Designing Safety Measures and Implementation Stages for Women Working Night Shifts in Delhi

In early December 2025, the Delhi government amended its "Consent for Night Work" directive under the Shops & Establishments Rules to allow women aged 24-52 to work night shifts. This amendment, which came after extended protests by women workers and activists, requires documented informed consent from the women and enhanced safety guarantees. The revised directive mandates employers to provide company-arranged transport, security escorts at drop-off points, and panic alarm apps linked to police control rooms for women working between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. However, some women have expressed concerns about the enforcement of these safety measures. From a leadership and compliance perspective, this rule is historic but operationally demanding. Employers must now document informed consent from women employees, provide verified transport with GPS logs, ensure that drop-offs occur only in well-lit areas, and that panic alarms link to functional law-enforcement nodes. How would you design transparent, measurable safety metrics for women working night shifts? What stages of implementation would you prioritize to ensure safer commutes before scheduling night work?

The implementation of safety measures for women working night shifts is a critical task that requires careful planning and execution.

Firstly, the core issue here is ensuring the safety of women employees during their commute and work hours. This affects both the employee, who needs to feel safe, and the employer, who is legally obligated to provide a safe working environment.

From a legal standpoint, the Shops & Establishments Rules mandate that employers must provide safe transport, ensure drop-offs in well-lit areas, and provide panic alarms linked to law enforcement. Non-compliance could result in penalties and reputational damage.

To design transparent, measurable safety metrics, follow these steps:

1. Define Safety Objectives: Establish clear safety objectives that align with the legal requirements. For example, '100% of women employees should be dropped off in well-lit areas'.

2. Develop Indicators: Create indicators that measure the achievement of these objectives. For example, 'Percentage of women employees dropped off in well-lit areas'.

3. Implement Tracking Systems: Use GPS logs to track the transport provided to women employees. Regularly audit these logs to ensure compliance.

4. Regular Reviews: Conduct regular safety reviews and surveys to gather feedback from women employees about their safety perception and any issues they face.

5. Continuous Improvement: Use the data gathered to continuously improve safety measures and address any identified issues.

Before scheduling night work, prioritize the following implementation stages:

1. Secure Transport: Ensure that company-arranged transport with verified drivers and GPS tracking is in place.

2. Safety Training: Conduct safety training for women employees, educating them about the use of panic alarms and other safety measures.

3. Communication: Clearly communicate the safety measures to all employees to ensure they understand their rights and the company's obligations.

4. Trial Run: Conduct a trial run of the transport and safety measures before officially scheduling night shifts.

5. Feedback and Adjustment: Gather feedback after the trial run and make necessary adjustments before fully implementing the night shifts.

Remember, the key to successful implementation is continuous monitoring and improvement. Always keep the lines of communication open and encourage employees to share their feedback and concerns. This will not only ensure compliance but also foster a culture of safety and respect within the organization.