(1) In accordance with the provisions of this Code, the statutory standards and employer duties governing Powers of inspector regarding records 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 37
Section 37 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 introduces an innovative third-party audit and certification mechanism, enabling designated classes of establishments to undergo safety audits conducted by recognized, accredited technical institutions and experts, reducing governmental inspection frequency.
Medium and non-hazardous establishments should engage third-party safety auditors accredited by the Quality Council of India (QCI) or DGFASLI. Implement all audit recommendations within sixty days, secure the formal Section 37 Compliance Certificate, and upload it to the Shram Suvidha portal to secure low-risk classification and relief from routine physical inspections.