Factories Act

1948 Summary
Key features and compliance

Health Measures
The Factories Act, 1948 mandates several health measures to ensure a safe and hygienic working
environment. These include:
Cleanliness: Factories must maintain cleanliness standards, including daily cleaning of floors
and work areas.
Disposal of Wastes and Effluents: Effective arrangements must be made for treating wastes
and effluents and disposing of them.
Ventilation and Temperature: Adequate ventilation and comfortable temperature levels must be
maintained to prevent discomfort and health risks.
Dust and Fume Control: Measures must be taken to prevent the inhalation of dust and fumes,
including exhaust ventilation.
Overcrowding: Sufficient space must be provided to avoid overcrowding, ensuring the health
and safety of workers.
Lighting: Adequate and suitable lighting, both natural and artificial, must be provided in every
part of the factory.
Drinking Water: A sufficient supply of cool drinking water must be provided at convenient
locations.
Latrines and Urinals: Adequate and separate sanitary facilities for male and female workers
must be provided and maintained in a clean condition.

Safety Measures
The Act stipulates comprehensive safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries:
Fencing of Machinery: Dangerous parts of machinery must be securely fenced.
Work on or Near Machinery in Motion: Restrictions and safety measures are prescribed for
work on or near moving machinery.
Employment of Young Persons on Dangerous Machines: Young persons are prohibited from
working on dangerous machines unless properly trained and supervised.
Striking Gear and Devices for Cutting Off Power: Mechanisms for quickly cutting off power to
machinery must be readily accessible.
Self-Acting Machines: Precautions must be taken to prevent injuries from self-acting machines.
 Casing of New Machinery: New machinery must be designed and constructed with safety
features.
Pressure Plant: Measures for the safe operation of pressure plants, like boilers, are outlined.
Floors, Stairs, and Means of Access: These must be properly maintained and free from
obstructions.
Pits, Sumps, Openings in Floors: Precautions must be taken to prevent falls into pits, sumps,
or openings.
Excessive Weights: Limits are placed on the manual handling of excessive weights.
Protection of Eyes: Suitable goggles must be provided for eye protection.
Precautions Against Dangerous Fumes: Measures must be taken to prevent exposure to
dangerous fumes.
Explosive or Inflammable Dust, Gas, etc.: Precautions must be taken against explosions and
fires.
Precautions in Case of Fire: Factories must have adequate fire safety measures, including fire
exits, alarms, and firefighting equipment.

Welfare Measures
The Act ensures the provision of various welfare amenities to improve the working conditions of
employees:
Washing Facilities: Adequate and suitable washing facilities must be provided.
Facilities for Storing and Drying Clothing: Facilities for storing and drying clothing must be
provided.
Facilities for Sitting: Suitable seating arrangements must be provided to allow workers to take
rest.
First-Aid Appliances: First-aid boxes or cupboards equipped with necessary supplies must be
readily available.
Canteens: In factories employing more than 250 workers, a canteen must be provided.
Shelters, Rest Rooms, and Lunch Rooms: Suitable shelters, rest rooms, and lunch rooms
must be provided for workers to take rest during intervals.
Creches: In factories employing more than 30 women workers, a creche must be provided for
the care of their children.

Working Hours
The Act regulates working hours to prevent overwork and ensure rest periods:
Daily Hours: No adult worker shall be required or allowed to work in a factory for more than nine
hours in a day.
Weekly Hours: No adult worker shall be required or allowed to work in a factory for more than
forty-eight hours in a week.
Intervals for Rest: Intervals for rest of at least half an hour must be given to workers.
 Spread-Over: The spread-over of working hours, including rest intervals, shall not exceed ten
and a half hours in any day.
Night Shifts: Restrictions and regulations are placed on night shifts.
Extra Wages for Overtime: Workers are entitled to overtime wages at twice the ordinary rate of
wages for work beyond the stipulated hours.

Employment of Young Persons

The Act has specific provisions to protect young workers:
Prohibition of Employment of Children: No child (a person who has not completed his
fifteenth year) shall be employed or permitted to work in any factory.
Restrictions on the Employment of Adolescents: Restrictions are placed on the employment
of adolescents (a person who has completed his fifteenth year but has not completed his
eighteenth year).
Certificates of Fitness: Young persons must obtain a certificate of fitness from a certifying
surgeon before being employed.
Working Hours for Young Persons: The Act regulates the working hours for young persons,
ensuring they are not overworked.

Annual Leave with Wages

The Act provides for annual leave with wages for workers:
Entitlement to Leave: Every worker who has worked for a specified number of days during a
calendar year is entitled to annual leave with wages.
Leave Calculation: The leave is calculated based on the number of days worked.
Wages During Leave: Workers are entitled to wages during the leave period at a rate equal to
the average daily wage.

Roles of Occupier and Factory Manager

The Act defines the responsibilities of the occupier and factory manager:
Occupier: The occupier has ultimate control over the affairs of the factory and is responsible for
ensuring compliance with the Act. The occupier must ensure that all provisions related to health,
safety, and welfare are implemented effectively.
Factory Manager: The factory manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the
factory and is accountable for implementing the provisions of the Act. The manager is
responsible for maintaining records, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and reporting
accidents.
 Penalties
The Act prescribes penalties for non-compliance with its provisions:
General Penalty: For any contravention of the Act or rules, a penalty of imprisonment or fine, or
both, may be imposed.
Enhanced Penalty After Previous Conviction: If a person is convicted of an offense and
subsequently commits the same offense, the penalty may be enhanced.
Penalty for Obstructing Inspector: Obstructing an inspector in the discharge of their duties is a
punishable offense.
Offenses by Workers: Workers may also be penalized for certain offenses, such as interfering
with safety appliances.

Summary
The Factories Act, 1948 is a comprehensive piece of legislation designed to protect the health, safety,
and welfare of workers in factories. It covers a wide range of aspects, including health measures,
safety precautions, welfare amenities, working hours, employment of young persons, annual leave
with wages, and the responsibilities of the occupier and factory manager. The Act also prescribes
penalties for non-compliance, ensuring that its provisions are enforced effectively. By adhering to the
provisions of the Factories Act, employers can create a safer and healthier working environment for
their employees, promoting productivity and well-being.