The Government of Karnataka on January 2nd 2025 issued a notification, In a significant development for the safety and well-being of factory workers in Karnataka, detailing the criteria for the recognition or renewal of laboratories conducting medical examinations for workers employed in factories registered under the Factories Act, 1948.
This is in line with the provisions set out under Section 41C and Section 87 of the Factories Act, 1948, which mandates medical examination of workers involved in hazardous processes to ensure their health and safety.
Key Criteria for Recognition or Renewal of Laboratories
- Accreditation: The laboratory must be accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Laboratories (NABL).
- Registration: It must be registered under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishment (KPME) Act.
- Online Reporting Facility: Laboratories should have the facility to issue medical reports online and maintain these reports for sharing with the worker, factory management, and the relevant department.
- Qualified Pathologist: A qualified pathologist should be in charge of the laboratory. All medical reports must be countersigned by the pathologist, along with their KMC (Karnataka Medical Council) registration number.
- Medical Emergency Response: The laboratory should have the necessary facilities to respond to medical emergencies during sample collection.
- Worker Consent: Consent from the worker must be obtained before collecting any samples.
- Cold Chain Facilities: Proper cold chain facilities for the storage and transportation of samples should be available.
- Reagents Availability: Reagents used for collecting samples should adhere to NABL guidelines.
- Staff Qualifications: Certificates of qualification for pathologists, doctors, and staff must be displayed within the laboratory and be available on demand for inspection by department officials.
- Application Process: Applications for the recognition or renewal of laboratories are to be submitted as per Appendix A of the notification.
Fees and Renewal Process
- Registration Fees: Laboratories must pay a registration fee of Rs. 10,000 (Rupees Ten thousand only) at the time of application.
- Renewal Fees: A renewal fee of Rs. 10,000 (Rupees Ten thousand only) is applicable every two years, which is non-refundable.
- Renewal Period: Laboratories are required to renew their registration every two years.
Medical Examinations for Workers in Hazardous Jobs
In factories dealing with dangerous manufacturing processes or operations, additional specific medical examinations must be conducted. In addition to a general physical examination and Complete Blood Count (CBC), other specialized tests will be required as per the specific requirements of the factory’s hazardous processes.
The notification also introduces Appendix -A : Application form for recognition or renewal of laboratories for conducting medical examination of workers employed in the factories registered under the Factories Act, 1948 in the State of Karnataka from Department of Factories Boilers, Industrial Safety & Health , Karnataka State
