Govt. Notifies Maximum Continuous Working Hours Under OSHWC Code 2020

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a notification under Section 25(1)(b) of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 prescribing limits on continuous working hours for workers.

The notification provides that no worker shall be required or permitted to work continuously for more than five hours without a prescribed interval for rest.

1. Maximum Continuous Working Period Fixed at Five Hours

Under the notification, no worker shall be required or allowed to work continuously for a period exceeding five hours.

The provision seeks to regulate working conditions and ensure adequate rest intervals during working hours.

2. Mandatory Rest Interval of at Least Half an Hour

The Ministry has mandated that where a worker completes five continuous hours of work, an interval of at least half an hour must be provided before work resumes.

Accordingly:

• Continuous work beyond five hours shall not be permitted; and
• A minimum break of 30 minutes shall be mandatory after such period of work.

3. Notification Issued Under Section 25(1)(b)

The notification has been issued under Section 25(1)(b) of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, which empowers the Government to prescribe working hour conditions and intervals for workers.

The measure forms part of the broader occupational safety and labour welfare framework under the Code.

4. Effective Date

The notification shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

Accordingly, establishments governed by the Code will be required to comply with the revised working hour requirement from the effective date.

5. Objective of the Notification

The notification aims to promote worker welfare, occupational health and humane working conditions by ensuring mandatory rest breaks during working hours.

The provision is intended to reduce worker fatigue, improve workplace safety and support better working conditions across establishments covered under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020.