In today’s industrial landscape, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment is not just a regulatory necessity—it’s a business imperative. With the implementation of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSHWC 2020), the Government of India has made it mandatory for organizations to elevate their workplace health and safety infrastructure. One of the most significant mandates under this Code is the Occupational Health Centre setup as per OSHWC 2020 in factories and hazardous workplaces.
At VMEDO, we specialize in setting up fully compliant OHCs across India—providing expert support, medical infrastructure, and digital systems to help organizations like yours achieve compliance and protect your workforce.
Why OSHWC 2020 Matters for Businesses?
OSHWC 2020 consolidates 13 major labor laws into one comprehensive code that applies across various industries, including manufacturing, construction, mining, and logistics. It is designed to streamline regulations, ensure uniformity in implementation, and promote safer and healthier workplaces. The Code mandates several requirements related to health, safety, and working conditions, including the establishment of Occupational Health Centres.
What is an Occupational Health Centre (OHC)?
An Occupational Health Centre is a dedicated facility within a workplace designed to provide immediate medical assistance, conduct regular health checkups, and support occupational health and safety initiatives. The presence of an OHC helps ensure that workers exposed to high-risk environments receive the medical support they need in case of injury, illness, or emergencies.
Legal Requirements for Occupational Health Centre Setup as per OSHWC 2020
According to OSHWC 2020, every factory or hazardous workplace with a specific number of workers (depending on the risk classification) must establish an OHC. The key requirements include:
- Mandatory Setup: OHCs are mandatory in establishments with more than 500 workers or those operating in hazardous industries.
- Medical Personnel: Must include a qualified medical officer (MBBS doctor), nurse, pharmacist, and paramedical staff.
- Equipment and Infrastructure: Should be equipped with first aid, resuscitation equipment, stretchers, emergency medication, and basic diagnostic tools.
- Health Records: Regular health check-ups and digital maintenance of employee health records are required.
- Location & Accessibility: OHCs must be within easy reach of all workers and comply with hygiene, ventilation, and lighting standards.
Key Functions of an OHC:
- Emergency Response: Immediate medical assistance for workplace injuries and illnesses.
- Health Surveillance: Periodic health checkups, especially for workers exposed to dust, noise, chemicals, and other occupational hazards.
- Record Maintenance: Health records must be maintained in compliance with state and central government guidelines.
- Medical Certification: Pre-employment and periodic medical fitness certifications for employees.
- Employee Wellness: Promote general wellness and awareness on hygiene, ergonomics, and disease prevention.
Challenges Faced by Employers
- While setting up an OHC is mandatory, it comes with several logistical and operational challenges:
- Recruiting and retaining qualified medical professionals
- Procuring and maintaining medical equipment
- Creating a compliant infrastructure within industrial premises
- Ensuring data privacy and digital record-keeping
- Managing 24/7 emergency readiness
How VMEDO Supports You in OHC Setup?
At VMEDO, we offer end-to-end services to help organizations set up and operate OHCs as per OSHWC 2020. Our offerings include:
1. Site Assessment & Compliance Mapping
Our team conducts a detailed assessment of your facility and workforce to determine the type of OHC required. We map regulatory compliance checklists and prepare a setup plan tailored to your organization.
2. Medical Infrastructure & Equipment
We supply and install high-quality medical equipment including:
- Examination tables
- ECG machines
- Oxygen cylinders
- Nebulizers
- Defibrillators (AEDs)
- First aid kits
All equipment is compliant with national health and safety standards.
3. Staffing Solutions
VMEDO provides recruitment and deployment of:
- MBBS doctors
- Registered nurses
- Pharmacist
- Emergency medical technicians (EMTs)
We also offer rotation staffing and telehealth support for remote locations.
4. Digital Health Record System
We install an easy-to-use digital health management system that helps you:
- Maintain employee health records
- Schedule periodic checkups
- Generate audit-ready reports
- Ensure secure, GDPR-compliant data storage
5. Training & Awareness Programs
We conduct first aid training and emergency response training for your employees. This ensures better preparedness and compliance with mandatory training requirements under the OSHWC code.
6. Maintenance & AMC
Post-setup, we provide Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMCs) for equipment and staff to ensure seamless and continuous operations.
Benefits of Having a Compliant Occupational Health Centre Setup as per OSHWC 2020
- Regulatory Compliance: Avoid heavy penalties and legal action
- Reduced Downtime: Immediate care reduces recovery time and absenteeism
- Improved Employee Morale: Workers feel safer and more valued
- Risk Mitigation: Early diagnosis of occupational health risks
- Reputation Enhancement: Showcase your commitment to employee well-being
Industries That Must Prioritize OHC Setup
OHCs are especially crucial for the following sectors:
- Manufacturing & Engineering
- Construction & Infrastructure
- Mining & Metal Processing
- Chemical & Pharmaceutical
- Logistics & Warehousing
- Oil & Gas
Penalties for Non-Compliance
OSHWC 2020 includes strict penalties for failure to establish and maintain an OHC:
- Fines ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakhs
- Imprisonment for severe violation
- Shut down orders for non-compliant units in case of risk to life or health
Being proactive with compliance is not only cost-effective but also builds trust with your employees, investors, and regulatory authorities.
Why Partner with VMEDO for Occupational Health Centre Setup as per OSHWC 2020?
- 10+ years in occupational health and safety
- 250+ OHCs set up across India
- ISO-certified medical infrastructure
- PAN-India staffing network
- Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, SMEs, and PSUs
FAQ: Occupational Health Centre Setup as per OSHWC 2020
Q1: Is an OHC mandatory for every business?
Only businesses with more than 500 workers or those operating in hazardous environments are mandated to set up OHCs under OSHWC 2020
Q2: What is the minimum medical staff requirement?
At least one qualified medical officer (MBBS) and supporting paramedical staff such as nurses and pharmacists.
Q3: How often should employee health checkups be conducted?
At least once a year or as per the risk profile of the worker’s job role.
Q4: Can an OHC be outsourced?
Yes, you can partner with external agencies like VMEDO to set up and manage your OHC.
Q5: What documents need to be maintained?
Digital and physical records of medical checkups, prescriptions, injuries, and health audits.
Q6: Can VMEDO provide 24/7 medical support?
Yes, we offer on-call support, rotation staffing, and ambulance services to ensure 24/7 coverage.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Proactively set up a compliant OHC at your workplace and secure the health of your workforce while staying aligned with government mandates.
Get a consultation, site visit, and customized plan for OHC implementation.