Workplace safety compliance checklist: Sri Lanka

The Factories Ordinance No. 45 of 1942 is still the main safety law. Section 84 applies its registration, safety, accident-notification and penalty parts to building and engineering construction works run as a business, and treats the person undertaking the works as the occupier. Where no express penalty is set, a first offence brings a fine of at least Rs 5,000, rising to Rs 25,000 for a third offence (s.109). If a contravention causes death or injury, the occupier can also be fined up to Rs 100,000 (s.111). Directors and managers can be liable when the offence involved their consent, connivance or neglect (s.108(5)).