Welfare, Safety in Factories Act 1948

Factories Act of 1948 includes comprehensive provisions for the welfare and safety of workers in factories. These provisions are designed to ensure a safe working environment and promote the well-being of employees.

Welfare Provisions

Washing Facilities

• Requirement: Factories must provide and maintain adequate and suitable facilities for washing for the use of the workers.
• Conditions: The facilities must be conveniently accessible and kept clean. Separate facilities should be provided for male and female workers if necessary.

Facilities for Storing and Drying Clothing

• Requirement: Arrangements must be made for workers to store their clothing and for drying wet clothes.
• Conditions: These facilities should be appropriately located and maintained to ensure they are hygienic and practical for workers.

Facilities for Sitting

• Requirement: Suitable arrangements for sitting must be provided for workers who are required to work in a standing position to the extent that it is feasible.
• Conditions: This is to ensure that workers have the opportunity to sit when their work allows it, reducing fatigue.

First-Aid Appliances

• Requirement: First-aid boxes or cupboards containing prescribed contents must be provided and maintained.
• Conditions: These should be readily accessible during all working hours. The Act specifies the minimum contents of the first-aid box and requires a certain number of boxes based on the number of workers.

Canteens

• Requirement: Factories employing more than 250 workers must provide and maintain canteens.
• Conditions: The canteen must be run according to prescribed standards regarding food quality, pricing, and hygiene. It should have proper dining and cooking facilities.

Shelters, Restrooms, and Lunch Rooms

• Requirement: Adequate and suitable shelters, restrooms, and lunch rooms must be provided for workers.
• Conditions: These facilities should be well-ventilated and maintained to ensure a comfortable environment for workers during breaks.

Crèches

• Requirement: Factories employing more than a specified number of women workers must provide crèches for children under the age of six.
• Conditions: The crèches should be adequately staffed and maintained, providing a safe and healthy environment for the children of workers.

Welfare Officers

• Requirement: Factories employing a certain number of workers (typically 500 or more) must appoint welfare officers.
• Conditions: Welfare officers are responsible for implementing welfare policies and ensuring compliance with the welfare provisions of the Act.

Safety Provisions

Fencing of Machinery

• Requirement: Dangerous parts of machinery must be securely fenced to prevent accidental contact.
• Conditions: The fencing must be of sound construction and regularly maintained to ensure effectiveness.

Work on or Near Machinery in Motion

• Requirement: Specific safeguards must be in place for workers required to work on or near machinery in motion.
• Conditions: Appropriate safety measures, such as protective gear and safety devices, must be provided.

Employment of Young Persons on Dangerous Machines

• Requirement: Young persons (aged 15-18) must not work on dangerous machines unless they have been fully instructed and are under the supervision of an experienced person.
• Conditions: This is to ensure that young workers are not exposed to undue risk.

Striking Gear and Devices for Cutting Off Power

• Requirement: Factories must have adequate devices for cutting off power to machines in emergencies.
• Conditions: These devices should be easily accessible and clearly marked.

Self-Acting Machines

• Requirement: Restrictions are placed on the operation of self-acting machines to prevent accidental injury.
• Conditions: Machines should be designed and operated in a way that minimizes risk to workers.

Casing of New Machinery

• Requirement: New machinery must be adequately cased to prevent accidental contact with moving parts.
• Conditions: The casing should be robust and regularly inspected for damage or wear.

Hoists and Lifts

• Requirement: Hoists and lifts must be of good mechanical construction, sound material, and adequate strength.
• Conditions: They must be properly maintained and periodically tested by competent persons.

Lifting Machines and Tackle

• Requirement: The safe working load must be clearly marked on lifting machines and tackle.
• Conditions: These should be tested regularly and maintained in good condition.

Revolving Machinery

• Requirement: Safety measures must be in place for machinery with revolving parts.
• Conditions: Guards, shields, or other protective devices should be used to prevent accidents.

Pressure Plant

• Requirement: Pressure plants must be properly maintained and regularly inspected to ensure safe operation.
• Conditions: Safety valves and other safety devices must be in place and functioning.

Floors, Stairs, and Means of Access

• Requirement: Floors, stairs, and means of access should be of sound construction and properly maintained to prevent accidents.
• Conditions: They should be kept free from obstructions and in good repair.

Pits, Sumps, Openings in Floors

• Requirement: Pits, sumps, and openings in floors must be securely covered or fenced.
• Conditions: These precautions are to prevent workers from falling into them.

Excessive Weights

• Requirement: Workers should not be required to lift excessive weights without proper aids.
• Conditions: Mechanical aids or assistance from other workers should be provided for heavy lifting.

Protection of Eyes

• Requirement: Adequate protection must be provided for workers exposed to risks of eye injury.
• Conditions: Safety goggles or shields should be used in processes involving hazards to the eyes.

Precautions Against Dangerous Fumes, Gases, etc.

• Requirement: Measures must be taken to prevent exposure to dangerous fumes, gases, and other hazardous substances.
• Conditions: Proper ventilation, exhaust systems, and protective equipment should be used.

Precautions Regarding the Use of Portable Electric Light

• Requirement: Safe use of portable electric lights is ensured by using voltage below specified limits.
• Conditions: These lights should be used in a manner that prevents electrical hazards.

Explosive or Inflammable Dust, Gas, etc.

• Requirement: Precautions must be taken to prevent explosions or fires from flammable substances.
• Conditions: Proper storage, handling, and usage procedures must be followed, along with the installation of safety devices.

Precautions in Case of Fire

• Requirement: Factories must have adequate fire-fighting equipment and trained personnel.
• Conditions: Fire exits and escape routes should be clearly marked and unobstructed.

Safety Officers

• Requirement: Factories employing a specified number of workers must appoint safety officers.
• Conditions: Safety officers are responsible for implementing safety policies and ensuring compliance with safety provisions.

Administration and Enforcement

The enforcement of the Factories Act, 1948, is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments. Factory Inspectors are appointed to ensure compliance with the Act’s provisions. They have the authority to inspect factories, examine records, and enforce safety and welfare standards.

Penalties

Non-compliance with the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948, can result in penalties, including fines and imprisonment for the employer. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and extent of the violations.