Govt. Notifies Maximum Shift Hours for Below Ground Mine Workers

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  • Last Updated on 20 May, 2026

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Notification No. S.O. 2516(E), Dated: 13.05.2026

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a notification under the first proviso to Section 25(1)(i) of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 prescribing the maximum working hours for persons employed in below-ground mining operations.

1. Maximum Shift Duration Fixed at Eight Hours

The notification provides that persons employed in the below-ground working of mines shall not work for more than eight hours in each shift in a day.

Accordingly, employers shall ensure that workers engaged in underground mining activities are not assigned shifts exceeding the prescribed duration.

2. Applicability to Below-Ground Mine Workers

The prescribed limit specifically applies to persons employed in below-ground working of mines.

Given the hazardous and physically demanding nature of underground mining operations, the restriction seeks to regulate working conditions and ensure worker safety.

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

The notification has been issued under the first proviso to Section 25(1)(i) of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, which empowers the Government to prescribe working hour limits and conditions for workers in specified sectors, including mines.

The provision forms part of the broader framework governing occupational safety, health and working conditions under the Code.

4. Employer Compliance Obligations

Mining establishments covered under the Code will be required to ensure compliance with the prescribed maximum shift duration and appropriately structure working schedules for underground operations.

Employers must ensure that no person engaged in below-ground work is required or permitted to work beyond the notified limit of eight hours per shift.

5. Objective of the Notification

The notification aims to strengthen occupational safety and labour welfare in the mining sector by limiting prolonged exposure to hazardous underground working conditions.

The measure is intended to reduce worker fatigue, improve safety standards and promote better working conditions for persons employed in below-ground mining activities under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020.

Click Here To Read The Full Notification

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Author: Taxmann

Taxmann Publications has a dedicated in-house Research & Editorial Team. This team consists of a team of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Lawyers. This team works under the guidance and supervision of editor-in-chief Mr Rakesh Bhargava.

The Research and Editorial Team is responsible for developing reliable and accurate content for the readers. The team follows the six-sigma approach to achieve the benchmark of zero error in its publications and research platforms. The team ensures that the following publication guidelines are thoroughly followed while developing the content:

  • The statutory material is obtained only from the authorized and reliable sources
  • All the latest developments in the judicial and legislative fields are covered
  • Prepare the analytical write-ups on current, controversial, and important issues to help the readers to understand the concept and its implications
  • Every content published by Taxmann is complete, accurate and lucid
  • All evidence-based statements are supported with proper reference to Section, Circular No., Notification No. or citations
  • The golden rules of grammar, style and consistency are thoroughly followed
  • Font and size that's easy to read and remain consistent across all imprint and digital publications are applied