Do's & Don'ts under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020: A Complete Employer Compliance Guide

The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH Code, 2020) is one of India's four Labour Codes introduced to strengthen workplace safety, improve employee welfare, and simplify compliance with occupational health regulations. The Code consolidates several labour laws into a unified framework, ensuring that employers provide a safe, healthy, and secure working environment across industries.

Every employer has a legal responsibility to maintain workplace safety, protect employees from occupational hazards, and comply with statutory health and welfare standards. Likewise, employees are expected to follow prescribed safety procedures and actively contribute to creating a safe workplace.

This guide outlines the key Do's and Don'ts under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 to help employers and employees understand their obligations and maintain compliance.

What is the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020?

The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 consolidates multiple labour laws relating to workplace safety, health, welfare, and working conditions into a single legislation. The Code establishes uniform standards for occupational safety across factories, mines, construction sites, manufacturing units, commercial establishments, and other workplaces covered under the legislation.

Its primary purpose is to reduce workplace accidents, improve employee well-being, and simplify compliance for employers through standardized regulations.

Objectives of the OSH Code, 2020

Ensure Safe Working Conditions
Employers must create workplaces that are free from hazards and unsafe conditions.

Protect Employee Health
The Code promotes preventive healthcare measures, occupational health monitoring, and periodic medical examinations where applicable.

Prevent Workplace Accidents
Employers should identify workplace risks, implement preventive measures, and ensure employees receive adequate safety training.

Improve Employee Welfare
The Code includes provisions relating to sanitation, ventilation, drinking water, welfare facilities, and safe working environments.

Strengthen Compliance
Employers are required to maintain statutory records, conduct safety audits where necessary, and comply with prescribed occupational safety standards.

Employer Do's under the OSH Code, 2020

1. Provide a Safe and Healthy Workplace
Employers should ensure that the workplace remains free from hazards that may affect employee health or safety. Identify workplace risks regularly, remove unsafe conditions promptly, and establish a proactive safety management system. A safe workplace reduces accidents and improves productivity.

2. Comply with Occupational Safety Standards
Employers must comply with all applicable Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards, rules, and regulations issued under the Code. This includes implementing prescribed safety measures, maintaining statutory records, and following government notifications.

3. Conduct Annual Health Examinations
Where required by law, employers should arrange periodic or annual health examinations for employees exposed to occupational risks. Health monitoring helps detect work-related illnesses at an early stage and supports preventive healthcare.

4. Dispose of Hazardous Waste Safely
Proper disposal of hazardous materials and electronic waste (e-waste) is essential for protecting both employees and the environment. Follow approved disposal procedures, maintain waste disposal records, and comply with environmental and safety regulations. Improper disposal may result in legal penalties and environmental harm.

5. Issue Appointment Letters
Every employee should receive a formal appointment letter clearly outlining the terms and conditions of employment. Appointment letters help establish transparency and reduce employment-related disputes.

6. Provide Safety Training and Supervision
Employers should ensure that workers understand workplace hazards and safety procedures. Training should cover safe work practices, emergency response, proper use of machinery, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and accident reporting procedures. Continuous supervision reinforces safe behaviour at work.

7. Maintain Safe Access and Exit Routes
Emergency exits, stairways, and access routes should remain unobstructed and clearly marked. Proper evacuation planning helps minimize risks during emergencies.

8. Report Workplace Accidents Promptly
Employers should report workplace accidents, dangerous occurrences, and occupational diseases to the appropriate authorities within the prescribed timelines. Prompt reporting supports regulatory compliance and employee welfare.

9. Ensure Machinery and Equipment Are Safe
Before machinery or equipment is put into operation, employers should verify that it is safe for use. Regular activities include preventive maintenance, safety inspections, equipment testing, and immediate repair of defective machinery. Safe equipment significantly reduces workplace accidents.

10. Conduct Risk Assessments and Safety Audits
Employers should periodically evaluate workplace hazards through formal risk assessments and safety audits. These assessments help identify potential dangers and implement corrective actions before incidents occur.

Employee Do's under the OSH Code, 2020

1. Take Care of Personal Health and Safety
Employees should exercise reasonable care to protect themselves while performing their duties.

2. Follow Safety Procedures
Workers must comply with all workplace safety rules, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and instructions issued by the employer.

3. Cooperate with the Employer
Employees should actively support workplace safety initiatives, inspections, and compliance programs.

