OSH Code marks landmark labour reform; industries must prepare for new compliance requirements: R. Ravi Kumar, FTCCI President

 

Hyderabad, June 19: The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), through its HR & IR Committee, organised an interactive workshop on the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020 and the implementation of the new Labour Codes at Federation House, Hyderabad on Thursday.

The workshop witnessed participation from HR professionals, safety officers, legal experts, compliance officers, industry leaders, CEOs, and business representatives keen to understand the implications of the recently implemented labour law reforms.

Welcoming the participants, Sri R. Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI, said that the consolidation of thirteen Central Labour Laws into the OSH Code marks one of the most significant reforms in India’s labour regulatory framework. He noted that with the Code now in force and implementation rules recently notified, it is essential for industries to understand the new compliance requirements and prepare for a smooth transition.

Delivering the introductory remarks, Sri Meela Sanjay, Chair, HR & IR Committee, FTCCI, highlighted that the OSH Code directly impacts HR policies, workplace safety standards, employee welfare measures, and operational compliance across sectors. He stated that FTCCI had organised the session to help members gain clarity on the latest developments and avoid uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the new regulations.

The technical session was led by Sri S. V. Ramachandra Rao, Managing Director, HR Chambers Outsourcing Pvt. Ltd., a noted expert in labour laws and human resource practices. He provided a comprehensive overview of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, explaining its objectives, scope, compliance requirements, employer obligations, employee rights, safety standards, and key changes from the earlier legal framework.

During the session, Sri Ramachandra Rao elaborated on the practical implications of the Code for industries and businesses and addressed concerns relating to workplace safety, welfare provisions, working conditions, record maintenance, inspections, and regulatory compliance. He also explained the interrelationship between the OSH Code and the other three Labour Codes.

A lively interactive session followed, during which participants raised several questions relating to implementation challenges, compliance timelines, applicability to various categories of establishments, contract labour provisions, and industry-specific concerns. The speaker responded to the queries and provided practical guidance for organizations preparing for compliance under the new labour law regime.

The workshop concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Sri K. K. Maheshwari, Senior Vice President, FTCCI.

 

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