Is It Mandatory to Have an Ambulance on Site for Night Shifts in Manufacturing?

Dear seniors, I am working in a manufacturing company that operates 4 shifts a day. Due to cost reduction measures, they have reduced one emergency cab in my plant, which is similar to an ambulance. We are covered from evening 6 PM until the next morning when the next cab arrives.

As there is no cab available from 6 PM in the evening until 9:30 AM the next day, if any accidents occur during this time, we would face difficulties. Therefore, I am currently in discussions with the management regarding this issue. The management's current stance is to call an ambulance in case of emergency. However, in my area, with many industries around, there is only one hospital within 7 km. If I call an ambulance and it is not available at that moment, it could lead to significant problems.

I seek guidance on whether there is any regulation stating that an ambulance or cab must be present at the plant during nighttime hours.

Regards, Karthick

Ambulance Room and Conveyance Requirements Under Maharashtra Factory Rules

As per Rule 78 of the Maharashtra Factory Rules, a factory employing 500 or more workers shall have an ambulance room or dispensary with the equipment prescribed therein. It shall also have a conveyance ready at all times to remove injured or sick workers to the hospital, or alternatively, shall make arrangements for such conveyance from a hospital.

Thus, if the factory can tie up with a hospital for providing an ambulance between 6:00 P.M. to 9:30 A.M., then it need not maintain a conveyance of its own. However, since the hospital is 7 km away, it may be difficult to get an ambulance on time. Try to see if any NGO nearby or any organization can provide a conveyance for this purpose during the relevant time.

The requirement of the Act is that it is advisable to have your own conveyance if it is not possible to get one on time from a hospital.

Regards,
B. Saikumar
HR & Labour Law Advisor
Mumbai