(1) In accordance with the provisions of this Code, the statutory standards and employer duties governing Duties of architect, project engineer and designer 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 7
Section 7 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 delineates the stringent, non-delegable duties and statutory responsibilities of the owner, agent, and appointed manager of a mine, establishing a joint and several liability matrix to ensure that all mining operations strictly adhere to structural, ventilation, and operational safety standards.
Mining corporate boards must implement a ring-fenced safety governance framework. Ensure the statutory Mine Manager is furnished with unhindered operational authority and formal written authorizations. Board minutes must systematically document dedicated capital expenditure approvals for mine safety, roof bolting, gas detection, and emergency refuge chambers to sustain a robust due diligence defense under Section 7.