Salient Features of Factories act,1948 – The Factories Act, 1948 is a crucial piece of legislation in India that aims to regulate and improve the conditions of work in factories. It encompasses various provisions to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of workers employed in factories
Salient Features of Factories act,1948
The Factories Act, 1948 is a significant piece of legislation in India that aims to ensure the health, safety, welfare, and working conditions of workers in factories. Here are some of the important features of the Factories Act, 1948:
Applicability: The Act applies to factories engaged in specified manufacturing processes with 10 or more workers if using power, and 20 or more workers if not using power. It covers various industries such as textiles, manufacturing, processing, and more.
Licensing and Registration: Before starting factory operations, owners must obtain a license from the appropriate government authority. The application for a license involves providing information about the factory’s location, the nature of work, and safety measures in place.
Health and Safety: The Act contains provisions related to various health and safety aspects in factories, including ventilation, lighting, cleanliness, waste disposal, prevention of overcrowding, and more. It also mandates measures to prevent accidents and protect workers from hazardous materials.
Working Hours and Rest Periods: The Act limits the working hours to 9 hours per day and 48 hours per week. It also ensures that workers are entitled to a weekly day off and daily rest periods between shifts.
Overtime: If a worker exceeds the normal working hours, they are entitled to overtime pay at double the ordinary rate of wages.
Employment of Young Persons: The Act regulates the employment of young persons (between the ages of 14 and 18) in factories. Certain restrictions are imposed on their working hours and the types of tasks they can perform to protect their health and safety.
Annual Leave with Wages: Workers are entitled to annual leave with wages, which accrue based on the number of days worked in the previous year. The leave period and wage rates are specified by the Act.
Welfare Provisions: The Act mandates certain welfare amenities for workers, such as clean drinking water, first aid facilities, canteens (in factories employing a specified number of workers), and more.
Safety Committees: In certain cases, factories are required to establish safety committees to promote safety awareness and facilitate cooperation between workers and management in addressing safety concerns.
Penalties: The Act prescribes penalties for contraventions, such as non-compliance with provisions related to health, safety, and other aspects. Penalties can include fines and imprisonment, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
These are some of the important features of the Factories Act, 1948.