Creating a safe and healthy work environment is no longer optional—it’s a legal requirement under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (OSHWC) 2020. One of the key mandates under this law is the setup of well-equipped Occupational Health Centres (OHCs) in factories and hazardous industries. These centres play a crucial role in promoting employee well-being and ensuring compliance with government regulations. To meet these standards, organisations must ensure the availability of essential equipment for OHC under OSHWC 2020, which is vital for effective medical response and workplace health management.
At VMEDO, we specialise in helping industries establish compliant, efficient, and fully equipped OHCs as per OSHWC 2020 norms. This blog outlines the essential equipment every OHC must have to meet legal requirements and safeguard worker health.
Why is OHC Setup Important Under OSHWC 2020?
The OSHWC Code 2020 consolidates and streamlines India’s occupational safety laws. It mandates that factories and other hazardous workplaces must maintain Occupational Health Centres to:
- Provide immediate medical assistance
- Conduct periodic health checkups
- Prevent and manage occupational diseases
- Maintain employee health records
Non-compliance can result in heavy penalties, operational disruptions, and reputational damage.
Setting up a compliant OHC not only ensures you meet legal requirements but also boosts workplace morale and productivity. A healthy workforce is a productive workforce.
Essential Equipment for OHC Under OSHWC 2020
Here’s a detailed list of the medical equipment and supplies every Occupational Health Centre must have:
1. First Aid Kits and Medical Supplies
Basic yet essential, your OHC must have well-stocked first aid kits at all times, including:
- Sterile gauze and bandages
- Adhesive tapes
- Antiseptic solution and ointments
- Scissors and tweezers
- Burn ointments
- Cotton swabs
- Disposable gloves
- Thermometers
These kits should be accessible, clearly marked, and regularly inspected to ensure all items are within their expiry dates.
2. Examination Table and Medical Furniture
To conduct proper health checkups and examinations:
- Adjustable examination table with mattress
- Doctors’ stools and chairs
- Patient chairs
- Medical trolleys
- Storage cabinets
Comfort and hygiene are key—each item must be easy to sanitise and maintain.
3. Emergency Equipment
For immediate response to workplace injuries or medical emergencies:
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Oxygen cylinder with mask and regulator
- Ambu bag (manual resuscitator)
- Suction machine
- Spine board or stretcher
- BP monitor and stethoscope
This equipment is crucial for stabilising patients before professional medical services arrive.
4. Diagnostic Tools
To conduct basic diagnostic checks:
- Glucometer with test strips
- Pulse oximeter
- ECG machine (for hazardous workplaces)
- Hemoglobin meter
- Thermometer (digital or infrared)
- Otoscope and ophthalmoscope
These tools help with the early detection of illnesses and facilitate timely referrals
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
To protect both medical staff and patients:
- Face masks
- Gloves (latex/nitrile)
- Face shields
- Disposable aprons/gowns
- Safety goggles
A PPE stockpile ensures readiness during outbreaks or biological emergencies.
6. Sanitation and Disinfection Supplies
For hygiene and infection control:
- Hand sanitizers
- Disinfectant sprays
- Soap dispensers
- Autoclave or steriliser
- Waste disposal bins (biohazard compliant)
Proper sanitation protocols prevent cross-contamination and maintain a sterile environment.
7. Documentation and IT Equipment
Digital record-keeping is mandatory under OSHWC 2020:
- Desktop computer or laptop
- Health management software
- Internet connection
- Printers and scanners
- Digital health cards or record-keeping tools
These ensure data integrity, privacy, and compliance with regulatory audits.
8. Basic Laboratory Setup
Depending on the industry type, some OHCs may also need basic pathology testing capabilities:
- Microscope
- Centrifuge machine
- Blood sample collection kits
- Urine testing strips
In-house testing can save time and improve diagnostic accuracy.
Staff Requirements to Operate the OHC
As per OSHWC 2020:
- A part-time or full-time doctor (depending on workforce size)
- Qualified nurse or paramedic
- Lab technician (optional, based on services offered)
- Support staff for hygiene and administration
VMEDO can assist in hiring and onboarding the required medical staff, ensuring they are trained and certified.
Why Partner with VMEDO for Essential Equipment for OHC Under OSHWC 2020?
VMEDO helps industries across India set up Occupational Health Centres that meet every requirement of the OSHWC 2020, including:
- Site inspection and layout planning
- Procurement of medical equipment
- Medical staff recruitment
- Pre-Employment health check-ups
- First Aid Training and Certifications
- Maintenance of digital health records
Benefits of a Fully Equipped OHC
- Improved Worker Safety: Immediate care in emergencies reduces fatalities and long-term complications.
- Early Diagnosis: Regular screenings help identify illnesses before they worsen.
- Reduced Downtime: Quick medical attention ensures a faster return to work.
- Employee Satisfaction: Demonstrates care for employee well-being.
- Regulatory Compliance: Avoid fines and legal troubles through a proactive safety infrastructure
- Insurance and Legal Protection: Demonstrates due diligence in case of health-related claims or audits.
FAQ: Essential Equipments for OHC Under OSHWC 2020
Q1. What type of industries need to set up an OHC?
Industries that involve hazardous processes, large workforces, or are regulated under the Factories Act must set up OHCs.
Q2. How many employees does a company need to establish an OHC?
Generally, factories with more than 250 employees or those in hazardous sectors must establish an OHC.
Q3. Can VMEDO help with medical staff recruitment?
Yes, VMEDO provides trained and certified doctors, nurses, and paramedics for OHCs
Q4. Are AED machines mandatory in OHCs?
While not explicitly mandatory, AEDs are highly recommended for managing cardiac emergencies.
Q5. Does the law require digital record-keeping of medical data?
Yes, OSHWC 2020 mandates the use of digital records for employee health monitoring.
Q6. Can VMEDO provide periodic maintenance of equipment?
Yes, VMEDO offers annual maintenance contracts (AMCs) for medical equipment in OHCs.
Q7. How often should the equipment in OHCs be checked or calibrated?
It is recommended to have quarterly checks and annual calibrations, depending on equipment type and usage.
Q8. Is it necessary to have a lab setup in every OHC?
Not always. It’s required in sectors dealing with hazardous materials or as per internal risk assessments.
Q9. What training is required for OHC staff?
Staff should be trained in first aid, emergency response, equipment usage, and digital record-keeping.
Q10. How can VMEDO help me stay updated on future legal changes?
We offer regulatory updates, training sessions, and audits to keep your OHC always compliant.
Setting up a compliant OHC is not just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating a culture of safety, preparedness, and care. With OSHWC 2020 setting the legal benchmark, now is the time to evaluate and upgrade your workplace medical infrastructure.
Partner with VMEDO to ensure your Occupational Health Centre is fully compliant, equipped, and always ready. Let us help you protect what matters most—your people.
