⚖️ Mines Act vs OSH Code — Sanitation Facilities
Simple comparison🚧
📘 Quick Summary
The 1952 Act mandated separate toilets for males and females. The new OSH Code 2020 updates this by explicitly adding transgender employees to the list, ensuring inclusivity and better hygiene standards.
📜 Old Law – Mines Act 1952 (Sec 20)
- Separation: Must provide separate latrines/urinals for Males and Females.
- Standards: Must be convenient, accessible, adequately lighted, ventilated, and clean.
- Numbers: Central Govt specifies the proportion based on the number of employees.
📗 New Law – OSH Code 2020 (Sec 23)
- Separation: Must provide sufficient arrangement for Male, Female, and Transgender employees separately.
- Standards: Must maintain hygiene therein.
- Authority: The specific rules will likely detail the scale/ratio (to be prescribed).
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Mines Act 1952 | OSH Code 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Target Group | Male & Female only | Male, Female & Transgender |
| Key Requirement | "Convenient and accessible" | "Sufficient arrangement" |
| Condition | Lighted, ventilated, sanitary | Maintain hygiene |
| Section Ref | Section 20 | Section 23(2)(viii) |
🔍 What Changed & Why It Matters
The addition of "Transgender" is a significant move towards social inclusion in the mining sector. Previously, the law was binary (Male/Female). Now, mine managers must ensure infrastructure planning includes distinct facilities for transgender staff to comply with the OSH Code.
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