The Building & Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment & Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 was enacted to regulate the employment and conditions of service of building and other construction workers and to provide for their safety, health and welfare measures. The Act is applicable to every establishment which employs ten or more workers in any building or other construction work and to the projects costing more than Rs. 10 lakh. The exception made is only in respect of residential houses constructed for own purpose with a cost not exceeding Rs. 10 lakh and such other activities to which the provisions of Factories Act, 1948 and Mines Act, 1952 apply.

The Act contains provision for immediate assistance to the workers in case of accidents; old age pension; loans for construction of house; premia for group insurance; financial assistance for education, medical expenses and maternity benefits, etc. It also provides for constitution of safety committees in every establishment employing 500 or more workers with equal representation from workers and employers in addition to appointment of safety officers qualified in the field. However, in case of violation and contravention of any provision, the Act provides for penalties of fine and imprisonment.