What are the welfare facilities for workers under the Factories Act 1948 ?

Canteen

What are the welfare facilities for workers under the Factories Act 1948

It is applies to manufacturing unit with 10 + workers using power and 20 + workers using without power .

the minimum requirement to applies factories act are either 10+ workers with power or 20+ workers without power

What is power ?

In the Factories Act, 1948 the term Power used for any form of energy used to operate machinery in a factory.

Types of Power considered under the Act

  • Electricity: used for lighting, machines and etc.
  • Steam: used in turbines, boilers and etc.
  • Water Power: used in hydro-Powered turbines or miles.
  • Compressed Air: used for pneumatic tools and machines.
  • Other Mechanical Power: any other form of energy used to run machinery.

Health and Sanitation (sec 11 – 20)

  • Cleanliness: Sec 11 The Workplace must be ventilated, clean and free from waste.
  • Disposal of Waste and Effluents: Sec 12 factory owners must properly dispose of waste and wastewater treatment is necessary for compliance
  • Ventilation and Temperature Control: Sec 13 factories must have proper ventilation, fresh air supply and controlled temperature for worker.
  • Dust and fume control: Sec 14 workplaces generating dust, fumes or gases must have exhaust systems, Proper masks and ventilation.
  • Artificial Humidification: Sec 15 industries like textiles must regulate humidity to prevent respiratory issues.
  • Overcrowding: Sec 16 minimum space per worker should be 14.2 cubic meters to prevent overcrowding.
  • Lighting: Sec 17 factories must have adequate natural and artificial lighting to prevent accident.
  • Drinking water: Sec 18 safe and clean drinking water should be provided within reachable distance from working area and water container should be labeled as “Drinking water”.
  • Latrines and Urinals: Sec 19 Separate toilets for male and female workers and Proper cleaning, maintenance and ventilation.
  • Spittoons: Sec 20 it must be provided and cleaned regularly to maintain work area hygiene.

Welfare Measures (Section 42 – 49)

  • Washing Facilities: Sec 42 workers must have access to clean washing areas with soap and water.
  • Sitting Arrangements: Sec 43 proper seating facilities for workers who need to stand for long hours.
  • Changing Rooms and Lockers: Sec 44 if workers change uniforms, separate changing rooms and lockers must be provided.
  • First Aid Facilities: Sec 45 mandatory first aid boxes for every 150 workers. If 500+ workers a first aid room with medical officer is required.
  • Canteen: Sec 46 mandatory if 250 + workers are employed than arrange proper seating, hygiene and food storage.
  • Shelters, Restrooms and Lunch rooms: Sec 47 mandatory if 150+ workers are employed than arrange proper seating, ventilation and resting area for workers.
  • Creches (childcare facilities): Sec 48 if 30+ female workers a creche for children below 6 years must be provided.
  • Welfare Officer: Sec 49 if 500+ workers, a full time welfare officer must be appointed.

Importance of Welfare Facilities

  • Health and Hygiene
  • Safety and Accident Prevention
  • Legal Compliance
  • Worker satisfaction and Productivity

This are the welfare facilities for workers under the Factories Act 1948

For more information click on download PDF from Ministry of Labour & Employment: Download

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