Karnataka Introduces New Safety Audit Rules for Factories

In a major development aimed at improving workplace safety, the Government of Karnataka has introduced the Karnataka Factories (Safety Audit) Rules, 2024, effective from February 1, 2025. These updated rules are designed to strengthen occupational safety and health (OSH) measures in factories across the state, particularly those dealing with hazardous chemicals and manufacturing processes.

Key Highlights of the Karnataka Factories (Safety Audit) Rules, 2024

The Karnataka Factories (Safety Audit) Rules, 2024 establish clear guidelines for conducting safety audits in factories, ensuring a safer working environment for employees. Below are the key provisions of the new rules:

1. Applicability of the Rules

The rules apply to factories involved in:

• Hazardous manufacturing processes (such as those dealing with toxic, highly inflammable, or explosive chemicals).

• Factories listed under the Major Accident Hazards Control (Karnataka) Rules, 1994.

• Factories with more than 50 workers, regardless of the manufacturing process.

2. Frequency of Safety Audits

Factories are required to carry out both internal and external safety audits:

• Internal Audit: Conducted once a year by the factory’s own personnel.

• External Audit: Conducted once every two years by a certified safety auditor. For factories with fewer than 150 workers, external audits can be done every four years.

In cases of any changes in manufacturing processes, an external safety audit must be conducted within one month prior to the change.

3. Qualifications for Safety Auditors

To ensure competency, safety auditors must meet the qualifications outlined in the rules. These include:

• A Bachelor’s or Post Graduate degree from a recognized university or a diploma from a statutory institution.

• Experience: Safety auditors must have the requisite experience in occupational safety and health, as defined in the rules.

Additionally, any institution wishing to become a recognized safety auditor must employ at least three qualified safety professionals.

4. Standards for Safety Audits

The safety audits must be carried out according to the Indian Standard IS 14489: 1998 on Occupational Safety and Health Audits, or any updated standards in force at the time. These audits aim to evaluate the occupational safety and health systems in factories and suggest improvements to mitigate risks.

5. Reporting and Compliance

• The Safety Auditor must submit a Safety Audit Report to the factory occupier within one month of completing the audit, detailing findings and recommendations.

• If the audit identifies immediate hazards, the auditor must inform both the factory occupier and the relevant inspector immediately, prompting corrective actions to be taken.

• The Factory Occupier is required to submit a Compliance Report to the Chief Inspector within 30 days of receiving the audit report, including the actions taken in response to audit recommendations.

6. Grant and Renewal of Safety Auditor Recognition

• Individual safety auditors must apply using Form-II, while institutions must use Form-III to apply for recognition or renewal.

• Recognition Period: Valid for two years.

• Eligibility for Renewal: Safety auditors must have conducted at least five safety audits within the last two years and adhere to professional conduct standards.

7. Re-audit and Compliance

If the Chief Inspector determines that a safety audit was not conducted in accordance with the rules, a re-audit may be mandated. The re-audit must be completed within 30 days, and the occupier must submit the re-audit report and compliance actions following the same procedures as the initial audit.

8. Exemptions

• The Chief Inspector can grant exemptions from the provisions of these rules if the nature of a factory’s operations makes compliance impractical.

• Exemptions can be revoked at any time if deemed necessary for ensuring worker safety.

Compliance Timeline and Actions for Factories

Factories must ensure that they are compliant with these rules by adhering to the following timeline and actions:

• Internal Safety Audits: Conducted annually by factory personnel.

• External Safety Audits: Carried out every two years (or four years for smaller factories).

• Reporting: Submit audit reports and compliance actions as required within the stipulated timelines.

9. Consequences for Non-Compliance

Factories that fail to comply with the safety audit requirements may face penalties or sanctions, including the potential revocation of their safety auditor’s recognition if the audit is found to be inadequate.

10. Repeal :  The Karnataka Factories (Safety Audit) Rules, 2016 are hereby repealed

The Rules have also introduced important forms