Some major compliance criteria include:

1. Registration and Licensing:

Every establishment covered under the Code must be registered with the designated labour authority. Factories, mines, and construction sites require separate licenses before commencement of work.

2. Safety Management System:

Employers are required to establish a documented Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS) that defines safety policies, identifies hazards, and sets out procedures for risk control and emergency response.

3. Health and Medical Provisions:

Employers must provide clean drinking water, hygienic toilets, adequate ventilation, lighting, rest shelters, and periodic health check-ups. Medical examinations are mandatory for employees exposed to hazardous processes.

4. Appointment of Safety Officers:

Factories employing more than 250 workers (or smaller units handling hazardous materials) must appoint qualified Safety Officers responsible for training, inspection, and incident reporting.

5. Worker Training and Capacity Building:

All employees must receive induction and periodic safety training. Specialized programs should cover handling of hazardous materials, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), fire safety, and emergency evacuation procedures.

6. Reporting and Record Maintenance:

Accidents, near-miss incidents, and occupational diseases must be reported to the authorities. Employers must maintain logs, health records, safety audit reports, and submit annual compliance returns.

7. Risk Assessment and Third-Party Audit:

Periodic risk assessment and safety audits (preferably through accredited third-party consultants) are required to ensure the workplace remains compliant and hazards are identified before incidents occur.

8. Worker Participation and Consultation:

The Code emphasizes joint consultation mechanisms safety committees comprising employer and employee representatives to ensure continuous dialogue on safety improvements.

Uses and Benefits of OHS Compliance

• Reduces workplace accidents and fatalities, ensuring business continuity.
• Builds employee trust and morale, resulting in better retention and productivity.
• Enhances operational reliability and reduces downtime due to incidents.
• Lowers compensation, medical, and insurance costs over the long term.
• Supports ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting and sustainability certifications.
• Improves eligibility for global tenders and partnerships, where safety compliance is a prerequisite.

Recent Amendments and Emerging Trends

The OHS Code, 2020, continues to evolve through notifications and draft rules issued by the Central and State Governments. Key amendments and trends include:

• Integration of digital compliance systems — online registration, reporting, and inspection through the “Shram Suvidha Portal.”
• Emphasis on risk-based inspections rather than random visits.
• Mandatory periodic medical check-ups for hazardous sector workers.
• Focus on mental health and ergonomic risks in offices and IT workplaces.
• Encouragement for ISO 45001 Certification as a benchmark for global best practices.

As consultants, we guide organizations through these dynamic requirements  helping them adapt their safety systems, documentation, and reporting to remain compliant and audit-ready.

Conclusion

Occupational Health and Safety compliance is not just about avoiding penalties, it’s about building a responsible, sustainable, and productive organization. The OHS Code and its amendments represent a major shift towards proactive risk management and worker welfare.

At Aseries Envirotek India Pvt. Ltd., we provide end-to-end compliance support from safety audits, documentation, and employee training to liaison with regulatory authorities. Our mission is to help industries not just comply, but create workplaces where safety becomes a culture, not a checklist.

When businesses invest in safety, they invest in their people  and that is the most valuable asset any organization can protect.