Factory Medical Officer

Duties & Responsibilities of Factory Medical Officer

1. Medical Examination of Workers

• Carry out pre-employment medical examinations to check physical fitness for the job.
• Perform periodical medical examinations, at least once every six months, especially for workers in hazardous processes.
• Record details of these examinations in the prescribed Health Registers (Forms 39 and 17) or equivalent.
• Issue Certificates of Fitness (e.g. Form 27 / Form 33) to workers before they begin employment.
• If FMO finds a person unfit, refer them to the Certifying Surgeon. The worker has a right to appeal; the Certifying Surgeons decision is final.

2 Qualifications & Training

• The FMO must have recognized medical qualifications (as per Indian Medical Degrees Act or Indian Medical Council Act).
• He or she must also have a Certificate of Training in Industrial Health (minimum 3 months) recognized by the Tamil Nadu State Government.
• There are relaxations: e.g., if the person has a Diploma in Industrial Health, the 3-month certificate may not be necessary.

3 Emergency Medical Assistance

• Provide medical help in emergencies occurring in the factory.
• Ensure that the health centre has the capacity and equipment to manage medical emergencies.

4 Health Records & Worker Access

• Maintain health records, including worker exposure to hazardous processes.
• Make health records accessible to workers under certain conditions (for example, every six months after medical examination, or when a worker leaves employment).

5 Safety Committee Participation

• Participate as a member of the Safety Committee, if the factory has one.
• Advise the management on health-related measures to prevent occupational illness and maintain workplace hygiene.