Do We Need Both a Welfare and Safety Officer Under the Factories Act? Seeking Advice on Roles and Importance

Hi, I have a query regarding the welfare officer under Section 49 and the safety officer under Section 40(b) of the Factories Act. Do we need to hire both, considering the number of workmen? If the answer is yes, what will be the job description (JD) of the safety officer and the welfare officer? If the answer is no, how should we manage the JD, and which role is more important?

Looking at the current scenario, what is the best course of action, and what are the other options? Please provide your valuable inputs.

Thanks in advance to all.

Appointment of Safety and Welfare Officers under the Factories Act

As per the relevant provisions of the Factories Act, if the strength of workmen is 1000 or more, you need to appoint a Safety Officer (Sec. 40(b)). If the strength of workmen is 500 or more, you need to appoint a Welfare Officer (Sec. 49).

Considering the number of workmen as 1100 in your factory, your factory must have both a Welfare Officer and a Safety Officer.