What do you understand about Factory Act 1948? Enumerate the objectives of factories act.

The Factory Act of 1948 is a comprehensive legislation enacted by the Government of India to regulate and govern the working conditions, health, safety, and welfare of workers employed in factories across the country. It aims to ensure a safe and healthy working environment, protect the rights and interests of workers, and promote industrial development while safeguarding public health and safety.

The objectives of the Factory Act, 1948, include:

1. Ensuring Health and Safety: One of the primary objectives of the Factory Act is to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of workers employed in factories. It sets forth regulations and standards for workplace conditions, machinery safety, ventilation, lighting, cleanliness, and other factors that impact the well-being of workers.

2. Preventing Occupational Hazards: The Act aims to prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational hazards by requiring factories to implement measures to identify, assess, and mitigate workplace risks. It mandates the provision of safety equipment, training programs, and emergency preparedness measures to protect workers from harm.

3. Regulating Working Hours: The Factory Act regulates the working hours, rest intervals, and overtime provisions for workers employed in factories. It prescribes limits on the maximum number of hours of work per week, mandates rest periods, and regulates overtime work to prevent exploitation and ensure the well-being of workers.

4. Protecting Women and Child Labor: The Act includes provisions to protect the rights and interests of women and child workers employed in factories. It prohibits the employment of women and children in certain hazardous occupations and establishes safeguards for their health, safety, and welfare.

5. Promoting Welfare Measures: The Factory Act encourages the implementation of welfare measures for workers, including provisions for clean drinking water, sanitary facilities, first aid, canteen facilities, and crèches for children. It mandates the appointment of welfare officers and the establishment of safety committees to address workers' needs and concerns.

6. Enforcing Compliance: The Act establishes regulatory authorities and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with its provisions. It empowers factory inspectors to conduct inspections, issue notices, and take enforcement actions against non-compliant factories to uphold safety, health, and welfare standards.

Overall, the Factory Act of 1948 aims to create a conducive and safe working environment, protect the rights and interests of workers, and promote industrial development while upholding public health and safety standards. By fulfilling these objectives, the Act contributes to the well-being of workers, the sustainability of industries, and the overall socio-economic development of the country.