The new Labour Codes coming into effect in 2025 include several employee-friendly features, and one of the biggest highlights is the free annual health check-up for workers who are above 40 years of age.
If you’re an employee, HR professional, or employer, this update directly affects you, and understanding how it works can help you make the most of it.
Understanding the New Health Check-up Rule Under Labour Codes
The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code requires employers to provide a mandatory, free annual health check-up for employees aged above 40 years.
This applies across industries including permanent staff, contract workers, and especially people working in hazardous environments such as manufacturing, chemicals, mining, construction, and heavy engineering.
The goal is simple: promote preventive healthcare and ensure early detection of lifestyle or work-related health issues.
How the Free Health Check-up Benefit Works
Under the 2025 Labour Codes, the process is designed to be smooth for employees:
- The employer is responsible for arranging and paying for the health check-up.
- The check-up is expected to happen once every year.
- It must ideally be conducted during working hours, so the employee does not lose wages or leave.
- Employers usually tie up with local clinics or certified medical practitioners to carry out these check-ups.
- The medical report is submitted to the employer, with a copy provided to the employee if requested.
Employees do not need to arrange anything themselves except verifying their age with HR.
Eligibility Rules: Who Can Avail the Free Health Check-up?
This benefit is applicable to:
- All employees aged above 40 years.
- Permanent, contractual, and fixed-term workers.
- Employees working in hazardous industries for whom the check-up requirement is even more critical.
Employees simply need to share proof of age (ID card details, Aadhaar, PAN, etc.) with HR to get included in the annual schedule.
Step-by-Step: How Employees Can Avail This Facility
Here’s how the process generally works in companies:
- HR prepares an age-wise list of employees who are 40+.
- The employer partners with a clinic or doctor for the check-ups.
- Employees are given a schedule or assigned slots during working hours.
- The health check-up is conducted, covering basic vitals and tests depending on job risks.
- Reports are collected by HR, and employees can request their copy anytime.
If an employer does not follow the rules, employees can raise a complaint with the local labour department.
Key Benefits of the Annual Health Check-up Rule
This update is a big step forward for workplace wellness in India. Some of the major advantages include:
- Early diagnosis of common lifestyle diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol issues.
- Better monitoring for occupational illnesses in hazardous jobs.
- Reduced absenteeism and better long-term employee productivity.
- Improved safety culture and employer accountability.
- Cost savings for employees a full annual check-up can otherwise be expensive.
It’s a progressive reform that addresses real-world workplace health needs.
Common Confusions About This Benefit
“Is it only for government employees?”
No. It applies to private-sector employees as well under the OSH Code.
“Is 40 the only age cut-off?”
The mandatory rule is for 40+, but companies may extend check-ups to younger employees voluntarily.
“Is the check-up optional?”
For employers: No they must provide it.
For employees: It’s recommended but not forced.
“Are the same tests mandatory for all industries?”
No. High-risk sectors may have additional medical requirements.
Best Tips for Employees to Make the Most of This Benefit
- Verify your age details with HR so you don’t get missed from the list.
- Request a copy of your medical report for personal health records.
- If you’re in a hazardous role, ask HR what additional screenings are included.
- Use the opportunity to track your health year by year.
- If your company delays implementation, remind HR politely the law supports you.
Conclusion
The New Labour Codes 2025 bring a strong focus on employee welfare, and the free annual health check-up for workers above 40 is one of the most impactful additions.
It offers early detection, better preventive care, and a safer working environment all at no cost to the employee.
Both workers and employers will benefit from healthier, more aware, and more productive workplaces.
FAQs
1. When will the free health check-up rule start?
It becomes active as part of the 2025 implementation of the labour codes, aligned with the Occupational Safety and Health provisions.
2. Who pays for the annual check-up?
The employer pays the full cost it is mandatory.
3. How often will employees get the check-up?
Once every year for employees above 40.
4. Can contract workers also get this benefit?
Yes. Contract workers are included under the OSH Code.
5. What if my employer refuses to provide the check-up?
You may raise the issue with HR first, and if unresolved, file a complaint with the local labour authority.