With the enactment of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code, 2020, India has taken a significant step toward streamlining and reinforcing occupational health standards. Among its many provisions, one critical aspect for employers is the mandate for Annual Health Check‑ups as per OSHWC 2020, particularly targeting those above a certain age or working in hazardous environments. This requirement is no longer just a best practice—it’s now a legal necessity, reflecting the government’s commitment to safeguarding employee well‑being and ensuring businesses remain compliant and audit‑ready under the updated framework.
In this blog, we will decode Annual Health Check-ups as per OSHWC 2020, why they are essential for your business, and how VMEDO can help you stay compliant, healthy, and audit-ready.
Annual Health Check-up as per OSHWC 2020: What does it mandates?
Under Section 6 and Schedule 4 of the OSHWC Code:
- Every factory, mine, dock, and establishment with workers exposed to hazardous processes or materials must provide annual health check-ups.
- Health check-ups should include basic vitals, blood tests, lung function tests, and more, depending on the nature of the industry.
- Medical records of each employee must be maintained and updated regularly.
Applicability:
The rule applies especially to:
- Factories and hazardous industries
- Workers exposed to dust, chemicals, noise, or physical strain
- Establishments with 50 or more employees in certain categories
Why Annual Health Check-ups as per OSHWC 2020 are Critical?
1. Legal Compliance and Audit Readiness
Failing to conduct annual health check-ups can result in penalties, license cancellation, and prosecution during inspections.
2. Early Detection of Occupational Diseases
Industries such as manufacturing, construction, and chemical processing expose workers to health risks like hearing loss, respiratory illness, and skin conditions. Annual check-ups help detect these issues early.
3. Improved Workforce Productivity
Healthy employees are more productive, focused, and less likely to take frequent sick leaves. Preventive care reduces absenteeism and long-term disability.
4. Boosts Employee Trust and Retention
Offering regular health check-ups shows your commitment to employee well-being. This builds trust and enhances your employer brand.
What Should an Annual Health Check-up Include?
A typical OSHWC-compliant health check-up includes:
- Blood Pressure, Height, Weight, BMI
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Blood Sugar (Fasting or Random)
- Chest X-ray
- Lung Function Test (PFT)
- Audiometry
- Vision Test
- Urine Routine Test
- ECG (for workers over 35 or with cardiac history)
VMEDO Advantage: We customize test packages based on your industry risk profile and provide end-to-end onsite or offsite check-up solutions.
Documentation and Reporting as per OSHWC 2020:
- Employers must maintain health records for each employee.
- These records should be accessible during audits and shared with the employee.
- Reports must include test results, doctor’s interpretation, and fitness declaration.
VMEDO ensures:
- Digital medical records accessible to HR and employees
- Fitness reports with actionable insights
- Assistance during labor inspections and documentation audits
Industries Where Check-ups are Mandatory:
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Plants
- Engineering and Manufacturing Units
- Textile and Garment Factories
- Warehousing and Logistics
- Construction and Infrastructure Projects
If your business operates in any of the above sectors, annual health check-ups are not optional.
How VMEDO Supports Your Business for Annual Health-Check ups as per OSHWC 2020?
VMEDO provides comprehensive employee health check-up services that meet OSHWC 2020 mandates:
- Pre-check-up coordination and scheduling
- Onsite health camps with all essential equipment
- Certified healthcare professionals
- Customized health packages
- Data-driven health reports and analytics
- OHC (Occupational Health Centre) setup and maintenance
We also assist in managing OHC staff like nurses and doctors and provide fitness-to-work certificates.
FAQ: Annual Health Check‑ups as per OSHWC 2020
1. Who is required to undergo Annual Health Check‑ups as per OSHWC Code?
Employees working in factories, mines, docks, construction sites, plantations, or other establishments involving hazardous processes or materials must have an annual health check-up.
2. What does the annual health check‑up include?
Basic vitals (BP, BMI), complete blood count, blood sugar tests, lung function tests (PFT), chest X-ray, audiometry, vision test, urine analysis, and ECGs for employees over 35 or those with cardiac history.
3. Who bears the cost of the health check‑ups?
Employers must provide all mandatory medical examinations at no cost to employees.
4. How often must these check‑ups occur?
Once every calendar year, with timings specified by regulatory authorities for scheduling and completion.
5. What medical records must be maintained?
Employers are required to keep individual medical records including test results, doctor’s interpretations, and fitness-to-work certificates, making them accessible during audits and to employees.
6. What are the penalties for non‑compliance?
Non-compliance can lead to penalties including fines (up to ₹10 lakhs), suspension of operations, license revocation, and potential legal consequences.
7. Do contract workers need check‑ups too?
Yes. Employees or contract labor working in hazardous environments must also receive free annual medical examinations, arranged by the principal employer or contractor.
8. Can check‑up packages be tailored to industry‑specific risks?
Absolutely. Additional tests like liver and renal panels, skin screenings, and more can be included based on exposure risks in sectors like chemicals, mining, and manufacturing.
9. What happens if an employee is found unfit to work?
They must be reassigned to suitable duties or receive medical intervention, as guided by fitness-to-work certifications and follow-up care.
10. How can VMEDO help you comply?
VMEDO provides full-service compliance by organizing onsite/offsite health camps, customizable test packages, certified professionals, digital medical record management, fitness-certified reporting, and support during inspections.
Annual health check-ups are no longer a ‘good-to-have’ HR initiative; they are a legal requirement under OSHWC 2020. More importantly, they reflect your commitment to a safe and responsible work culture.
VMEDO is here to be your partner in health compliance. From organizing medical camps to handling all documentation, we make the entire process smooth, efficient, and compliant.
