With the introduction of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (OSHWC), 2020, workplace health and safety have taken center stage in India. The code consolidates and simplifies several labor laws, and a key mandate is the requirement for Pre-employment Health Check-ups as per OSHWC 2020. This regulation is especially crucial for factories, construction sites, mines, and other hazardous industries where worker safety and health are directly linked to productivity and legal compliance.
At VMEDO, we help businesses stay compliant by offering industry-specific, scalable, and hassle-free pre-employment health check-up solutions across India.
Why Pre-employment Health Check-ups Are Crucial?
Hiring a medically unfit employee not only jeopardizes the individual’s health but also poses serious risks to other workers, machinery, and operational efficiency.
Key risks include:
- Workplace injuries due to undiagnosed health issues
- Absenteeism and reduced productivity
- Legal liability if a health issue leads to accidents
- Loss of reputation and trust
Pre-employment health check-ups mitigate these risks and align businesses with the legal framework under OSHWC 2020.
About Pre-Employment Health Check-ups as per OSHWC 2020
Section 6 of the OSHWC Code mandates employers to ensure:
- Pre-employment medical examination by a registered medical practitioner
- Fitness assessments before appointing workers, especially in hazardous roles
- Maintenance of medical records and fitness certificates
- Periodic medical examinations based on the nature of work
The rule applies to:
- Factories employing 10+ workers with power or 20+ without power
- Mines, ports, construction sites, and establishments handling hazardous substances
- All other establishments notified by the government
Who Needs a Pre-Employment Health Check-up as per OSHWC 2020?
While the rule targets hazardous industries, it is a best practice across sectors:
- New hires in manufacturing or industrial roles
- Contract and outsourced labor
- Apprentices and trainees
- Migrant and interstate workers
- Supervisors and safety personnel working in hazardous zones
Standard Tests Included in a Pre-Employment Check-up as per OSHWC 2020
A good screening program must cover physical and physiological parameters relevant to the job role. Here is a commonly used test list:
| Test Type | Description |
| Physical Examination | Vital signs, BMI, posture, and basic clinical assessment |
| Vision Test | Especially for drivers, machine operators |
| Audiometry | Hearing check for noisy environments |
| Chest X-Ray | Rule out TB, assess respiratory health |
| ECG | Detect hidden cardiac issues |
| PFT/Lung Function Test | For dusty or chemical workplaces |
| Blood Tests | CBC, sugar, liver/kidney profile |
| Urine Test | Infection screening, kidney function |
| Drug Screening | (For high-risk or sensitive roles) |
These tests can be customized as per the risk classification of the job.
Benefits of Pre-Employment Health Check-ups
- Compliance: Aligns your organization with OSHWC 2020 norms and protects against penalties
- Workplace Safety: Ensures only fit candidates handle sensitive or risky operations
- Productivity: Fitter employees perform better and take fewer sick leaves
- Insurance & Legal Shield: Pre-existing conditions are documented, reducing liability
- Health Baseline: Employers and employees can track future health deviations
Challenges Faced by Employers
- Coordinating tests for multiple candidates across locations
- Delays in report generation and onboarding
- Absence of digital health records
- Vendor limitations in remote areas
VMEDO solves these challenges through:
- On-site health check-up camps
- Tie-ups with certified diagnostic labs across India
- 48-hour report turnaround time
- Digital health record dashboards
VMEDO’s Pre-employment Health Screening Services
We offer:
1. On-site Medical Camps
Ideal for bulk hiring and remote locations. We send trained medical professionals to your site.
2. Clinic-based Screening
Employees can visit our nearest partner diagnostic center. Available in all major cities and industrial clusters
3. Customizable Packages
Choose from standard or industry-specific test panels based on role and risk exposure.
4. Digital Reports & Fitness Certificates
Receive employee health reports and fitness-to-work certificates on our secure digital platform.
5. PAN-India Network
From Bengaluru to Baddi, we cover it all. Whether you’re hiring in metros or manufacturing towns, we’ve got you covered.
Pre-employment Health Checks by Industry Type
| Industry | Recommended Tests |
| Manufacturing | CBC, Chest X-ray, PFT, Audiometry, Vision |
| Construction | Vision, Physical, Chest X-ray, ECG |
| Pharma | CBC, Liver Function, Drug Screening, TB |
| Logistics/Warehousing | Vision, Blood Sugar, ECG, Musculoskeletal screening |
| Chemical Plants | PFT, Chest X-ray, Kidney Function, Hearing |
| IT & Corporate | Vision, BP, Diabetes, Lifestyle assessments |
We also assist in industry-specific documentation and compliance audit support.
Legal Ramifications of Non-compliance
Failing to comply with the OSHWC 2020 mandate can result in:
- Fines ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakhs
- Denial of operational clearances or factory licenses
- Legal liability in case of worker accidents
- Loss of trust from clients, especially in export-driven sectors
Why Partner with VMEDO for Pre-Emploment Health check-ups as per OSHWC 2020?
- Consultation – We understand your industry and risk profile
- Package Finalization – Choose or customize your test plan
- Scheduling – We organize clinic or on-site appointments
- Execution – Smooth, fast check-ups conducted by licensed medical staff
- Reporting – Receive digital reports and compliance-ready certificates
FAQ Section: Pre-employment Health Check-up & as per OSHWC 2020
1. Is a pre-employment check-up mandatory for all industries?
Under OSHWC 2020, it is mandatory for hazardous industries and recommended for others to ensure safe hiring practices.
2. What documents are issued after the screening?
A medical report and a fitness-to-work certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner
3. Can VMEDO handle screenings across multiple locations?
Yes. Our PAN-India diagnostic and on-site network enables us to serve clients across India
4. How fast can we get reports?
Within 24–48 hours for standard tests. Express options are available for urgent cases
5. How can digital records help during inspections?
Maintaining digital records enables quick access during labor inspections and audits. It also helps track employee health over time
6. What if a candidate is found unfit?
Based on the role and risk exposure, the candidate can be reassigned or asked to seek medical intervention before joining
The OSHWC 2020 Code is a progressive step towards a healthier and more productive India. By integrating pre-employment health check-ups into your hiring process, you not only meet compliance mandates but also invest in the well-being and longevity of your workforce.
Partner with VMEDO for expert-led, efficient, and nationwide health screening solutions.
