What is Factory Act?
The Factories Act, 1948, enacted on 28 August 1948, aims to ensure the safety, welfare, and health of factory workers. It replaced the earlier Factories Act of 1934, addressing its gaps and inefficiencies to better regulate working conditions and worker rights, especially in the rapidly industrializing 19th century.
Objectives of the Factories Act, 1948:
Health: The Act mandates factories to provide a clean, safe, and conducive working environment, including adequate ventilation, lighting, and sanitation.
Safety: Factories must implement safety measures to protect workers from accidents and hazards, such as fencing around machinery, proper equipment handling, and eliminating risks like open manholes.
Working Hours: It limits working hours to a maximum of 48 hours per week, ensuring reasonable and fair labor practices.
Penalties: Violations of the Act's provisions are considered offenses, resulting in fines, imprisonment, or both.
Welfare: Factories must provide facilities for workers’ welfare, including restrooms, first aid, washing and drying facilities, lunch areas, and shelters.
In summary, the Factories Act, 1948, establishes a comprehensive framework to protect factory workers and promote their well-being in industrial environments.