This page was last updated on:
2023-05-26
Employer Cares
Every owner of an industry is required to take the necessary precautions to protect workers against industrial accidents and occupational diseases. The employer is responsible for maintaining the workplace; taking reasonable measures to ensure safety; providing information and training as is necessary; provide protection to prevent contamination; take reasonable measures to provide a safe working environment; ensure employees’ participation in application and review of safety and health measures; and consult employees and their representatives on all questions related to workplace health and safety.
Furthermore, an employee is to take immediate steps to stop any operation and evacuate the employees, if there is an imminent and serious danger to health and safety of employees. An employer cannot dismiss or take disciplinary action concerning an employee who has departed from a hazardous situation. Similarly, the employer cannot require an employee to resume work in hazardous circumstances.
Sources: §110, 111 & 114 of the Labour Act, 2017
Free Protection
The Labour Act expressly states that the employer cannot deduct from the wages of the employee the cost of any equipment, material, tool or protective gear which the employee has provided to the employee for the purposes of performing the duties under the employment contract.
Sources: §51 of the Labour Act, 2017
Training
Employers are required to ensure that employees have been trained as is necessary to ensure safety and health at the work of every employee.
Sources: §110 of the Labour Act, 2017
Labour Inspection System
The Labour Act allows for the appointment of labour inspectors to advise and supervise compliance of the Labour Act and any collective agreement or arbitration award made under it. Furthermore, the inspector is to investigate complaints and administrative proceedings received under the Labour Act, any other legal instrument, collective agreement or arbitration award.
The labour inspector has the power to enter the factory premises during working hours, by day or at night in order to inspect, inquire into accidents, examine the equipment and materials and take samples or to verify any other particulars he/she deems necessary. The employer or his/her agent or representative are required to furnish to the industrial safety inspector all data and information requested.
Sources: §27 & 28 of the Labour Act, 2017
Regulations on Health and Safety
