Mumbai, 1 December 2025: The Government of Maharashtra has released the draft Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Rules, 2025, proposing comprehensive reforms for workplace safety, licensing, health standards and compliance under the OSH Code, 2020. The draft rules aim to modernize safety regulations across factories, establishments, construction sites, mines and other workplaces in the state.
The government has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders before finalizing the rules.
Digital Transformation of Labour Compliance
The draft rules highlight a major shift toward full digitization of registrations, renewals, licences and safety-related approvals. The proposal includes:
- Online filing of applications, forms and records
- Digital registers for workers, health checks and inspections
- Electronic issuance of licences and approvals
- Unified state portal for all OSH compliance activities
This move aims to reduce paperwork, improve transparency and streamline inspection processes.
Stronger Workplace Safety Standards
The draft OSH Rules introduce several new safety requirements across industries, including:
- Mandatory risk assessments and safety audits
- Updated standards for machine guarding, hazardous operations and emergency response
- Specific safety protocols for confined spaces, working at heights and material handling
- Detailed accident reporting mechanisms and compulsory safety training
These provisions significantly upgrade Maharashtra’s industrial safety framework in line with modern global practices.
Enhanced Health and Welfare Requirements
The draft rules propose:
- Periodic medical examinations for workers exposed to hazardous processes
- Mandatory health records and digital health registers
- Provisions for drinking water quality, rest areas and sanitary facilities
- Additional welfare amenities for women employees and vulnerable workers
The rules emphasise creation of hygienic, safe and worker-friendly workplaces across sectors.
Licensing and Registration Reforms
Key changes include:
- Simplified single licence for contractors
- Online renewal and modification of factory and establishment licences
- Streamlined processes for principal employers hiring contract labour
- Updated fee structures based on workers’ strength and industry category
The changes are designed to eliminate delays and ensure ease of doing business.
Special Protections for Women and Young Workers
The draft OSH Rules include additional safeguards for:
- Women working in night shifts
- Pregnant and lactating women
- Young persons engaged in hazardous or sensitive occupations
These include transportation facilities, adequate lighting, CCTV, group duty systems, mentoring, and restrictions on hazardous work.
Public Input Invited Before Final Notification
The state government has called on employers, industry associations, labour unions and the general public to submit objections or suggestions within the stipulated period. After reviewing stakeholder feedback, the government will finalize and publish the official Maharashtra OSH Rules, 2025.
A Major Step Toward Modern Workplace Governance
Once finalized, the rules will significantly transform Maharashtra’s labour safety landscape by:
- Integrating digital compliance
- Enhancing worker safety and welfare
- Strengthening industry accountability
- Aligning state laws with the national OSH Code
The draft rules aim to build safer, more transparent and globally aligned workplaces across the state.
