The Government of Karnataka on December 12, 2024 published the draft of the Karnataka Factories (Safety Audit) Rules, 2024, which aims to enhance safety measures in factories across the state. The draft rules are open for public feedback, with the government allowing objections or suggestions until January 26, 2025.
The new rules, drafted under the Factories Act, 1948, will apply to factories involved in hazardous manufacturing processes—particularly those handling toxic, flammable, or explosive substances—and to all factories employing more than 50 workers. These rules require factories to conduct regular safety audits to ensure a safer working environment.
Key Provisions of the Draft Rules:
Mandatory Safety Audits
Factory owners, or occupiers, are required to arrange for internal safety audits once a year, conducted by the plant personnel. External audits by recognized safety auditors must be carried out every two years. For factories with fewer than 150 workers, the external audit frequency will be once every four years.
Qualification of Safety Auditors
The Chief Inspector will recognize safety auditors who meet the necessary qualifications and experience. Both individuals and institutions can apply for recognition, with specific conditions and fees (Rs. 25,000 for individuals, Rs. 50,000 for institutions).
Safety Audit Standards
The audits must adhere to the Indian Standard IS 14489:1998 or any relevant standards in force, ensuring that safety protocols meet national guidelines.
Report Submission and Compliance
Safety auditors are required to submit their audit findings to factory owners, along with recommendations for improvements. Factory occupiers must then submit an action report to the Chief Inspector within 30 days.
Re-audit in Case of Non-compliance
If discrepancies are found in the audit, the Chief Inspector may order a re-audit within 30 days to address the identified issues.
Exemptions
Certain factories may be exempt from some of the rules if they meet specific criteria, such as the nature of the manufacturing processes or the impracticality of carrying out audits due to factory conditions.
As per the Rules Schedule 1 elaborates the Qualifications of the Safety Auditor
FORM 1 – Intimation of Safety Audit
Schedule II – Proforma for submission of Safety Audit Report
FORM II – Application form for recognition or renewal of recognition of Safety Auditor
FORM IV – Certificate of recognition / renewal of recognition as a Safety Auditor
The Karnataka government has invited public feedback on the proposed rules, which will be taken into account before they are finalized. Stakeholders, including factory owners and workers, can submit their objections or suggestions to the Secretary of the Labour Department, Bengaluru, by the end of January.
These new safety audit rules are part of the state’s continued efforts to improve workplace safety, particularly in industries dealing with hazardous chemicals and processes, and to protect workers from potential accidents and health risks.
