Are Regular Health Checkups and Health Registers Mandatory for Our Factory Workers?

Hi,

I am an HR Executive of a renowned Pen and Writing Instrument Industry. Our manufacturing process is not hazardous. We have around 385 workmen in our production facility.

I want to know if periodical health checkups and maintaining a HEALTH REGISTER (Form 17) under Rule 63 of the West Bengal Factories Rules 1958 for the workmen of our production facility are mandatory. I would like an expert opinion on this matter.

Thanks/Regards,
Asish Chakraborty

To the best of my knowledge, you are covered under the "Factories Act." If you are using any toxic material/chemical that may cause health issues for the workmen/employees, it is mandatory for the principal employer to maintain the Health Register.

Even if you are not using any toxic material/chemical, you still need to demonstrate through this register that all workmen working at the factory are fit to work. Therefore, it is essential to maintain the same.

Dear Mr. Prasant,

Thank you for your opinion.

We are using plastic granules and ink for the manufacturing of Ball Pens and Refills. The machines we are using are modern, sophisticated, and safe, with minimal chances of contamination. Additionally, we provide adequate personal protective equipment and comprehensive training to all our employees.

There are no smoke, heat, sound, or toxic material/chemical hazards present in the workplace. Furthermore, we have employed a part-time Registered Medical Practitioner who regularly assesses the health of our employees and provides fitness certificates to the management.

If necessary, we are willing to implement Periodical Health Checkups and maintain a Health Register for all employees.

Thanks/Regards,
Asish

Dear Mr. Ashish,

Whatever Mr. Prashant wrote was absolutely correct. It is mandatory.

You are saying that there is no hazardous process in your industry. Please go through the definition of Hazardous Process:

Hazardous Process - means any process or activity in relation to an industry specified in the First Schedule wherein, unless special care is taken, raw materials used therein or the intermediate or finished products, by-products, waste, or effluents thereof would:
i) cause material impairment to the health of the persons engaged in or connected therewith, or
ii) result in the pollution of the general environment.

Thanks,
Girish K