Provisions Relating to Welfare in Factories Act 1948
The Factories Act, 1948, under Sections 42–50, mandates welfare measures to ensure workers’ health, comfort, and productivity in Indian factories. These provisions address essential amenities and services, promoting a humane workplace:
Section 42: Washing Facilities
It mandates that each factory must maintain proper and efficient washing facilities. The purpose is to promote hygiene and the prevention of occupational diseases, especially in factories where employees are subjected to dust, chemicals or other forms of contamination. The welfare aspects of the Factories Act 1948 stipulate that:
- There shall be separate and properly cleaned washrooms for male and female workers.
- Separate, screened facilities for male and female workers must be accessible and kept clean, with standards set by State Governments.
- Standards of adequacy and appropriateness can be prescribed by the State Government.
Washing facility emphasis underscores the requirement of having hygienic work conditions to prevent health hazards, which is a critical part of the health, safety and welfare provisions of the Factories Act 1948.
Section 43: Facilities for Storing and Drying Working Clothes
Section 43 recognises that the workers may shift from working attire dry or wet clothes, particularly in chemical or water industries. Under the above section:
- Factories are to provide secure storage (e.g., lockers) for storing clothing not worn during working hours.
- Drying facilities for wet clothes are to be made available where necessary.
- State Governments may specify standards to ensure practicality and hygiene for all workers.
The location of such provisions also indicates the focus on hazardous process-related provisions under the Factories Act in an attempt to protect workers engaged in work related to possibly toxic substances or environments.
Related: Provisions Related to Hazardous Processes in Factories Act 1948
Section 44: Sitting Rooms
This provision aims at reducing exhaustion in workers who have to stand for long periods of time, thereby preventing health complications and optimising efficiency. To address this:
- Proper sitting arrangements should be provided and maintained for employees who need to work while standing.
- In case the work can be reasonably done while sitting, the Chief Inspector may enforce sitting facilities.
Providing sitting facilities is a good but easy way of increasing worker comfort and productivity. The Act attempts to make the workplace more worker-friendly, with workers not being subjected to excessive physical strain.
Section 45: First-Aid Appliances
Ready access to first-aid facilities is essential in industries where accidents may occur. Section 45 provides ready access to the workers for medical treatment:
- Factories must maintain accessible first-aid kits (e.g., containing bandages, antiseptics) with one box per 150 workers, managed by trained first-aid staff.
- Factories with over 500 workers require a dedicated ambulance room with equipment and personnel, as per State Government standards, ensuring prompt emergency care.
Installing suitable first-aid facilities is a direct contribution towards the general welfare, safety and health amenities under the Factories Act 1948 and reflects the Act's commitment to making sure workers are able to obtain medical assistance instantly during emergencies.
Related: Safety Measures in the Factories Act 1948
Section 46: Canteens
The health of workers relies not only on nutrition but on the availability of safe food as well. Section 46 provides facilities for canteens in large-scale factories so that workers have access to clean and cheap food:
- Factories employing more than 250 workers have the responsibility to offer and maintain a canteen.
Canteens play an essential role in promoting workers' welfare by offering healthy and affordable meals. Such provisions enable workers to maintain their energy levels while working, further contributing to their productivity and overall well-being. State Governments regulate food standards and pricing, supporting workers’ health and energy levels for improved productivity.
Section 47: Shelters, Rest Rooms and Lunch Rooms
Rest and rest pauses are needed in order to maintain workers' morale and health, especially in large factories. Section 47 makes provision for such facilities to be supplied and maintained in satisfactory condition:
- Factories with more than 150 workers must be provided with adequate shelters, toilet rooms and lunch rooms.
- These rooms must be clean, well ventilated and adequately lit.
- The provision of safe drinking water in these rooms is mandatory.
These sections under the Welfare of the Factories Act 1948 remind the workers that they must get enough rest and recuperation during working hours. Stress being placed on ventilation, lighting and hygiene provides a better, comfortable and productive working place for the workers.
Section 48: Creches
The provision of facilities for creche to working mothers and the well-being of children are progressive aspects of the Act. Section 48 requires creche facilities in factories to hire a significant number of women workers:
- Factories employing more than 30 women workers are required to provide and maintain creches for children up to six years old.
- Creches must be well-lit, ventilated, and sanitary, with amenities like feeding areas, supporting working mothers and promoting gender equality.
The creche facility promotes gender equality in the workplace as it accommodates working mothers and allows them to reconcile professional and family responsibilities. This facility aligns with the Act's overall goals of promoting social justice and labour welfare.
Section 49: Welfare Officers
Welfare officers are appointed for the regular implementation and monitoring of welfare provisions in large factories:
- Factories with 500 or more workers must appoint welfare officers (e.g., one per 500 workers) to monitor welfare provisions, handle grievances, and liaise between management and workers.
- State Governments define their qualifications and duties, ensuring effective welfare implementation.
Welfare officers play a key function in guaranteeing continuous improvement in the welfare conditions in factories and guaranteeing that the Act provisions are being applied and that issues, as they arise, are addressed.
Section 50: Power to Make Rules to Supplement this Chapter
Section 50 empowers State Governments to amend and supplement welfare provisions to suit local and industry needs:
- State Governments may make rules with respect to the implementation of welfare provisions like exemptions and alternate arrangements.
- They may require worker representatives for participation in the management of welfare arrangements.
This provision facilitates flexibility and enables welfare provisions under the Factories Act to be framed as per the needs of the industry, facilitating a better implementation of the welfare scheme.
Related: 10 Daily Workplace Safety Tips in Manufacturing
Role of Workmen's Compensation Insurance in Worker Welfare
While the Factories Act is aimed at preventive and ancillary welfare, Workmen's Compensation Insurance provides financial protection in the event of workplace injury, disease or death. The insurance is an important complement to statutory welfare provisions, providing medical expenses to workers.
- Employers are legally bound to indemnify workers against injury or death in the workplace under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923.
- Insurance pays for medical expenses, loss of earnings or maintenance of dependents, with timely payouts.
- Both employers and employees gain from it: employees get financial security, and employers are spared astronomical, unplanned-for expenditure.
- Having insurance encourages employers to maintain their premises in compliance with safety rules and to comply with welfare legislation because lower accident rates are in a position to reduce premiums.
When complemented with statutory welfare, insurance offers a robust safety net for handling the prevention and mitigation of risks in the workplace.
Conclusion
The Factories Act 1948 Provisions Regarding Welfare are critical to safeguard employees working in hazardous processes. Employers are made accountable under safety standards, mandated to disclose hazards and ensure sufficient worker protection and training. Employee participation in safety management further strengthens the mechanism. Adhering to these provisions beforehand prevents the likelihood of accidents and guarantees a healthy, safe and environmentally friendly workplace environment.
Expert advice made easy
