Tamil Nadu Factories Act, 1950
Tamil Nadu Factories Act, 1950
The Tamil Nadu
Factories Act, 1950, is a state-specific legislation derived from the central
Factories Act, 1948. It plays a pivotal role in regulating the working
conditions, health, safety, and welfare of workers in factories within Tamil
Nadu. Here's a closer look at this essential legislation.
Key Objectives of the
Act
The Tamil Nadu
Factories Act, 1950, aims to:
Safeguard workers'
health and safety.
Ensure adequate welfare
measures.
Regulate working hours
and employment of young persons.
Promote a safe and
conducive working environment.
Overview of the
Chapters
The act is structured
into 11 chapters, each addressing specific aspects of factory operations and
worker rights:
Chapter I: Preliminary
This chapter lays the
groundwork by defining key terms such as "factory,"
"worker," and "occupier." It outlines the scope and
applicability of the act.
Chapter II: The
Inspecting Staff
Appointment and powers
of inspectors.
Their role in ensuring
compliance with the act.
Chapter III: Health
Addresses:
Cleanliness and proper
disposal of waste.
Ventilation, lighting,
and control of dust and fumes.
Provision of safe
drinking water.
Chapter IV: Safety
Focuses on:
Machinery safety,
fencing, and precautions during maintenance.
Handling hazardous
processes and substances.
Chapter V: Welfare
Mandates:
Restroom and washing
facilities.
First aid and medical
facilities.
Creches for workers'
children.
Appointment of welfare
officers in large factories.
Chapter VI: Working
Hours of Adults
Regulates:
Maximum working hours
(9 hours/day, 48 hours/week).
Overtime wages and
weekly offs.
Rest intervals to
prevent fatigue.
Chapter VII: Employment
of Young Persons
Prohibits employment of
children under 14.
Restrictions on
adolescent work, ensuring safety and limited hours.
Chapter VIII: Annual
Leave with Wages
Outlines:
Entitlement to annual
leave.
Accumulation and
encashment of leave.
Chapter IX: Special
Provisions
Regulations for
dangerous operations.
Protection measures in
factories under public control.
Chapter X: Penalties
and Procedures
Penalties for
non-compliance.
Processes for
addressing grievances and violations.
Chapter XI:
Supplemental
Covers miscellaneous
provisions like accident reporting and maintenance of records.
Schedules in the Act
The act includes
several schedules specifying hazardous industries, permissible limits of
exposure to harmful substances, and notifiable occupational diseases. These
schedules ensure that workers' health is not compromised.
Tamil Nadu-Specific
Amendments
Over the years, Tamil
Nadu has introduced amendments to:
Strengthen safety
norms, especially in industries like textiles and firecrackers.
Simplify processes for
factory registration and compliance.
Enhance welfare
measures for workers.
Why the Act Matters
The Tamil Nadu
Factories Act, 1950, is more than just a regulatory framework. It ensures:
Workers’ rights are
protected.
Factories operate
within safe and ethical parameters.
A harmonious balance
between industrial growth and worker welfare.
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thank you