Ministry of Labour & Employment released Draft Rules under Sections 23 & 24 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH & WC Code) specifically for Building & Other Construction workers.
These rules are now open for public consultation for 45 days from the date of Gazette publication(SEPTEMBER 24,2025). Stakeholders — employers, worker associations, NGOs — may submit objections or suggestions to Shri Ravishankar Nirala, Under Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment (emails: fas@dgfasli.nic.in and ravis.nirala@nic.in).
Below is a summary of the major provisions proposed in the draft:
📋 Key Provisions in the Draft Rules
1. Cleanliness & Hygiene (under Section 23)
- Construction sites, premises, and surroundings must be maintained in a clean, hygienic, and sanitary condition.
- Proper storage for materials and equipment, and regular removal of waste and debris, to avoid obstruction of access/egress.
- Floors that become wet should have adequate drainage, be kept dry and non‑slippery; in such cases, anti-skid footwear must be provided free of charge.
- Loose materials that are not needed must not accumulate; daily waste collection, storage, and disposal under supervision is mandatory.
2. Ventilation, Temperature & Humidity
- Where employees are exposed to chemical, physical or biological hazards, the employer must adopt preventive measures (substituting less hazardous materials, technical safeguards, or PPE).
- Special attention to heat stress, cold, humidity — workstation design, training, medical surveillance, protective clothing.
- In tunneling or enclosed sites, ensure adequate ventilation systems, maintain oxygen levels, monitor gases, temperature, humidity, dust concentration, etc.
3. Dust, Gases, Fumes (Clause iii of Section 23)
- Emissions of dust, fumes, gases must be minimized, and exposure kept within permissible limits.
- Workers should not be allowed into areas until contaminant levels are within safe bounds.
4. Drinking Water
- Provision of clean, safe drinking water at all times; stored and dispensed hygienically.
- Containers must be clearly labelled in Hindi, English, and local language.
- Use of common drinking tumblers is prohibited.
5. Overcrowding
- Employers must prevent overcrowding in working or assembly zones.
- Use signs, barriers, separate pedestrian/vehicle pathways, manage vehicle deployment.
6. Lighting / Illumination
- Adequate natural or artificial lighting (including portable lamps) at every workplace, passages, amenities.
- Glare, shadows, cable safety, and protection of lamps from breakage must be addressed.
7. Latrines & Urinals
- Separate, accessible, ventilated, clean latrines and urinals for men, women, transgender persons, persons with disabilities.
- Maintained in non-slippery conditions; walls glazed or finished to allow hygiene.
- Minimum ratios: one latrine for every 25 males, 15 females; at least one for persons with disabilities / transgender; urinals for every 15 males.
8. Waste & Effluent Disposal
- Proper systems for liquid, gaseous and solid waste disposal.
- Safe handling, storage, and training for employees handling such waste; supply of appropriate PPE.
9. Washing Facilities
- Adequate, separate washing facilities (including showers) where workers may be exposed to contamination.
- Facilities must be ventilated, drained, maintain privacy, and be sanitized. Use of common towels prohibited.
10. Bathing & Locker Rooms
- Separate, accessible, ventilated bathing and locker rooms for men, women, transgender persons, persons with disabilities.
- Drying rooms, storage for street clothes vs working clothes to avoid contamination.
- Provision of lockers, benches; when clothes get wet or need washing between shifts, ensure dry replacements.
11. Keeping & Drying Work Clothing
- Dedicated changing rooms to store and dry clothes not worn during work hours.
- Protection against contamination, separation of working clothes and street clothes.
12. Canteen Facility
- Where 100 or more workers (including contract labourers) are employed, a canteen must be provided or accessible.
- Dining hall, kitchen, store rooms, washing areas; proper distancing from sanitation and hazardous zones.
- Food to be served on a no-profit, no-loss basis; oversight by a Canteen Managing Committee with equal employer and worker representation (with rotation, women representation, etc.).
13. First Aid & Medical Appliances
- Adequate first aid boxes / cupboards, staffed by certified first aiders.
- One fully equipped box per site/section; number increases with workforce size.
- At least 33% of workers to be trained in first aid (with at least one woman where women workers are present). Training renewal every 3 years.
- Injuries/illnesses to be promptly reported, and arrangement made for evacuation or referral to medical facilities.
- Ambulance, transportation, qualified medical practitioner arrangement as required.
14. Ambulance Rooms / Dispensary
- On construction sites with 500+ workers, a suitable ambulance room or dispensary must be maintained 24/7 or during working hours.
- Must have qualified medical practitioner, nurse, paramedical staff, emergency lighting, drenching shower, etc.
- Room setup: a sitting/staff room + an emergency / observation room.
📣 Invitation for Public Feedback
The Central Government seeks comments, objections or suggestions from interested persons and organizations within 45 days of the Gazette’s public release. Submissions should follow a proforma including:
- Name & address of the person / organization
- Rule / sub-rule to be modified
- Proposed revision and justification
All inputs will be considered before finalizing the rules.
This draft marks a crucial step toward strengthening occupational safety, health, and welfare standards in the building and construction sector — a high-risk domain with significant labour concerns.