The Kerala Labour Commissioner’s Office has issued a directive mandating better welfare and safety provisions for security personnel employed in shops and commercial establishments.

This includes:

• Seating Facilities (Section 21B): Establishments must provide suitable seating arrangements for security personnel to avoid continuous standing during duty hours. This ensures they can sit whenever possible.
• Protective Equipment (Rule 6(4)(a)): Employers are required to supply safety gear such as reflective jackets, canopies, protective goggles, and helmets to shield workers from physical or chemical hazards.
• Outdoor Work Safety: Special emphasis is placed on providing shade and protection from harsh weather for security personnel working in open areas, such as parking lots and near highways.
• Compliance Inspections: District labour officers will conduct routine checks to ensure adherence to wage protection, overtime pay, entitled leaves, and other statutory benefits. The use of the Wage Protection System (WPS) is recommended to ensure timely salary payments.

These measures aim to improve the physical and mental well-being of security staff and promote a safer working environment. Non-compliance may lead to legal action.