Provisions Relating To Health, Safety And Welfare Of Workers Under The Factories Act
- IJLLR Journal
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
Akhaigha T Josh, BBA LLB (Hons.), Government Law College Kozhikode
ABSTRACT
Factories Act, 1948: This is one of the fundamental pieces of labor welfare legislation in India. The Factories Act provides for health, safety, and welfare of workers employed in industrial establishments. In this paper, detailed provisions of the Act have been organized under three broad headings: health, safety, and welfare, and practical application through examples and case studies have been discussed. The health provisions include maintaining cleanliness, proper ventilation, lighting, waste disposal, and availability of drinking water and sanitary facilities. For example, examples such as the Sterlite Copper Plant closure in Tamil Nadu depict the aftermaths of non- compliance with waste management norms. The safety provisions ensure that workers are protected from occupational hazards by requiring fencing of machinery, regulated operation of pressure plants, and the appointment of safety officers in hazardous industries. Incidents like the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and the LG Polymers gas leak are critical reminders of the importance of these measures. The welfare provisions ensure facilities such as restrooms, canteens, childcare facilities, and first aid appliances are made available to workers. Real-life examples, such as the installation of creches in Tamil Nadu textile factories, highlight the positive impact of these provisions on worker well-being. Despite all progress, challenges remain in implementation, especially for SMEs, because of resource constraints and lack of awareness. The paper concludes by recommending stricter enforcement and modernization of laws alongside better awareness programs to improve these gaps. This article, with the help of legal analysis and real- world examples, points out the critical role that the Factories Act plays in the promotion of industrial harmony and the safety and health of India's workforce.
