Factories Act
Objectives and Applicability of Factory Act:
The Factories Act regulates the conditions of work (health, safety, etc) in factories. It safeguards the interests of the workers and it is for the welfare of the factory workers. The act received the assent of Governor General of India on September 23, 1948 and came into force on April 1, 1949. This act was further amended many times. The act is applicable to any factory in which ten or more than ten workers are working. The act has a provision in respect of:
- Employee health and safety
- Hours of work
- Sanitary conditions and wholesome work environments
- Employee welfare
- Leave with wages
Scope of the Factory Act 1948
- Regulate working condition in the factories.
- Basic minimum requirements for ensuring safety, health and welfare of workers
- Applicable of all workers
- Applicable to all factories using power and employing 10 or more workers and if not using power, employing 20 or more workers on any day of the preceding 12 months
Main provisions of Factory Act 1948
- Compulsory approval, licensing and registration of factories
- Health measures
- Safety measures
- Welfare measures
- Working hours
- Employment of women and young persons
- Annual leave provision
- Accident and occupational diseases
- Dangerous operations
- Penalties
- Obligations and rights of employees