The Factories Act provides for the health, safety, welfare, service conditions and other aspects of workers in factories. The Act is enforced by the State Government who frame rules that ensure that local conditions are reflected in enforcement.
The Act as amended in 1987 also regulates the safeguards to be adopted for the use and handling of hazardous substances.
Applicability
The Factories Act extends to whole of India and is applicable to all factories including government factories.
It applies to all factories employing more than 10 people and working with the aid of power or employing 20 people and working without the aid of power.
Factory however does not include a mine covered under the mines Act, 1952, a mobile unit of the armed forces, a railway shed or a hotel, restaurant or eating place.
The act covers all workers employed in the factory premises or precincts directly or through an agency including a contractor, involved in any manufacture.
