Every plant manager wants to believe their Occupational Health Centre (OHC) is compliant. Yet, during audits, most discover gaps that leave them vulnerable.
Let’s explore the top 5 compliance gaps in OHC management and practical ways to fix them.
1. Missing Pre-Employment Checkups
Problem: Workers join without baseline medical screening.
Impact: Legal non-compliance and safety risks if employees aren’t fit for duty.
Fix: Automate pre-employment checkup scheduling and block onboarding without clearance.
2. Understaffed OHCs
Problem: Lack of Factory Medical Officers (FMOs) and trained nurses.
Impact: Fines, unsafe workplaces, and low employee trust.
Fix: Partner with occupational health staffing providers to ensure continuity.
3. Poor Record-Keeping
Problem: Registers maintained manually or in scattered Excel sheets.
Impact: Penalties during audits, lost credibility.
Fix: Adopt digital platforms with audit-ready dashboards.
4. Fake or Manipulated Reports
Problem: Manual entries may be altered to “show compliance.”
Impact: Huge legal risks and reputational damage.
Fix: AI-backed systems with timestamps and tamper-proof logs.
5.Lack of Analytics and Early Warnings
Problem: Leadership reacts only after incidents occur.
Impact: Preventable accidents, absenteeism, and low productivity.
Fix: Use predictive dashboards to flag risks before they escalate.
Why FMOs Are Overlooked
Traditionally, leadership views FMOs as cost centres rather than strategic partners. This outdated perception prevents companies from leveraging their expertise.
The Strategic Value of FMOs
- Boosting Productivity: Healthy employees = fewer sick days.
- Reducing Risks: Early detection avoids expensive incidents.
- Strengthening Reputation: Companies with strong OHCs are trusted more by regulators and global clients.
Case Example
A pharmaceutical company integrated Uno.Care across its plants. Within 12 months:
- 100% compliance with periodic checkups
- Audit clearance times reduced by 65%
- Detected and prevented rising respiratory illness trends early
Conclusion
Compliance gaps aren’t just about fines—they risk worker safety. By fixing these five issues with digital systems, industries can achieve true compliance and safer workplaces.