Factory Act, 1948 in India

The Factory Act, 1948, is a significant piece of legislation in India that aimed to regulate working conditions and ensure the welfare, health, and safety of factory workers. It introduced various provisions to address diverse aspects of employee welfare and industrial operations, from factory registration and licenses to specifications for working hours, leave privileges, machinery usage, and occupiers' responsibilities.

One of the most critical areas covered by the Factory Act, 1948, is working hours. The Act directed that adults could work eight hours daily and forty-eight hours weekly. Additionally, it ensured that no adult worker would be compelled to work on a day when their regular weekly holiday fell due. The Act also governed overtime, stipulating that a worker must be allowed breaks between working hours.

The Act also focused on health and safety regulations. It mandated that adequate safety measures be taken against potential risks and hazards in the workplace, including the provision of necessary safety equipment. It also required factories to ensure proper ventilation, lighting, and maintenance of equipment to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment.

Child labor laws were another critical aspect addressed by the Factory Act. The Act prohibited the employment of children below the age of 14 in any factory, except in certain specified areas where the employment of children aged between 14 and 18 was allowed under specific conditions.

Enforcement mechanisms were also established under the Factory Act, 1948. The Act authorized the government to set up procedures for factory inspection, appoint inspectors, and enforce adherence to the rules. It also outlined fines and legal repercussions for non-compliance, providing a deterrent to ensure that factories followed the regulations.

Over the years, the Factory Act has undergone several revisions to keep up with evolving industrial dynamics and improvements in worker safety. These changes have enhanced worker rights and safety regulations while introducing new rules and broadening the coverage's reach. Despite its importance, awareness among workers about the health, safety, and welfare provisions under the Act is essential to ensure effective implementation and enforcement.