Factories Act 1948
Labour Laws · कारखाना अधिनियम 1948
📋Quick Overview
The Factories Act, 1948 replaced the earlier Factories Act of 1934 and regulates working conditions in factories across India. It covers health, safety, welfare, and working hours of workers employed in factories. The Act defines 'factory' as any premises where manufacturing process is carried on with 10 or more workers (with power) or 20 or more workers (without power). It applies to all states and the State Government appoints a Chief Inspector of Factories for enforcement.
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Working hours under Factories Act: Maximum 48 hours per week and 9 hours per day. Overtime work must be paid at double the ordinary rate. Weekly holiday (usually Sunday) is compulsory.
📖Key Provisions at a Glance
| Category | Provision | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Applicability | Power + 10 workers OR No power + 20 workers | Manufacturing premises |
| Working Hours | Max 48 hrs/week; 9 hrs/day; OT at double rate | Spread over should not exceed 10.5 hours |
| Intervals for Rest | Minimum 30 min rest after 5 continuous hours | No more than 5 hrs work without break |
| Weekly Holiday | Compulsory 1 day off per week (usually Sunday) | Compensatory holiday if Sunday worked |
| Annual Leave | 1 day per 20 days worked (adults); 1 day per 15 days (children) | Leave with wages |
| Child Labour | No child below 14 years in factories | 14-18 yr: adolescent, restricted work |
| Women Workers | No work between 7 PM – 6 AM (unless state permits with safety measures) | Canteen, crèche for 30+ women workers |
| Health | Cleanliness, ventilation, lighting, temperature, drinking water, latrines | Mandatory provisions |
| Safety | Fencing of machinery, safety in case of fire, protection from dangerous chemicals | Schedule I: Hazardous processes |
📝Welfare and Administrative Provisions
- •Welfare officer: Mandatory if 500+ workers in factory
- •Canteen: Mandatory if 250+ workers in factory
- •Crèche: Mandatory if 30+ women workers in factory
- •Safety Officers: Mandatory in factories with 1000+ workers
- •Schedule I: List of industries involving hazardous processes (e.g., heavy chemicals, asbestos, nuclear fuel)
- •Inspector of Factories: Appointed by State Government; power to enter, inspect, and take samples
- •Certifying Surgeon: Appointed by State Govt for medical examination of workers in hazardous processes