The Factories Act, 1948, is a pivotal piece of legislation in India designed to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of workers in factories. Enacted to regulate working conditions, the Act applies to premises where manufacturing processes are carried out with the aid of power and employ ten or more workers, or twenty or more workers without the aid of power. Key provisions include regulations on working hours, provisions for safety measures such as fencing of machinery, and ensuring adequate ventilation, lighting, and sanitation facilities. The Act also mandates welfare measures like crèches, canteens, and first-aid facilities for workers. Through systematic inspections and penalties for non-compliance, the Factories Act aims to foster a safe and productive work environment, balancing industrial progress with worker rights and well-being.
