Safety Officer Vacancy: How Soon Should You Hire a Replacement After Resignation?

I have one query regarding the appointment of a safety officer. If an existing safety officer resigns and leaves the company, is there any time limit, either 90 days, 120 days, or immediately, to recruit a new safety officer? Kindly guide me on the subject matter.

Dear Venkateswarlu, Section 40B(2) of the Factories Act, 1947 leaves all matters pertaining to Safety Officers to the concerned State Governments. It is advisable to refer to the State Rules. Thank you.

According to the law (i.e., FA or Mine Act or BOCW Act and similar enactments on OSH, including the new code), it is stated to employ such a number of Safety Officers as may be specified, outlining their duties, qualifications, and conditions of service. To my knowledge, there is nothing in the rules regarding the time limit within which you should fill up the vacancy of a safety officer. In my view, you should not keep this appointment vacant for any period and should fill it at the earliest possible time justifiably.

Thank you.