Navigating Canteen Setup Challenges: Legal Insights and Alternatives for Worker Facilities

Dear All, kindly let us know:

1. Is there any distance specified to set up the canteen for workers above 250?

2. If the company does not have space to provide a workers' canteen inside the company premises, what could be the alternative?

3. If the company provides a vehicle with sufficient time to avail canteen with a free food facility in another unit of the same company 500-600 meters away, will any legal issues arise from it?

4. How does the company get approval for the factory layout plan in this situation?

Request all experts' opinions with necessary clauses and solutions.

Regards, JRS

If the total working hours are equal to or less than 8 hours per day and if meal time provided is, suppose, 30 minutes, then ideally, if the distance is more, travel time has to be added in the meal time which may increase spread over. Those who do not avail canteen services may be allowed to take rest.

Dear JRS,

The process you are planning will have a lot of implications. You need to think about alternatives. Please specify the total number of employees in your organization. Does your organization operate round the clock? Is there a possibility of having a dining hall? I opine that instead of transporting the employees, it would be better to transport cooked food. This way, you can avoid many issues, not only statutory/legal but also more people-related, discipline, and operational issues.

Thanks,
Kameswararao S

Canteen can serve food prepared from outside. If you are able to provide canteen space for 1/3 of workers working at a time, that will be the best solution.

Getting plans approval for a canteen away may cause difficulties with the authority. Since both companies are different legal entities, there should be an agreement between both companies for sharing one company's canteen premises. Only this document may gain approval from the factory authority.

Dear Jairamsingh, as suggested by seniors, you can consider outsourced food services or providing a transport facility for employees to travel to and from the workplace during lunchtime.

Approval of factory layout

Regarding the approval of the factory layout, you can designate a space (if available) for dining purposes and present it as the dining room. You should also have a thorough discussion about the non-availability of a canteen with the department for approval.

Regulations for workforce size

If your workforce comprises 250 or more employees, the regulations require the establishment of an in-house canteen or canteens to be maintained by the occupier of the factory.

Please review and take necessary action.

Thank you.

What sizes are required for the canteen building in the manufacturing industry for more than 500 workers? Please clarify my doubt.

Regards,
Srinivas

What sizes are required for the canteen and dispensary buildings in a manufacturing industry with more than 500 workers? Please clarify my doubt.

Regards,
Srinivas