Occupational Safety and Health — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

To ace OSH questions in Prelims, a multi-pronged strategy focusing on factual accuracy and conceptual clarity is essential. First, master the constitutional provisions: Articles 21, 24, 39(e), and 42.

Understand their core tenets and how they relate to worker safety. Second, deep dive into the OSH Code 2020: Know its key features, such as expanded coverage (10+ workers, gig workers), employer duties, worker rights, and the shift to 'Inspector-cum-Facilitator'.

Pay attention to the number of laws it consolidated (13). Third, familiarize yourself with landmark judgments: CERC v. Union of India (Article 21, right to health) and M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (absolute liability).

Remember the year and the core principle. Fourth, understand the regulatory bodies: DGFASLI's role, Chief Inspector of Factories, and State Labour Commissioners. Fifth, classify workplace hazards (physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial) and the hierarchy of controls (Elimination > Substitution > Engineering > Administrative > PPE).

Finally, know India's stance on ILO Conventions (non-ratification of C155, C161, C187) but their influence on domestic law. Practice MCQs with trap analysis to identify common pitfalls. Focus on numbers, years, and specific provisions.