The Factories Act, 1948

The Factories Act, 1948

Scope:

• The Act defines factory as an establishment employing 10 or more persons where power is used and 20 or more persons where power is not used.

Work-Related Norms

Employment of young persons:

• Employment prohibited for age less than 14 years(The Factories Act (1976))
• 15-18 years old adolescents to be declared fit by certifying surgeons can will work
• Only Between 5 AM  to 7 PM
• Employment prohibited in certain dangerous occupations

Hours of Work

• A maximum of 4 and half  hours of work per day for adolescents
• 48 hours per week (9 hrs per day)
• Maximum 60 hours per week (including overtime)

 Leaves with wages:

• 1 day per 15 days of work for adolescents
• Leaves can be accumulated up to 40 days

 Health Safety and Welfare Recommendations

• A minimum of 500 cubic feet space per worker
• 1 Safety Officer per 1000 workers
• 1 Welfare Officer per 500 workers
• 1 Canteen for greater than 250 workers
• 1 Creche for greater than 30 women workers

Under Factory Act 1948, there are 29 diseases which are notifiable  (Schedule 3)

• Silicosis
• Anthracosis
• Byssinosis