provisions of the Factories Act, 1948 regarding the working hours of workers, including women and young persons
Here is a comprehensive explanation of the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948 regarding the working hours of workers, including women and young persons, in point-wise format.
🏭 Working Hours under the Factories Act, 1948
(Sections 51 to 66)
🔹 1. General Limit on Working Hours (Section 51)
No adult worker shall be required or allowed to work in a factory for more than 48 hours in any week.
Work must be arranged to give adequate rest.
🔹 2. Daily Hours (Section 54)
No adult worker shall be required or allowed to work for more than 9 hours in any day.
Exceptions only with prior approval of Chief Inspector for shift changes.
🔹 3. Rest Intervals (Section 55)
A worker must not work for more than 5 hours before having a rest interval of at least 30 minutes.
Total spread over, including rest, must not exceed 10.5 hours.
🔹 4. Spread Over (Section 56)
The working hours of an adult worker including rest interval shall not exceed 10.5 hours in a day.
Can be increased to 12 hours with the Chief Inspector's approval.
🔹 5. Weekly Holidays (Section 52)
Every worker must get one day off each week, preferably Sunday.
If not possible, another day must be substituted, and prior notice is to be given.
🔹 6. Compensatory Holidays (Section 53)
If a worker works on the weekly holiday due to exigency, they must be provided compensatory holidays within the same month or the next two months.
🔹 7. Overtime Work (Section 59)
If a worker works beyond 9 hours/day or 48 hours/week, they are entitled to overtime wages at twice the ordinary rate.
Factory records must show overtime details.
👩🏭 Working Hours for Women (Section 66)
🔹 8. Restrictions on Working Hours for Women
Women shall not be employed:
Before 6 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
State Government may permit work between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. under certain conditions (safety, consent, transportation).
🔹 9. Equality in Hours
Women workers are also subject to the 9-hour daily and 48-hour weekly limits.
Factories must ensure separate facilities for women: toilets, restrooms, and creches if applicable.
🔹 10. Night Shift Exception with Safeguards
In IT, biotechnology, or certain industries, women may work night shifts if:
Provided with transport, security, and consent taken.
Compliance with maternity and safety laws ensured.
👦🏻🧒🏻 Working Hours for Young Persons
🔹 11. Prohibition of Employment Below Age 14 (Section 67)
No child below 14 years of age shall be employed in any factory.
🔹 12. Working Hours for Adolescents (15–18 Years) (Section 68–71)
Adolescent must obtain a certificate of fitness to work.
Cannot work for more than 4.5 hours/day and not during night (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.).
No overtime allowed.
🔹 13. Shift Timing for Young Persons
No child or adolescent shall work in more than one shift per day.
Shifts must be fixed and not rotated.
🔹 14. Weekly and Rest Holidays
Children and adolescents must get one full day off per week.
Rest intervals and spread-over must be as per child welfare standards.
✅ Conclusion
The Factories Act, 1948 lays down a well-balanced framework for regulating working hours to ensure health, safety, and welfare. Specific safeguards are included for women and young persons to promote equity and prevent exploitation. Every employer must comply with these provisions to operate legally and ethically.
