Should We Allow Women Trainees to Work Night Shifts? Seeking Advice on Safety Measures

Our power plant operates in 3 shifts for the operation staff. We have five women graduate trainee employees who are not part of any union, and they are interested in working the evening and night shifts. They are requesting to work from 4 PM to 12 Midnight and from 12 Midnight to 8 AM. Currently, we do not provide any transportation facility, so these women employees commute to the plant on their own two-wheelers.

Considerations for Allowing Evening and Night Shifts

We are considering allowing them to work the evening and night shifts. If we proceed with this arrangement, what precautions should we take? Your suggestions are welcomed.

Dear Salil Menon, where is the power plant located? If it is in Gurugram, then please refer to the provisions regarding the transportation of women mentioned in the Factories Act of Haryana.

Roughly speaking, if a woman is required to work until 2200 hours or beyond, then the company is required to arrange transport facilities for women. However, in the recent past, several amendments have taken place. Hence, the rules differ from one state to another.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar