Glossary · Compliance & Registrations
Factories Act
A central labour law (Factories Act, 1948) regulating the working conditions, safety, health, and welfare of workers in manufacturing units employing 10 or more workers and using power.
The Factories Act requires every factory to obtain a license from the state Factory Inspectorate, get plans approved, and comply with safety standards (fire exits, machine guards, ventilation, lighting). It mandates a Welfare Officer for factories with 500+ workers, a Safety Officer for 1,000+ workers, and a Canteen for 250+ workers. Working hours are capped at 48/week and 9/day, with overtime at double wages. Health and safety committees are compulsory for factories with 100+ workers.
Examples
A garment factory with 50 workers and 20 sewing machines in Tirupur must obtain a Factory License from the Tamil Nadu Factory Inspectorate.