In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, employee health and safety are more important than ever. To unify and modernize workplace safety regulations, the Government of India introduced the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (OSHWC), 2020. This consolidated code is designed to ensure that all employees across sectors are provided with a safe, healthy, and compliant work environment. This blog will simplify everything you need to know about India’s OSHWC 2020
At VMEDO, we assist organizations in achieving complete OSHWC compliance—from setting up Occupational Health Centres (OHCs) to conducting employee health checkups, safety training, and maintaining digital health records.
What is OSHWC 2020?
The OSHWC Code, 2020, is a part of the Government of India’s labor law reform initiative, aiming to simplify and consolidate multiple labor legislations into a single, streamlined code. It focuses on three key pillars:
- Occupational Safety
- Health Standards
- Working Conditions
It replaces 13 different labor laws, including:
- The Factories Act, 1948
- The Mines Act, 1952
- The Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Act, 1996
- The Contract Labour Act, 1970
- The Working Journalists Act, 1955
…and several others.
This consolidation enhances transparency, simplifies compliance, and ensures better protection for workers.
Who is Covered Under India’s OSHWC 2020?
The code applies to a broad range of establishments, including:
- Factories with 10 or more employees (with power) or 20 (without power)
- Mines and docks
- Construction sites with 10 or more workers
- Plantations and motor transport undertakings
- Any establishment employing contract labor, interstate migrant workers, or building and construction workers
This ensures that nearly all organized and semi-organized sectors fall within its ambit.
Key Provisions of India’s OSHWC 2020
1. Unified Registration System
Businesses need to register just once under the new code, replacing multiple registrations under older laws. This reduces administrative burden and encourages quicker compliance.
2. Standardized Working Hours & Overtime
- Maximum 8 hours per day
- 48 hours per week
- Mandatory overtime compensation
- Record maintenance of working hours
3. Health and Safety Responsibilities of Employers
Employers must:
- Ensure a safe and hazard-free work environment
- Provide safety equipment and protective gear
- Conduct periodic health checkups
- Implement accident prevention measures
High-risk industries must comply with additional safety protocols.
4. Mandatory Welfare Facilities
Depending on workforce size, employers must provide:
- Canteen (if 100+ workers)
- Crèche (if 50+ women workers)
- First-aid kits
- Clean drinking water and sanitation
- Welfare officers (if 250+ workers)
5. Medical Facilities and First Aid
OSHWC mandates Occupational Health Centres (OHCs) in hazardous industries. These centers must:
- Provide immediate care for workplace injuries
- Conduct regular employee health screenings
- Maintain digital health records
- Be staffed by qualified medical professionals
VMEDO specializes in setting up and managing compliant OHCs across India.
6. Employment of Women
Women can now be employed in all types of work, including night shifts, provided that:
- Their written consent is obtained
- Safety provisions such as CCTV, proper lighting, and secure transport are in place
7. Contract Labor Compliance
Employers hiring 50+ contract workers must:
- Register under the OSHWC Code
- Ensure that contractors are licensed and compliant
- Provide wages, PPE, and welfare facilities to contract workers
8. Protection for Inter-State Migrant Workers
Employers must:
- Offer suitable housing and insurance
- Provide periodic medical checkups
- Maintain digital records of migrant workers
- Pay travel allowance for home visits
9. Digital Compliance and Record-Keeping
All establishments must:
- Digitally register with labor departments
- Maintain online health and employment records
- File annual safety audits and returns online
10. Stricter Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Fines up to ₹10 lakhs for major violations
- Imprisonment for accidents or repeated offenses
- Suspension of operations in unsafe conditions
How VMEDO Helps You Comply with OSHWC 2020
1. Occupational Health Centres (OHCs)
We help factories and hazardous workplaces set up fully compliant OHCs with:
- Qualified medical personnel
- Emergency care facilities
- Digital record-keeping systems
2. Worker Health Checkups
Our custom-designed health checkup packages cover:
- Pre-employment tests
- Periodic health screening
- Targeted assessments for high-risk industries
3. First Aid & Safety Training
We train employees on:
- First aid and CPR
- Fire safety and emergency preparedness
- Industry-specific safety protocols
4. Ambulance and Emergency Medical Support
VMEDO offers:
- Standby ambulances for factories and events
- 24/7 emergency response services
5. Digital Health Management
Our tech-enabled platforms allow you to:
- Store and access health records securely
- Track compliance and audit readiness
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About India’s OSHWC 2020
Q1. Is OSHWC 2020 applicable to small businesses?
Yes, if your business employs 10+ workers with power or 20+ without, it falls under the code.
Q2. Are pre-employment health checkups mandatory?
Yes, especially for factories and hazardous sectors. VMEDO offers packages tailored to compliance needs.
Q3. Do I need an OHC even if my factory has fewer than 100 workers?
If your operations involve chemicals, machinery, or other risks, you are legally required to maintain an OHC.
Q4. What are the penalties for not setting up an OHC?
You may face fines and even operational suspension under OSHWC for non-compliance.
Q5. How can VMEDO assist with digital health records?
We provide a secure platform to maintain medical records, track periodic checkups, and generate reports for audits.
Q6. Can VMEDO help train contract workers?
Yes, our safety training programs are designed for permanent and contract workers.
The OSHWC Code, 2020, is a landmark reform that places employee health and safety at the core of industrial development. While compliance may seem overwhelming, partnering with experts like VMEDO simplifies the process.
We support your organization at every step, ensuring your workplace is legally compliant and a safe and healthy environment for your people.
