Gujarat Notifies Occupational Health and Safety Audit Rules, 2025

Introduction

In a major step toward strengthening workplace safety and legal compliance, the Government of Gujarat has notified the Gujarat Factories (Occupational Health and Safety Audit) Rules, 2025. Effective from March 1, 2025, these rules introduce mandatory periodic internal and external audits based on factory category. Moreover, the rules set strict qualifications for safety auditors, outline a clear audit process, and require standardized forms to improve transparency and accountability. As a result, businesses must take prompt action. In the sections ahead, we’ll break down what these rules involve, who needs to comply, and how factories can ensure timely and effective implementation.

Applicability of the New Rules

These rules apply to all factories classified into three categories:

Category I Factories – Major Accident Hazard (MAH) installations
Category II Factories – Hazardous processes or storage/transport of hazardous chemicals >100 kg/liters
Category III Factories – Non-hazardous factories employing more than 100 workers on any day

Key Definitions

Occupational Health and Safety Audit (OHSA): A documented evaluation of safety systems, practices, processes, and workplace hazards.
Occupational Health and Safety Auditor: A qualified person or organization recognized by the Chief Inspector of Factories, Gujarat.

Audit Requirements and Timelines

Factories must conduct:

1. Internal Audit

By factory staff every 12 months
Not required in years when external audits are done

2. External Audit

By a recognized safety auditor:
- Once every 2 years – Category I
- Once every 3 years – Category II
- Once every 4 years – Category III

Also, a fresh audit is mandatory whenever there’s a change in manufacturing processes, equipment, or hazardous chemical storage.

Recognition of Safety Auditors

The Chief Inspector of Factories may recognize a person or organization as an Occupational Health and Safety Auditor for two years, subject to:

Educational Qualifications:
- Engineering degree + 5 years’ factory experience + Diploma in Industrial Safety, or
- Master’s in Physics/Chemistry + 7 years’ experience + Diploma in Industrial Safety
Age Limit: Must be under 62 years
Must not have any direct or indirect interest in the audited factory
Physically fit and not supplying machinery, equipment, or materials to audited factories

Forms and Documentation

Three forms are prescribed:

Form I – Application by an individual
Form II – Application by an organization
Form III – Certificate of Recognition issued by the Chief Inspector

The audit report must follow the Schedule II format, detailing factory information, raw materials, process flows, audit date, and recommendations.

Additional Conditions for Auditors

Maintain a logbook of all audits
Submit audit report within one month of completion
Immediately report major hazards to the occupier and Chief Inspector
Respect confidentiality; any leak of proprietary data may result in civil or criminal action

Renewal and Revocation

Recognition remains valid for two years. To ensure continuity, auditors must apply for renewal at least three months before expiry. However, the Chief Inspector may revoke recognition if the auditor violates any conditions or fails to comply with the rules. In case of two such revocations, the auditor becomes permanently ineligible for future recognition.

Methodology and Standards

Additionally, all audits must follow the Indian Standard Code of Practice on Occupational Health and Safety Audit—or the most current applicable safety standard in force at the time.

Reporting Requirements

After completing the audit, auditors must submit a detailed report to the occupier within 30 days. Subsequently, the occupier must prepare and submit a compliance and action taken report to the Chief Inspector without delay.

Conclusion

The Gujarat Occupational Health and Safety Audit Rules, 2025 set a clear path for safer workplaces in hazardous and large-scale industries. These rules ensure a systematic, standardized, and accountable approach to safety. Moreover, they include specific timelines, defined qualifications, and structured forms. As a result, Gujarat now aligns more closely with global safety standards.

Importantly, factory occupiers and safety auditors must act without delay. They need to register, gain recognition, and start implementation immediately. In addition, the rules leave little room for error or postponement. From now on, safety goes beyond best practice. It becomes a legal duty.

Ultimately, this shift not only protects workers but also strengthens compliance. Therefore, every industry stakeholder must stay informed, act quickly, and follow the rules to the letter.