4. Report Unsafe Conditions Immediately
Unsafe equipment, hazardous conditions, or potential accident risks should be reported without delay. Early reporting helps prevent injuries.

5. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Employees should wear PPE correctly whenever required, including safety helmets, gloves, safety shoes, eye protection, respirators, and high-visibility clothing.

6. Participate in Safety Training
Attendance in health and safety awareness programs improves workplace preparedness and reduces accidents.

7. Report Imminent Danger
Employees should immediately notify management if they identify conditions that may pose serious risks to life or health.

Employer Don'ts under the OSH Code, 2020

1. Don't Allow Unsafe Working Conditions
Employers should never require employees to work in hazardous environments without adequate safeguards.

2. Don't Ignore Hazardous Waste Management
Improper disposal of hazardous materials or e-waste can create environmental and legal risks. Always follow prescribed disposal procedures.

3. Don't Employ Workers Without Appointment Letters
Every employee should receive written documentation of employment. Failure to issue appointment letters may lead to disputes and compliance violations.

4. Don't Recover Safety Costs from Employees
Employers must not charge employees for PPE, medical examinations, safety equipment, or mandatory health measures. These costs are the employer's responsibility.

5. Don't Conceal Workplace Accidents
Employers should never hide occupational accidents, dangerous occurrences, or work-related illnesses from the authorities. Transparency is essential for compliance and employee protection.

6. Don't Use Unsafe Machinery
Machinery with known defects should not be operated until repaired and declared safe. Preventive maintenance should never be neglected.

7. Don't Ignore Workplace Welfare
Employers should not neglect sanitation, ventilation, drinking water, hygiene, rest facilities, or other employee welfare measures. These facilities contribute to a healthy work environment.

8. Don't Operate Without Required Registration
Where statutory registration is applicable under the Code, employers should complete registration before commencing operations. Operating without registration may attract penalties.

Employee Don'ts under the OSH Code, 2020

1. Don't Damage Safety Equipment
Employees should never misuse or intentionally damage safety devices, protective equipment, or emergency systems.

2. Don't Endanger Yourself or Others
Unsafe behaviour that puts colleagues or the workplace at risk should always be avoided.

3. Don't Ignore Accidents
Every accident or near-miss should be reported immediately, regardless of its severity.

4. Don't Bypass Safety Procedures
Ignoring safety instructions or standard operating procedures increases the likelihood of workplace incidents.

5. Don't Operate Machinery Without Authorization
Employees should only operate equipment after receiving proper training and authorization.

6. Don't Enter Hazardous Areas Without PPE
Restricted or hazardous work zones should only be entered while wearing the prescribed Personal Protective Equipment.

7. Don't Interfere with Safety Systems
Employees should never disable alarms, emergency exits, fire protection systems, or other workplace safety mechanisms.

Employer Compliance Checklist

Employers should regularly ensure that:

• Workplace hazards are identified and controlled
• Appointment letters are issued to all employees
• Safety training is conducted
• PPE is provided at no cost to employees
• Annual health examinations are completed where applicable
• Hazardous waste is disposed of safely
• Machinery is inspected regularly
• Workplace accidents are reported on time
• Safety audits are conducted
• Statutory records are maintained and updated

Routine compliance reviews help prevent accidents and improve regulatory readiness.

Why Compliance with the OSH Code, 2020 Matters

Complying with the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 provides several benefits:

• Reduced workplace accidents
• Improved employee health and well-being
• Higher workforce productivity
• Better legal compliance
• Enhanced employer reputation
• Lower compensation claims
• Stronger safety culture within the organization

Organizations that prioritize occupational safety create healthier, more productive workplaces while minimizing operational and legal risks.

Conclusion

The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 is a significant step toward strengthening workplace safety and employee welfare across India. By establishing uniform standards for occupational health, safety, and working conditions, the Code helps organizations create safer and more compliant workplaces.

For employers, compliance goes beyond meeting statutory obligations — it reflects a commitment to protecting employees, reducing workplace risks, and fostering a culture of safety. Regular risk assessments, timely reporting of workplace incidents, proper safety training, maintenance of equipment, and adherence to occupational health standards are essential for long-term compliance.

At Pragnaa, we assist organizations in implementing effective workplace safety and labour law compliance systems. From OSH compliance audits and policy development to documentation, training, and ongoing advisory services, our experts help businesses remain compliant, audit-ready, and future-ready.

Need expert guidance on the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020? Contact Pragnaa today for end-to-end workplace safety and labour law compliance solutions tailored to your organization's needs.