Rule 73. Health and Safety Policy [Section-84(2)]

(a) The occupier of every factory, except as provided for in sub-rule (2), shall prepare a written statement of his policy in respect of health and safety employees at work.

(b) All factories – i. covered under Section 2 (1) (w)(i) but employing less than 50 employees. ii. covered under Section 2 (1) (w)(ii) but employing less than 100 employees. Are exempted from requirements of sub-rule (1) :

Provided that they are not covered under the First Schedule under Section 2(1)(za) or operations declared to be dangerous under Section 82 of the Code.

(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (2), the Chief Inspector-cum- Facilitator may require the occupiers of any of the Factories or class or description of factories to comply with the requirements of sub-rule (1), if, in his opinion, it is expedient to do so.

(d) The Health and Safety Policy should contain or deal with – i. declared intention and commitment of the top management to health, safety and environment and compliance with all the relevant statutory requirements; ii. Organizational set up to carry out the declared policy clearly assigning the responsibility at different levels ; and iii. arrangements for making the policy effective.

(e) In particular, the Policy should specify the following – i. arrangements for involving the employees ; ii. intention of taking into account the health and safety performance of individuals at different levels while considering their career advancement ; iii. the responsibility of the Contractors, sub-Contractors, transporters and other agencies entering the premises ; iv. a resume of health and safety performance of the factory in its Annual Report; v. relevant techniques and methods such as safety audits and Risk Assessments like Hazop study etc. and other safety techniques for periodical assessment of the status on health, safety and environment and taking all the remedial measures ; vi. its intentions to integrate health and safety, in all decisions including those dealing with purchase of plant, equipment, machinery and material as well as selection and placement of personnel ; vii. arrangements for informing, educating and training and retraining its employees at different levels and the public, wherever required.

(f) A copy of the declared Health and Safety Policy signed by the occupier shall be made available to the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator.

(g) The policy shall be made widely known by – i. making copies available to all employees including contract employees, apprentices, transport employees, suppliers, etc. ii. displaying copies of the policy at conspicuous places ; and iii. any other means of communication ; in a language understood by the majority of employees.

(h) The occupiers shall revise the Health and Safety Policy as often as may be appropriate, but it shall necessarily be revised under the following circumstances – i. Wherever any expansion or modification having implications on safety and health of persons at works is made, or ii. whenever new substances or articles are introduced in the manufacturing process having implications in health and safety of persons exposed to such substances or articles.