Gurugram collapse: SC seeks Centre’s reply on gaps in safety code for workers
The Supreme Court on Monday sought the response of the Centre on a petition alleging lack of a safety code for construction workers under the new Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026 in the light of a recent wall collapse in Gurugram that killed seven workers and injured four
On Monday, the Supreme Court requested the central government's response regarding a petition concerning the absence of a safety code for construction workers under the recently implemented Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026. This followed a recent wall collapse in Gurugram that resulted in the deaths of seven workers and injuries to four others.
Chief Justice Surya Kant's bench emphasized that safety should be a mandatory condition in construction worker licenses. Petitioner Prashant Bhushan highlighted the March accident at the Signature Global City of Colours project, which revealed significant gaps in legislation that fail to guarantee worker safety and compensation benefits.
The new rules, which came into effect on May 7, primarily address cleanliness, ventilation, and dust, leaving out crucial aspects of worker safety. Bhushan pointed out the code's failure to specify a forum or tribunal for compensation claims and the lack of provisions for excavations, shoring, sloping, placement of excavated material, inspection before entry, scaffolding, formwork, or demolition.
He also called for the creation of a central fund for worker welfare and a complete inquiry into the March collapse, along with compensation and statutory dues for the deceased and injured workers and their families.
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