Gujarat Factories Occupational Health & Safety Audit Rules, 2025: Key Provisions & Compliance

The Government of Gujarat has introduced the Gujarat Factories (Occupational Health and Safety Audit) Rules, 2025, under the Factories Act, 1948. These rules mandate systematic safety audits for factories, particularly those handling hazardous processes, ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety standards.

This notification sets forth audit requirements, categorization of factories, auditor qualifications, reporting standards, and enforcement mechanisms. This blog provides a detailed breakdown of the amendments, compliance requirements, and industry implications.

Key Amendments Under the Gujarat Factories (Occupational Health and Safety Audit) Rules, 2025

1. Applicability of the Rules

The new audit rules apply to three categories of factories:

Category I Factories: Factories with Major Accident Hazard (MAH) installations as per the Manufacture, Storage, and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989.
Category II Factories:
- Factories with hazardous processes as per the Factories Act, of 1948.
- Factories storing hazardous chemicals below the threshold limits under the Gujarat Factories Rules, 1963, but handling over 100 liters or kg at a time.
Category III Factories: Factories that do not fall under Category I or II but have more than 100 workers on any given day.

2. Mandatory Occupational Health & Safety Audits

Internal & External Safety Audits

Internal Safety Audits: Must be conducted annually by factory staff.
External Safety Audits: Conducted by a recognized Occupational Health & Safety Auditor at these intervals:
- Category I Factories: Every two years
- Category II Factories: Every three years
- Category III Factories: Every four years

Special Audit Requirements

Initial Audit Compliance:
- Internal audit within 6 months of the notification.
- External audit within 12 months by a CPCB-recognized auditor.
Process Changes: If a factory modifies its manufacturing process or storage of hazardous chemicals, a fresh audit must be conducted.

3. Recognition of Occupational Health & Safety Auditors

Eligibility Criteria for Auditors

An individual or organization can apply for recognition as an Occupational Health & Safety Auditor if they:

Hold a degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Production Engineering, OR M.Sc. (Physics/Chemistry).
Have relevant experience (5+ years in manufacturing, maintenance, design, safety, or project management).
Possess a Diploma in Industrial Safety from a government-recognized institution.
Are below 62 years of age and physically fit for conducting audits.
Do not have conflicts of interest in factories they audit (e.g., ownership, business involvement, or supply relationships).

Auditor Recognition & Validity

Recognition is granted for 2 years.
Renewal applications must be submitted at least 3 months before expiration.
CPCB can revoke recognition if an auditor violates regulations or has conflicts of interest.

4. Conducting the Occupational Health & Safety Audit

Audits must comply with Indian Standards and CPCB guidelines.
The audit report must include:
- Factory details & raw material storage.
- Manufacturing processes & safety protocols.
- Findings & corrective actions.

Reporting & Compliance Requirements

Audit Reports must be submitted to the Occupier within 1 month.
The Occupier must submit the report to the Chief Inspector of Factories within 30 days, along with an Action Taken Report (ATR).
If auditors identify immediate hazards, they must alert factory management & the Chief Inspector for urgent corrective action.

5. Penalties & Enforcement

Failure to conduct audits can lead to penalties and legal action under the Factories Act, of 1948.
Auditors violating rules or engaging in conflicts of interest may face revocation of certification.
Factories failing to implement safety recommendations may face fines, operational restrictions, or shutdown orders.

Conclusion

The Gujarat Factories (Occupational Health and Safety Audit) Rules, 2025 introduce a structured framework for factory safety audits, ensuring compliance with hazardous material handling regulations and industrial accident prevention.

Factory owners and auditors must ensure timely compliance to avoid penalties, maintain worker safety, and promote industrial sustainability.

Download: Safety Audit Rules 2025: Key Provisions & Compliance