Ensuring Safety & Compliance: A Comprehensive Guide to Gujarat OSHWC Rules, 2025

In a major step toward improving worker safety and labor conditions, the Government of Gujarat has notified the Gujarat Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Rules, 2025. These rules align with the national OSHWC Code, 2020, and consolidate several prior laws. From factory registration to mandatory safety committees, the updated rules demand greater responsibility and transparency from employers.

Introduction: Why These Rules Matter

Workplace safety isn’t optional—it’s essential. The Gujarat OSHWC Rules aim to create a uniform framework across all sectors, especially for high-risk environments like factories and construction sites. These rules not only protect employees but also simplify regulatory compliance for employers.

By replacing outdated state rules and merging multiple labor laws, Gujarat has moved a step closer to EoDB (Ease of Doing Business) while upholding occupational safety.

1. Scope and Applicability

The rules apply to:

All factories and construction sites
Establishments employing contract or migrant labor
Units under the State Government’s jurisdiction

The rules came into effect on 12th June 2025 and apply statewide.

2. Registration Process for Establishments

New Factories/Establishments:

Must apply online via the Labour Commissioner’s portal.
Required documents include identity proof, PAN, and business details.
Auto-approval if not processed within 7 days.

Existing Units:

Must update their registration within 180 days.
No fees for those already registered under older labor laws.

Fees Structure:

₹500 for ≤49 workers
₹1,000 for 50–99 workers
₹5,000 for 100–299 workers
₹10,000 for 300+ workers

Late Fee Penalties:

5% to 1% per day based on the delay.

3. Appointment Letters & Health Checks

All employees must receive a formal appointment letter with detailed information such as:

Designation
Wage structure
Social security coverage
Nature of duties

Additionally, free annual health checks are mandatory for workers aged 45+ within 120 days of each calendar year.

4. Safety Committees: Formation & Role

Mandatory for:

Major hazard factories
Units with 250+ workers
Construction sites with 250+ workers
Any site with 50+ workers doing hazardous processes

Key Roles:

Quarterly meetings
Safety inspections and audits
Promoting health awareness
Reviewing accident and risk reports

At least one-third representation from workers is required, including women.

5. Safety Officers: Appointment Criteria

Mandatory appointments based on staff size:

For ordinary factories: 1 safety officer per 500–1500 workers
For hazardous industries: 1 per 250–1000 workers
For high-risk construction: 1 per 250 workers, increasing as workforce grows

Qualifications:

Degree/diploma in Engineering + Industrial Safety
Practical experience (2–6 years based on qualification)
Fluency in the local language

Safety Officers must directly report to senior executives and can’t be assigned non-safety roles.

6. Reporting of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences

Immediate reporting to authorities is mandatory if:

There’s a fatality or serious injury
There’s a dangerous occurrence (e.g., explosion, chemical spill, equipment collapse)

Notification Requirements:

Telephonic and written within 12 hours
Use Forms 6, 6A, or 7 as applicable

Delayed reporting or misreporting may result in penalties.

7. Worker Rights and Responsibilities

Employee Rights:

Access to safety training and data
Right to report imminent danger
Direct representation to inspectors

Employee Duties:

Report hazards promptly
Follow safety instructions and wear PPE
Avoid disruptive or unsafe behavior

Sleeping on duty, ignoring safety instructions, or working intoxicated are explicitly prohibited.

8. State Occupational Safety & Health Advisory Board

The State OSH Advisory Board includes representatives from:

Government departments (Labour, Health, Environment)
Employers and employees
Subject matter experts

Their role? To draft policies, monitor implementation, and advise the State on workplace safety matters.

9. Leave, Holidays, and Working Hours

Key provisions:

Weekly holiday on the first day of the week unless substituted as per rules
Compensatory off for holiday work
Accurate record-keeping in Form 10 for verification

10. Continuous Improvement & Compliance Monitoring

Employers must:

Notify the government about major changes
Update records online
Cooperate during inspections
Maintain all forms and registers for up to 3 years

Failure to comply can lead to fines, suspension of licenses, or prosecution under labor laws.

Conclusion: Leading the Way in Worker Safety

The Gujarat OSHWC Rules, 2025 mark a major shift toward modern, accountable, and safer workplaces. While the new rules increase compliance obligations, they also help businesses operate transparently and legally. Employers should act now—appoint safety officers, set up safety committees, and update registrations to stay ahead. These changes pave the way for Gujarat’s industries to lead in worker welfare while enhancing global competitiveness.

Download: Gujarat OSHWC Rules: Key Updates and Compliance Guide