The Factories Act, 1948 sets the foundation for workplace health and safety in India. But simply ticking the boxes isn’t enough. Modern industries must go beyond compliance to protect workers, build reputation, and reduce risks.
What the Act Requires
- OHC Setup → Factories above threshold size must have OHCs with FMOs and nurses.
- Medical Checkups → Pre-employment + periodic checkups for hazardous roles.
- Record Keeping → Registers for inspectors.
- Safety Committees → Health officers must participate.
Common Compliance Failures
- Missing or fake records
- Understaffed OHCs
- Neglecting exit medicals
- Ignoring wellness beyond statutory checkups
Why Leaders Must Go Beyond the Act
- Auditors Expect Transparency → Paper records aren’t enough.
- Global Clients Demand More → Export contracts increasingly check worker welfare.
- Employees Value Care → Health-first companies attract and retain better talent.
Digital Compliance with AI
Platforms like Uno.Care ensure:
- Automated compliance alerts
- Centralized health records
- Instant audit-ready dashboards
- Predictive analytics for future risks
Case Example
A pharma plant digitized compliance. Result:
- Records for over 3,500 employees were retrieved in under 3 minutes.
- Auditors praised the transparency, cutting inspection time by 70%.
- The company avoided recurring penalties that had previously cost lakhs annually.
Conclusion
The Factories Act is the minimum standard. Forward-looking industries build cultures of safety that go far beyond the law.