Factories Act, 1948

Introduction
The Factories Act, 1948 is a central legislation in India aimed at regulating
labour in factories. It ensures the health, safety, welfare, and proper
working conditions of workers. The Act applies to factories using power
with 10 or more workers and factories without power with 20 or more
workers. It lays down provisions for working hours, employment of women and
children, welfare measures, and safety regulations.

Key Definitions Under the Act (Section 2)

 Factory (Section 2(m)): Any premises where manufacturing process
is carried out using 10 or more workers with power or 20 or more
workers without power.
 Worker (Section 2(l)): A person employed directly or indirectly, with
or without pay, in any manufacturing process or in any work related to it.
 Occupier (Section 2(n)): The person who has ultimate control over
the factory (usually the owner, director, or manager).
 Manufacturing Process (Section 2(k)): Any process related to
making, altering, repairing, finishing, packing, oiling, washing,
cleaning, or adapting goods for sale.

Approval, Licensing, and Registration (Sections 6-7)

 Section 6: State Government can make rules regarding approval,
licensing, and registration of factories.
 Section 7: Occupier must submit written notice to the Chief Inspector
with details about the factory.

Health Provisions (Sections 11-20)

The Act ensures proper hygiene and cleanliness in factories:
1. Cleanliness (Section 11): Factories must be kept clean, free from waste,
and maintained properly.
2. Disposal of Wastes (Section 12): Effective systems must be in place for
disposing of industrial waste.
3. Ventilation and Temperature (Section 13): Factories must maintain
proper ventilation, humidity, and temperature.
4. Dust and Fumes (Section 14): Necessary steps should be taken to
prevent inhalation of harmful dust and fumes.
5. Artificial Humidification (Section 15): Regulates humidity control in
factories where needed.
 6. Overcrowding (Section 16): Factories must have at least 14.2 cubic
meters per worker.
7. Lighting (Section 17): Proper lighting must be provided to avoid eye
strain and accidents.
8. Drinking Water (Section 18): Clean drinking water must be made
available at accessible points.
9. Latrines and Urinals (Section 19): Separate and sufficient toilet
facilities must be provided for male and female workers.
10.Spittoons (Section 20): Spittoons must be placed in adequate numbers
to maintain hygiene.

Safety Measures (Sections 21-41)

These sections ensure protection from hazards and workplace accidents:
1. Fencing of Machinery (Section 21): All dangerous machinery must be
fenced properly.
2. Work on or near Machinery (Section 22): No worker should operate or
clean moving machinery.
3. Employment of Young Persons on Dangerous Machines (Section
23): Only trained adults should handle hazardous machinery.
4. Hoists and Lifts (Section 28): Must be maintained properly to prevent
accidents.
5. Revolving Machinery (Section 29): Safe operational speeds should be
maintained.
6. Lifting Machines and Gear (Section 30): Equipment used for lifting
must be of good quality and inspected regularly.
7. Protection of Eyes (Section 35): Protective glasses must be provided to
workers handling hazardous materials.
8. Precautions Against Fire (Section 38): Fire extinguishers and exit
routes must be clearly available.
9. Emergency Exits (Section 40): Factories must have clear, well-marked
emergency exits.

Welfare Measures (Sections 42-50)

Factories must ensure proper facilities for workers:
1. Washing Facilities (Section 42): Separate washing facilities for male
and female workers.
2. Facilities for Storing Clothes (Section 43): Workers should have
lockers for keeping their personal belongings.
 3. Sitting Arrangements (Section 44): Suitable seating for workers
required to stand while working.
4. Canteens (Section 46): Factories with 250+ workers must have
canteens with hygienic food.
5. Shelters and Restrooms (Section 47): Factories with 150+ workers
must have proper rest areas.
6. Crèches (Section 48): Factories with 30+ female workers must have
crèches for children below 6 years.
7. Welfare Officers (Section 49): Factories with 500+ workers must
appoint qualified welfare officers.

Working Hours and Employment Regulations (Sections 51-66)

These sections regulate working hours and employment conditions:
1. Weekly Hours (Section 51): Maximum 48 hours per week.
2. Daily Hours (Section 54): Maximum 9 hours per day.
3. Rest Interval (Section 55): A 30-minute break after every 5 hours of
work.
4. Overtime (Section 59): Extra wages for overtime work at twice the
normal rate.
5. Night Work (Section 66): Women cannot work between 10 PM and 5
AM.

Employment of Young Persons (Sections 67-77)

The Act ensures protection for young workers:
1. Prohibition of Child Labor (Section 67): No child below 14 years can
work in a factory.
2. Adolescents (14-18 years) (Section 68): Can work only with a fitness
certificate from a doctor.
3. Working Hours for Young Workers (Section 71): Cannot work more
than 4.5 hours per day.

Leave with Wages (Sections 78-84)

Workers are entitled to paid leave:
1. Annual Leave (Section 79): Workers get one day leave for every 20
days worked.
2. Wages During Leave (Section 80): Full wages must be paid during
leave.
Special Provisions for Hazardous Industries (Sections 87-91)
Factories dealing with hazardous materials must follow additional safety
measures:
1. Dangerous Operations (Section 87): Factories must take extra
precautions.
2. Notification of Accidents (Section 88): Any accident causing death or
serious injury must be reported.

Penalties and Offenses (Sections 92-106)

Strict penalties for violations:
1. General Penalty (Section 92): Fine up to ₹2 lakhs or imprisonment up
to 2 years.
2. Penalty for Child Labor (Section 94): Fine up to ₹50,000.
3. Penalty for Dangerous Work (Section 96A): Stricter punishments for
not ensuring safety.

Importance of the Factories Act, 1948

 Protects workers from unsafe conditions.
 Ensures proper wages and working hours.
 Promotes better labour-management relations.
 Reduces workplace accidents.
Conclusion
The Factories Act, 1948 plays a crucial role in regulating working conditions in
factories. It safeguards the rights of workers by ensuring health, safety,
welfare, and fair working hours. By enforcing this Act, the government
ensures that factories comply with ethical labour standards.