Patna: Workers employed in eligible factories, establishments and shops across Bihar will now be entitled to appointment letters and annual health check-ups at their employers’ expense under the State Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Rules-2026.
The new provisions also prescribe requirements concerning working hours, rest intervals, workplace safety and essential amenities for workers.
Rules apply to establishments with 10 or more workers
According to the new provisions, the requirement to issue appointment letters will apply to factories, establishments and shops employing at least 10 workers.
Workers in the domestic and agricultural sectors will remain outside the scope of these provisions.
The Labour Resources and Migrant Workers’ Welfare Department will deploy inspection teams to factories, establishments and shops to monitor compliance with the new requirements.
Single registration for employers
A senior department official said a database of factories, establishments and shops will be prepared based on the new provisions.
Employers will also benefit from a single registration facility, replacing the need for multiple registrations.
The rules prescribe working hours and rest intervals for workers, along with requirements relating to workplace safety and basic facilities.
Safety provisions for women working night shifts
Women will be permitted to work night shifts, provided they give their consent and adequate safety arrangements are in place.
The new provisions make specific safety requirements mandatory for female employees working during night hours.
Construction workers to receive special protection
Special provisions have also been introduced for the safety, health and welfare of building and other construction workers.
Employers will be required to assess potential risks at workplaces. A departmental-level mechanism has been established to monitor compliance with these risk-assessment requirements.
The new rules are intended to strengthen workplace safety and welfare standards while establishing a structured system for registration, inspection and monitoring across covered establishments in Bihar.
