Guidelines for Occupational Health Centres (OHC) under Maharashtra Factories Act.

Occupational Health Centres (OHCs) play a vital role in maintaining the health and safety of workers in factories. They ensure that workers receive prompt medical attention and regular health monitoring, especially in environments where they are exposed to potential hazards. This guide provides a detailed overview of the requirements for setting up and operating OHCs in factories in Maharashtra, as specified in the Maharashtra Factories Rules, 1963.

What is an Occupational Health Centre (OHC)? : An Occupational Health Centre (OHC) is a dedicated medical facility within a factory designed to provide immediate medical care and conduct regular health check-ups for workers. The presence of an OHC is crucial in factories where employees are exposed to health risks due to hazardous processes or conditions.

When is an OHC Required? 🏥 : According to the Maharashtra Factories Rules, 1963, certain factories must establish an OHC. The requirement to set up an OHC depends on the size of the factory and the nature of its operations:

1. Factories with Hazardous Processes : Any factory engaged in hazardous processes as defined under Section 2(cb) of the Factories Act, 1948, must have an OHC.
2. Number of Workers : Factories employing more than 500 workers need to have an OHC if they are involved in hazardous processes.

Requirements for Setting Up an OHC 🛠️ :

Location and Accessibility 🌍 :
• The OHC should be easily accessible to all workers.
• It should be situated in a place that allows for quick transportation of injured or sick workers to the facility.

Facilities and Equipment 🛏️⚕️ : Rule 73X of the Maharashtra Factories Rules outlines the facilities that an OHC must have:

1. Ambulance Room :
o Spacious and well-ventilated.
o Equipped with necessary furniture like a bed, table, and chairs.
o Adequate lighting and ventilation.
2. Medical Equipment :
o Stethoscopes, blood pressure monitors, and thermometers.
o First aid kits and emergency medical supplies.
o Sterilization equipment and basic diagnostic tools.
o Oxygen cylinders and other life-saving equipment as needed.
3. Sanitation :
o The OHC must have clean and hygienic toilets.
o Adequate washing facilities for medical staff and patients.

Staffing and Manpower 🧑‍⚕️ : The OHC must be staffed with qualified medical professionals to ensure proper care. According to Rule 73X, the staffing requirements include:

1. Factory Medical Officer (FMO) :
o Factories with 200 or more workers involved in hazardous processes must employ a full-time Factory Medical Officer.
o Factories with fewer workers may employ a part-time FMO.
2. Nurses and Paramedical Staff :
o At least one qualified nurse should be available for every 1000 workers.
o Paramedical staff such as lab technicians and pharmacists should be employed based on the needs of the factory.
3. Support Staff :
o Administrative and cleaning staff should be appointed to maintain the OHC’s cleanliness and functionality.

Operating Hours and Availability 🕒 :
• The OHC must be open and operational during all working hours of the factory.
• There should be provisions for handling medical emergencies at all times, including after-hours, if necessary.

Record Keeping and Compliance 📋 : Rule 73Y emphasises the importance of maintaining detailed medical records:

1. Health Records :
o Comprehensive health records for all workers should be maintained.
o Records must include details of medical examinations, treatments provided, and any health incidents or accidents.
2. Confidentiality :
o Workers’ health information should be kept confidential and only accessible to authorised personnel.
3. Regular Audits and Inspections :
o The OHC and its operations should be regularly audited to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
o Inspections by factory inspectors to verify adherence to the regulations are mandatory.

Training and Awareness 📚 : Rule 73Z mandates regular training programs for workers:

• Workers must be educated about the health risks associated with their jobs and the precautions to take.
• Regular training on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency procedures should be conducted.
• Awareness programs about general health and wellness, including information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, should be part of the OHC’s initiatives.

Benefits of Having an OHC 🌟 :
1. Improved Health and Safety : Immediate access to medical care can significantly reduce the severity of injuries and improve overall worker health.
2. Enhanced Productivity : Healthy workers are more productive and less likely to take sick leave.
3. Legal Compliance : Having an OHC helps factories comply with legal requirements and avoid penalties.
4. Worker Morale : Workers feel more secure knowing that medical facilities and care are readily available.

Conclusion 🏁 :
Setting up and maintaining an Occupational Health Centre (OHC) is not just a regulatory requirement but also a crucial step towards ensuring the well-being of factory workers. By adhering to the Maharashtra Factories Rules, 1963, and establishing a well-equipped OHC, factories can create a safer, healthier, and more productive working environment.
For more details and specific guidelines, you can refer to the Maharashtra Factories Rules, 1963.
To set up an OHC at your factory Call PrognoHealth on 9510650660 or mail us on corpsales@prognohealth.com.