Can Employees Live Permanently in Factory Premises? Seeking Clarity on the Factories Act

Dear Seniors,

As per the Factories Act, are employees allowed to stay within factory premises permanently in a restroom or separate room? Kindly provide clarification. If it is permissible to stay, what is the section, or if not, what is the section?

Thank you.

Section 47 of the Factories Act: Shelters, Rest Rooms, and Lunch Rooms

In every factory where more than one hundred and fifty workers are ordinarily employed, adequate and suitable shelters or restrooms, and a suitable lunchroom with provision for drinking water, where workers can eat meals brought by them, shall be provided and maintained for the use of the workers.

However, regarding your requirement for a permanent restroom for designated employees, my view is slightly different. If a factory is licensed for a manufacturing process (as per Section 2k), and you allow a permanent restroom within that factory premise, the Factory Act will be enforced. This may cause trouble in case of an accident. You may choose an area for a permanent restroom that is not covered under the factory license.

Seniors may input their views.

In case you want to arrange for permanent stay for your employees, do so somewhere adjacent to the factory, but outside the factory boundary. By doing this, you won't need to comply with the provisions of the Factory Act.

If any employees stay on the factory premises, do we need to have them complete a declaration form?

Regards, Madhukumar KM