(1) In accordance with the provisions of this Code, the statutory standards and employer duties governing State Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board 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 17
Section 17 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 directs every State Government to constitute a State Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board to advise the State administration on the enforcement of the Code, regional rule-making, and cluster-specific industrial safety interventions.
Industrial chambers of commerce and regional employer associations should participate in State Board consultations to highlight operational realities in micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) clusters. When facing regional enforcement blitzes, verify whether local inspectorate directives conform to the published policies approved by the State Advisory Board.