In an era where workplace health has become a strategic priority, vaccination for employees as per OSHWC 2020 are not just a matter of well-being—they are a compliance requirement. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code, 2020, introduced by the Government of India, recognizes the role of preventive healthcare at the workplace, and vaccination coverage for employees is a vital part of it. For industries exposed to biological, chemical, or hazardous environments, vaccination for employees as per OSHWC 2020 play a crucial role in reducing illness, absenteeism, and occupational disease claims. This blog explores what the OSHWC Code says about vaccination for employees as per OSHWC 2020, the types of vaccines recommended for specific industries, the employer’s responsibilities to stay compliant, how VMEDO supports organizations in implementing workplace immunization programs, and answers to frequently asked questions by EHS and HR teams.
Legal Mandate: What OSHWC 2020 Says About Vaccinations
The OSHWC Code 2020 and the associated Rules (like Central Rules, State-specific Factory Rules, and BOCW Rules) emphasize the importance of occupational health protection, including vaccinations.
According to the OSHWC Central Rules – Schedule III (Medical and Occupational Health Services):
“Workers employed in operations exposing them to biological risks or hazardous substances shall be provided with appropriate preventive vaccinations by the employer.”
This applies particularly to workers exposed to:
- Infectious agents (e.g., sewage, biomedical waste)
- Blood or body fluids
- Contaminated materials
- Laboratory chemicals or animal handling
Why Vaccinations Are Crucial at Workplaces
- Prevent Outbreaks: A single case of Hepatitis B or tetanus on-site can lead to panic, loss of work hours, and potential penalties. Vaccines help contain preventable diseases.
- Protect Vulnerable Employees: Older workers, those with chronic illnesses, or those in high-risk roles need extra protection through timely immunization.
- Ensure Legal Compliance: OSHWC mandates immunization for at-risk workers. Not following this can lead to non-compliance penalties during health and safety audits.
- Build Trust with Employees: Offering vaccination drives shows that you value employee health, increasing retention and morale.
Commonly Recommended Workplace Vaccinations
VMEDO recommends the following vaccinations based on your industry type and risk profile:
| Vaccine | Target Group | Industry Examples |
| Hepatitis B | All at-risk employees | Healthcare, sanitation, manufacturing, hospitality |
| Tetanus (TT) | Workers with injury risk | Construction, logistics, fabrication, electrical |
| Typhoid | Workers in food or water-related roles | Food processing, catering, water treatment |
| Influenza (Flu) | Seasonal protection for all staff | Corporate offices, logistics, hospitals |
| COVID-19 (Booster doses) | All employees | All industries |
| Rabies (pre-exposure) | Animal handlers, lab staff | Veterinary, pharmaceuticals |
| Cholera | Food and sanitation workers | Waste management, food service |
Maintain a digital immunization record for every employee—this is often checked during government audits under occupational health norms.
Industry-Specific Requirements for Vaccination
1. Manufacturing Units:
- TT for injury-prone environments
- Hepatitis B for workers exposed to sharp tools or bodily fluids
2. Construction Sites:
- TT and Rabies (for stray animal exposure)
- Cholera and Typhoid for sites lacking hygiene infrastructure
3. Healthcare Facilities
- Mandatory Hepatitis B and Influenza vaccines
- COVID-19 booster doses as per MOHFW
4. Hospitality & Food Service
- Typhoid and Hepatitis A
- Regular Flu shots for kitchen staff
5. Sanitation & Waste Management
- Hepatitis B, TT, Typhoid, Cholera
Legal Penalties for Non-Compliance
If an employer fails to provide required vaccinations or maintain health surveillance:
- Fines up to ₹2 lakh for first-time non-compliance
- Suspension of operations in high-risk zones
- Legal action in case of disease outbreak linked to poor prevention
- Worker compensation claims under the Employees’ Compensation Act
We offer vaccination camps with certified nurses, doctors, and on-site documentation, ensuring your workplace is both protected and compliant.
How VMEDO Helps You Comply with OSHWC Vaccination Norms
VMEDO provides end-to-end employee vaccination services tailored to your industry’s risk profile. Our offerings include:
- On-Site Vaccination Camps: Flexible slots for all employee shifts with licensed paramedics and doctors.
- Bulk Vaccination Packages: Discounted pricing for 100+ employees across multiple sites.
- Pre & Post-Vaccination Monitoring: Includes informed consent, AEFI observation, and emergency backup support.
- Digital Records & Compliance Reports: We issue employee-wise vaccine certificates and centralized reports for audit use.
- Awareness Campaigns: Educational posters, videos, and awareness sessions to reduce vaccine hesitancy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it mandatory for all employees to get vaccinated under OSHWC 2020?
No. Vaccination is mandatory for workers exposed to specific occupational risks (e.g., chemicals, biohazards). However, employers are encouraged to offer it broadly to ensure safety.
2. Who bears the cost of workplace vaccinations?
The employer is responsible for arranging and covering the cost of preventive vaccines under OSHWC 2020.
3. How often should workplace vaccinations be updated?
Some vaccines (e.g., TT, Influenza) need periodic boosters. VMEDO provides vaccine schedule tracking to ensure timely follow-ups.
4. Can we conduct vaccination drives for contractual workers too?
Yes. Contractual and temporary staff are equally entitled to protection. Many factories include them in vaccination drives to avoid legal gaps.
5. Is Hepatitis B vaccination mandatory for healthcare and sanitation workers?
Yes. Workers handling waste, body fluids, or sharp objects must receive the full 3-dose Hepatitis B schedule.
6. Can VMEDO handle vaccination for multiple locations across India?
Yes. VMEDO has a pan-India network to conduct multi-location drives, making it easier for corporates with multiple branches or factories.
With the increasing focus on workplace safety, vaccinations have become more than just a health initiative—they’re a crucial compliance and risk management tool. By proactively vaccinating employees, your organization can meet OSHWC 2020 compliance standards, avoid penalties and reputational risks, improve employee morale, reduce sick days, and ultimately build a strong safety-first culture that reflects your commitment to workforce well-being.