New Safety standards for factories

The labour ministry has proposed a high-level board that will work upon to set standards for occupational safety and health. The board would also oversee the implementation of standards for all workers at factories and enterprises. As per the draft Labour Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions, 2018, the National Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board will be set up for three years and renewed thereafter and will be assisted by the advisory committees. The ministry has sought stakeholder comments on the draft code after which the code will be finalised and moved for the Cabinet’s approval. The board is expected to prescribe health and safety standards for workers in factories, mines, dock work, building and other construction work and other establishments.