What is the Factories Act?
The Factories Act, 1948 is a central legislation designed to regulate:
⇒ Working conditions
⇒ Health and safety
⇒ Welfare of workers
⇒ Working hours and leave policies
It applies to:
⇒ Any premises with 10 or more workers where power is used
⇒ Or 20 or more workers where no power is used, and manufacturing is carried on
What is Factories Act Compliance?
Factories Act Compliance refers to fulfilling all legal obligations under the Act, which includes:
⇒ Registering the factory
⇒ Maintaining proper records
⇒ Ensuring workplace safety and cleanliness
⇒ Following working hour limits, rest intervals, leave rules, and welfare measures
Key Areas of Compliance Under the Factories Act
1. Factory Registration & Licensing
⇒ Apply for license from Chief Inspector of Factories
⇒ Renew the license annually (or as per local rules)
2. Health & Safety Provisions
⇒ Cleanliness, ventilation, dust & fumes control
⇒ Fencing of machinery
⇒ Safety guards and emergency exits
⇒ First aid boxes and ambulance rooms
3. Welfare Measures
⇒ Toilets, drinking water, canteen (if 250+ workers)
⇒ Crèche facility (if 30+ women workers)
⇒ Restrooms and washing facilities
4. Working Hours & Overtime
⇒ Max 48 hours/week and 9 hours/day
⇒ Overtime at twice the regular wage
⇒ Weekly holiday and proper shift schedules
5. Record Maintenance & Returns
⇒ Attendance and wages register
⇒ Leave with wages register (Form 18)
⇒ Overtime register (Form 10)
⇒ Annual return (Form 21), accident report (Form 24)
6. Accident Reporting
⇒ Report serious accidents to labour authorities immediately
⇒ Maintain accident register
Penalties for Non-Compliance
⇒ Fine up to ₹1,00,000 or imprisonment up to 2 years
⇒ Factory closure or suspension of license
⇒ Legal proceedings for unsafe or unlawful practices
Benefits of Factories Act Compliance
⇒ Legal Safety – Avoids fines, closure, or prosecution
⇒ Employee Safety – Protects workers from occupational hazards
⇒ Audit Readiness – Smooth inspections by Labour, Safety, and Fire departments
⇒ Reputation Boost – Being a compliant employer attracts good talent and clients
⇒ Business Continuity – Minimizes risk of disruption from non-compliance
Our Factories Act Compliance Services Include:
⇒ New Factory Registration & License application
⇒ Renewal of Factory License
⇒ Safety audit & risk assessment
⇒ Maintenance of statutory registers & returns
⇒ Representation during labour inspections
⇒ Setup of health, safety & welfare systems
⇒ Advisory on layout approval, fire NOC, and pollution clearance