Maharashtra Factories (Safety Audit) (Amendment) Rules, 2024
The Government of Maharashtra on 19th June 2024, has notified the Maharashtra Factories (Safety Audit) (Amendment) Rules, 2024 to further amend Maharashtra Factories (Safety Audit) Rules, 2014, effective immediately.
Applicability
Rule 1(2): These rules shall apply to the factories in the State of Maharashtra –
- in which manufacturing processes, which involves use, storage, handling or processing of toxic or highly inflammable or explosive or hazardous chemicals or wherein such toxic or highly inflammable or explosive substances are likely to be generated or given out, are carried out, or
- in which the hazardous processes as listed in First Schedule appended to clause (b) of section 2 of the Factories Act, 1948 (LXIII of 1948) is carried out; or
- Employing more than 50 or more workers.
Key Changes Post Introduction of Maharashtra Factories (Safety Audit) Amendment Rules, 2024
|
Attributes |
Maharashtra Factories (Safety Audit) Rules, 2014 |
Maharashtra Factories (Safety Audit) (Amendment) Rules, 2024 |
| Threshold for Mandatory Audits | Factories with 250 or more workers | Factories with 50 or more workers |
| Safety Auditor Definition | Individual certified professionals | Individual certified professionals and institutions recognized by the Government Committees. |
| Major Focus Areas | General safety standards | Stronger emphasis on safety in high-risk factories (major accident hazards, hazardous processes with >250 workers) |
| Reporting Formats | No specific format | Prescribed proformas under schedule II for safety audit reports and schedule III for verification of corrective actions. |
| Auditor Verification | No specific requirements | Mandatory verification visits for high-risk factories within a timeframe. |
| Auditor Certificate Renewal | Unclear process | Defined renewal process requiring application 3.5 months before expiry. |
This amendment marks a substantial advancement in the state’s commitment to workplace safety. The expansion in the scope of mandatory audits, broadening the auditor pool, and implementing stringent measures for high-risk factories, aims to significantly reduce accidents and occupational hazards and the factories will be mandated to invest in safety management systems. While the transition period may pose challenges, the long-term benefits in terms of improved worker safety and a safer industrial environment are substantial.
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