The Factories Act, 1948[Act No. 63 of 1948]
An Act to consolidate and amend the law regulating labor in factories.
Be it enacted by Parliament as follows:
Chapter I:
PreliminaryShort Title, Extent, and Commencement:
- This Act may be called the Factories Act, 1948.
- It extends to the whole of India.
- It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.
Definitions:
- Factory: A premises where 10 or more workers are working, and power is used, or 20 or more workers are working without the use of power.
- Worker: A person employed directly or through any agency, whether for wages or not, in any manufacturing process or any incidental process.
- Occupier: The person who has ultimate control over the affairs of the factory.
Chapter II:
The Inspecting Staff- Inspectors:
- The State Government shall appoint Inspectors for enforcing the provisions of the Act.
- Inspectors have the power to enter any factory and examine any machinery or documents.
Chapter III:
HealthCleanliness:
- Every factory shall be kept clean, including provisions for sweeping, washing, and removing waste.
Disposal of Wastes and Effluents:
- Effective arrangements shall be made for the treatment of wastes and effluents.
Ventilation and Temperature:
- Adequate ventilation and cooling provisions must be in place to ensure the comfort of the workers.
Dust and Fume Control:
- Effective measures shall be taken to prevent the inhalation of dust, fumes, or other impurities generated in the manufacturing process.
Lighting:
- Sufficient and suitable lighting must be provided in every part of the factory.
Overcrowding:
- Factories must ensure that workers are not overcrowded to a degree that is injurious to their health.
Chapter IV:
SafetyFencing of Machinery:
- Every dangerous part of any machinery shall be securely fenced to prevent injury.
Work on or Near Machinery in Motion:
- Special care and supervision are required when workers are engaged with machinery in motion.
Employment of Young Persons on Dangerous Machines:
- No young person (below 18 years) shall work on dangerous machines unless they have been trained and are under supervision.
Prohibition of Work on Certain Dangerous Machines:
- Specific machines may be prohibited by the government from use without adequate safeguards.
Precautions Against Dangerous Fumes, Gases, etc.:
- Suitable measures must be adopted to prevent the build-up of dangerous fumes or gases.
Protection of Eyes:
- Goggles or other protective equipment shall be provided where processes involve risk of injury to the eyes.
Precautions in Case of Fire:
- Factories must be equipped with adequate means of escape and firefighting equipment in case of fire.
Chapter V:
WelfareWashing Facilities:
- Adequate and suitable washing facilities must be provided for workers.
Facilities for Storing and Drying Clothing:
- Provision for drying and storing wet clothing should be made where necessary.
Facilities for Sitting:
- Workers whose work is performed standing should be provided with seats for rest.
First Aid Appliances:
- Every factory must have a first aid box equipped with prescribed contents and a trained person in charge.
Canteens:
- Canteens must be provided in factories where more than 250 workers are employed.
Shelters, Restrooms, and Lunch Rooms:
- Suitable shelters or restrooms and lunch rooms shall be provided for workers.
Creches:
- Factories with more than 30 women workers must provide a creche for the use of children of such workers.
Chapter VI:
Working Hours of AdultsWeekly Hours:
- No adult worker shall be required or allowed to work in a factory for more than 48 hours a week.
Daily Hours:
- No adult worker shall work more than 9 hours in any day.
Intervals for Rest:
- A rest interval of at least half an hour shall be provided after five hours of continuous work.
Overtime:
- Workers are entitled to overtime pay at twice the normal rate for hours worked in excess of the prescribed limits.
Chapter VII:
Employment of Young PersonsProhibition of Employment of Children:
- No child under 14 years of age shall be employed in any factory.
Working Hours for Adolescents:
- Adolescents (ages 15-18) may work in factories only with the necessary certification and are limited to specific working hours.
Chapter VIII:
Annual Leave with Wages- Annual Leave:
- Workers are entitled to annual leave with wages at a rate of one day for every 20 days worked in the case of adults and one day for every 15 days worked in the case of children.
Chapter IX:
Special ProvisionsSpecial Provisions Relating to Hazardous Processes:
- Factories involving hazardous processes must ensure the health and safety of workers by implementing medical surveillance, safety audits, and appropriate safety measures as prescribed.
Notice of Certain Accidents:
- The occupier of a factory must inform the prescribed authorities about any accident that causes serious bodily injury or death.
Chapter X:
Penalties and Procedures- Penalties for Offenses:
- Violation of the provisions of this Act may result in penalties, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.
Chapter XI:
Supplemental- Power to Make Rules:
- The State Governments may make rules to carry out the provisions of this Act.
This is a summarized version of the Factories Act, 1948. For the full text and specific legal language, it is recommended to refer to legal documents or the Official Gazette of India.