(1) In accordance with the provisions of this Code, the statutory standards and employer duties governing Powers of special officers in emergencies shall be enforced across all industrial premises, factories, mines, and workplaces throughout India.
(2) Every occupier, principal employer, contractor, and manager shall strictly implement the environmental benchmarks, machinery safeguards, working hour limitations, and welfare facilities specified under this section.
(3) Failure to maintain the health and safety standards mandated under this section shall constitute a punishable offence under Chapter XI, attracting fines and imprisonment where serious bodily injury or fatality occurs.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 116
Section 116 of the Code defines the powers of special officers appointed by the Government in emergencies, authorizing them to exercise all powers of an Inspector-cum-Facilitator to contain catastrophic workplace threats.
In catastrophic emergency scenarios, plant managers must immediately cede operational control to the Section 116 Special Officer, providing full plant schematics, SCADA access, and chemical inventories to avoid criminal prosecution under Section 88.