Karnataka Labour Department asserts that night-shift safeguards for women employees are covered under OSH Rules

The Karnataka Labour Department has clarified that safety measures for women working night shifts, which were previously included under the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, have been incorporated into the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Rules. This clarification came after objections raised by the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees’ Union (KITU) concerning the omission of several clauses from the Act.

The department noted that the deleted rules included mandatory verification of drivers, authorized pick-up and drop routes, confidentiality of women employees’ contact details, and more. Despite KITU's concerns, department officials stated that all omitted provisions are now covered under the OSH Rules. According to the Labour Department, establishments with fewer than 10 employees remain under the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, while those with 10 or more employees fall under the OSH Code, with corresponding State Rules.

Most IT companies, which typically employ 10 or more workers, would therefore be subject to the OSH Code's provisions, which include additional safeguards for women employees during night shifts and in dangerous operations.