Govt. Notifies Maximum Shift Hours for Below Ground Mine Workers

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