The Factories Act 1948 mandates that a factory employing __ or more workers must have an occupational health centre with a full-time factory medical officer:
- A 500 workers OR 250 workers in hazardous processes ✓
- B 50 workers in hazardous processes
- C 1000 workers in any factory
- D 200 workers with a canteen and first aid room only required below this threshold
Correct answer: A. 500 workers OR 250 workers in hazardous processes
Explanation
Under the Factories Act 1948 and its 1987 amendment (especially Chapter IVA on hazardous processes), a factory with 500 or more workers, or 250 or more workers engaged in hazardous processes (Schedule I), must establish an occupational health centre with a medical officer. The distinction between 500 workers (non-hazardous processes) and 250 workers (hazardous processes) is a frequently tested operational threshold. First-aid boxes are required from 150 workers; ambulance facilities from 500 workers.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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