Ensuring Safety in MAH Units: What Tests and Health Checks Are Essential for Workers?

Testing Requirements for MAH Unit Processes

My plant is under the MAH Unit (Max. Accident Hazard). There are the following types of processes:
- Fabrication Shop
- Press Shop
- Paint Shop
- Fuel Tank Manufacturing
- Assembly

Other facilities include the canteen and DG sets (two 10K KVA, one 5K KVA). What kind of tests do I need to conduct for all of these processes? Should I also conduct health check-ups for all contractual laborers? Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

The definition of a worker under the Factories Act covers contract labor employed in the work of or in connection with the work of the factory. The Act prescribes health check-ups periodically for workers of the factory. Therefore, in my view, the contract labor should also be provided with health check-ups unless their presence in the factory premises is of a very casual nature.

Regards,
B. Saikumar
HR & Labor Law Advisor
Mumbai

Mandatory Health Check-Ups for Different Work Environments

Obviously, you must instruct your management to conduct periodic medical/health check-ups and document the same for all the workmen engaged by you. This is mandatory in all factories and even in building constructions. The medical check-up varies according to the work environment.

For canteen workers, you must guide them for food handlers' medical check-up. For drivers, you must instruct them for a vision test. Those working in hazardous environments should be advised to undergo a chest X-ray and other relevant check-ups.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you need any further assistance.

Regards

Chest X-ray Testing for Chemical Plant Workers

When should chest X-ray tests be conducted for chemical plant workers? I first examine to identify any problems before prescribing an X-ray. Is this the correct procedure?

Understanding MAH Hazards

What is the MAH hazard? In the list of operations you have posted, there can be any Max Hazard. If you have installed an LPG Bullet, or any other flammable petroleum product or other toxic chemical, then it would become a major hazard unit.

As per Maharashtra Factories Rules, the medical tests of all workmen, including contract workmen, are to be conducted. If the operator is working in hazardous processes, then the medical test is to be done once every six months. It would be a good idea to compare the results of previous medical tests; this helps in the identification of OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS, and appropriate actions can be taken.

I do not know the rules applicable in Faridabad. The categories of Major Hazard Units are clearly specified in Maharashtra Rules.

Thanks & Regards,
Sudhir

Can anyone guide on the frequency of such medical check-ups? I'm associated with a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company.

Regards,
Toshi
Manager-HR & Admin

I have around 800 workers working in our plant engaged in various departments like Welding, Grinding, Paint Room, Electroplating, Anodizing, etc. Recently, we made a contract with a doctor for the regular check-up of the workers. He will be visiting us on a weekly basis. Please guide me on what sort of check-ups we are required to have for the workers on a regular basis. Here, I would like to mention that we also have yearly check-up camps for blood tests, BP checks, ECGs, vaccinations, etc., with ESIC and other organizations.

Regards,
Vinex HR Dept

Hi,

The processes mentioned by you are quite common. Please refer to the chemicals used for Electroplating, Anodizing, and types of Paint. Refer to the MSDS of all these chemicals and paints. The MSDS would specify the medical tests to be taken. In all the above cases, the medical tests are to be conducted once every 6 months, and the reports are to be compared with earlier reports to ensure that there is no deterioration in health parameters due to occupational hazards.

Thanks & Regards,
Sudhir

Please approach any hospital near your locality for an annual medical check-up facility and regular health check-ups for your employees. Make an agreement or tie-up with them so that they can provide services as per your requirements. Your requirements will vary based on your industry, which will be specific to occupational diseases.

Regards,

As per the Factories Act, medical examinations shall be conducted and endorsed by an Authorized MBBS doctor only for all permanent and temporary employees who are working for your organization. Labs are used only for the medical tests prescribed by the doctor. Any abnormalities found should be documented along with the actions taken, as suggested by the doctor.

Regards,
Narayana

Thank you very much for your reply. I want to ask one more thing: will the doctor be charging a lump sum amount for the service, or will they charge per person, as we also need a fitness certificate? Currently, our employee strength is 101.

Regards,
Nisha Malhotra

Mandatory Health Check-ups

Do the check-up only with certified doctors in your area. It is mandatory by the act.

Regards,
Mangesh Wakodkar
Aurangabad