Section 35 of The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020
- (1)Subject to any rules made in this behalf, an Inspector-cum-Facilitator may---
- (i)enter, with such assistance of persons, being persons in the service of the Government, or any local or other public authority, or with an expert, as he thinks fit, any place which is used, or which he has reason to believe, is used as a work place;
- (ii)inspect and examine the establishment, any premises, plant, machinery, article, or any other relevant material;
- (iii)inquire into any accident or dangerous occurrence, whether resulting in bodily injury, disability or death or not and take on the spot or otherwise statement of any person which he may consider necessary for such inquiry;
- (iv)subject to any rules made by the State Government in this behalf, within his jurisdiction, examine the crops grown in any plantation or any worker employed therein or require the production of any register or other document maintained in pursuance of this Code, and take on the spot or otherwise statement of any person which he may consider necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Code relating to plantation;
- (v)supply information and sensitise the employers and workers regarding the provisions of this Code and compliance thereof;
- (vi)require the production of any register or any other document relating to the workplace or work activity;
- (vii)search or seize, or take copies of, any register, record or other document or any portion thereof, as he may consider necessary in respect of any offence under this Code, which he has reason to believe, has been committed;
- (viii)direct the concerned occupier or employer that any premises or any part thereof, or anything lying therein, shall be left undisturbed (whether generally or in particular respects) for so long as is necessary for the purpose of any inspection or inquiry;
- (ix)take measurements, photographs and videographs and make such recordings as he considers necessary for the purpose of any examination or inquiry;
- (x)take samples of any articles or substances found in any establishment or premises into which he has power to enter and of the air of the atmosphere in or in the vicinity of any such establishment or premises in such manner as may be prescribed by the appropriate Government;
- (xi)in case of any article or substance found in any establishment or premises, being an article or substance which appears to him as having caused or is likely to cause danger to the health and safety of the employees, direct it to be dismantled or subject it to any process or test (but not so as to damage or destroy it unless the same is, in the circumstances necessary, for carrying out the purposes of any provision of this Code) and take possession of any such article or substance or a part thereof, and detain it for so long as is necessary for such examination;
- (xii)issue show cause notice relating to safety, health and welfare provisions arising under this Code, rules, regulations and bye-laws made thereunder;
- (xiii)prosecute, conduct or defend before any court any complaint or other proceeding arising under this Code, the rules and regulations made thereunder; and
- (xiv)exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the appropriate Government.
- (2)Any person required to produce any document or to give any information required by an Inspector-cum-Facilitator under sub-section (1) shall be deemed to be legally bound to do so within the meaning of section 175 and section 176 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).
- (3)The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), shall, so far as may be, apply to such search or seizure under sub-section (1) as they apply to any search or seizure made under the authority of a warrant issued under section 94 of the said Code.
Summary
- Inspectors have the power to enter any workplace with experts or government staff to inspect premises, plant, machinery, and materials.
- They can investigate any accident or dangerous event, take statements from people, and take measurements, photos, or videos.
- Inspectors can search and seize records, take samples of materials or air, and direct that a scene be left undisturbed for an inquiry.
- They can order dangerous substances to be dismantled or tested, and they can take possession of them for examination.
- They can issue show cause notices, which are written demands to explain a safety violation, and prosecute or defend legal cases in court.
- Employers and workers are legally bound to produce requested documents and provide true information to the inspector.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Can an inspector take photos and videos during a workplace visit under Section 35 of the Occupational Safety Code, 2020?
Yes, under Section 35 of the Occupational Safety Code, 2020, an Inspector-cum-Facilitator has the explicit power to take measurements, photographs, videographs, and any other recordings necessary for an inquiry or examination.
2. What happens if someone refuses to give information to an inspector under Section 35 of the 2020 Working Conditions Code?
Under Section 35 of the 2020 Working Conditions Code, any person required to produce documents or give information is legally bound to do so. Refusal is treated as an offence under Sections 175 and 176 of the Indian Penal Code.
3. Can an inspector seize company records under Section 35 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020?
Yes, under Section 35 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, an inspector has the power to search, seize, or take copies of any register, record, or document if they believe an offence has been committed.
4. How are searches and seizures regulated under Section 35 of the 2020 OSH Code?
Under Section 35 of the 2020 OSH Code, any search or seizure conducted by an inspector must follow the rules laid down in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, just like searches done under a court-issued warrant.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 35 of The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, what can an Inspector-cum-Facilitator do if they find a substance in a workplace that appears likely to cause danger to the health and safety of workers?
Q2.Under Section 35 of The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, which law governs the procedure when an inspector conducts a search or seizure at an establishment?
Q3.Under Section 35 of The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, what is the legal status of an individual who is required by an Inspector-cum-Facilitator to produce a register or provide information?
Q4.Integrating Section 31 and Section 35 of The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, what can an inspector do if an employer fails to display the mandatory notice of work periods?