Bihar’s Self-Certification and Third Party Audit and Certification Scheme, 2026 introduces a risk-based approach to verifying workplace compliance under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 and the applicable Bihar Rules.
Identified as Notification S.O. 217, the Scheme links the method of compliance verification to an establishment’s risk category. Its purpose is to support safe and healthy working conditions through digital information submission, structured audits and targeted inspections.
The framework provides three different routes:
Risk category | Compliance verification route |
|---|---|
Low Risk | Self-certification by eligible establishments |
Medium Risk | Third-party audit and certification through empanelled experts |
High Risk | Inspection by the Inspector-cum-Facilitator; excluded from the self-certification and third-party certification Scheme |
For employers, the first step is therefore to establish the correct risk classification under the applicable notification. Eligibility should be checked against that classification and the Scheme’s exclusions before adopting either certification route.
The Scheme covers establishments registered under Section 3 of the OSHWC Code, 2020, for which Bihar is the appropriate Government and which fall within the eligible Low Risk or Medium Risk categories.
Several establishments remain outside its scope. These include establishments under Central Government jurisdiction, such as mines, major ports, oil fields, railways and Central Government establishments, as well as High Risk establishments.
The exclusions also extend to major accident hazard installations and factories involving specified hazardous processes or hazardous substances above prescribed thresholds. These exclusions apply regardless of the risk category otherwise assigned to the establishment.
For Medium Risk establishments, third-party audits are to be conducted by qualified, empanelled experts assigned through a randomised web-based mechanism. Employers should therefore plan around the prescribed allocation process when preparing for certification.
The commencement provisions require particular attention. The Scheme takes effect upon publication in the Official Gazette. However, Chapter III becomes operational only when the Labour Commissioner, Bihar declares the randomised expert-allocation module on the Central Inspection System Portal functional. Publication of the Scheme alone should therefore not be treated as confirmation that this mechanism is operational.
As a practical preparation exercise, employers should:
Verify their Section 3 registration and the appropriate Government.
Confirm the establishment’s notified risk classification.
Check whether hazardous-process or other exclusions apply.
Review workplace safety practices and the records supporting any proposed certification.
Monitor the Labour Commissioner’s declaration concerning Chapter III.
The practical implication is greater emphasis on demonstrable compliance. Employers preparing for self-certification or an external audit should ensure that their declarations and records accurately reflect actual workplace conditions.