Kerala Factory Compliance: Registration and Safety

Factory Compliance in Kerala: Check the Current OSH Code Rules

Factory health, safety and working-condition requirements are now governed by the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, its applicable rules and notifications. The Codes commenced on 21 November 2025, and the Factories Act, 1948 was repealed and replaced by the OSH Code on commencement. Older references to that Act, legacy forms, thresholds and renewal dates should not be reused without checking whether a saving provision or current Kerala rule keeps them applicable to the specific matter.

The Ministry’s March 2026 FAQ describes an eight-hour daily and 48-hour weekly limit for covered workers, with overtime at twice ordinary wages when applicable limits are exceeded. Coverage, the appropriate government, worker category, permitted exceptions and local rules affect the result.

Before construction or operations

1. Classify the establishment, process, premises and worker groups under the current Code and Kerala rules.
2. Ask the authority responsible for the site which registration, plan approval, licence and supporting documents apply.
3. Complete the required process before the triggering activity or date specified by the applicable rule; do not rely on an old form or deadline from a generic checklist.
4. Assign responsibility for occupational safety, health examinations, emergency arrangements, worker facilities and incident reporting as required for the establishment.

Operating records to maintain

• Current registration, approvals, licence and authority correspondence.
• Worker, attendance, shift, rest and overtime records required by the applicable rules.
• Risk assessments, safety instructions, training, health and incident records as applicable.
• Contractor and principal-employer records where contract labour is engaged.
• Evidence of corrective actions, inspections and required notices or returns.

Official references

• Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020
• Ministry FAQ on the Labour Codes, 16 March 2026
• Ministry of Labour: current Code rules and updates
• Kerala Labour Commissionerate

This page is general information. Confirm the rule and approval route with the responsible authority for the specific premises. For compliance support, contact GHR Consultancy.