Under the Factories Act 1948, a factory is defined as a premises employing at least how many workers for power-using factories, and what is the threshold for non-power using factories?

• A 5 workers (power); 10 workers (non-power)
• B 10 workers (power); 20 workers (non-power) ✓
• C 20 workers (power); 40 workers (non-power)
• D 50 workers (power); 100 workers (non-power)

Explanation

The Factories Act 1948 (Section 2(m)) defines a 'factory' as any premises where manufacturing process is carried on with: 10 or more workers on any day in the preceding 12 months, if the manufacturing process is carried on with the aid of power; or 20 or more workers if carried on without the aid of power. This threshold determines applicability of the Act's protective provisions (working hours, welfare, safety, health measures). The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020 is the newer consolidated legislation, but MBBS NEET PG examinations frequently test the classical Factories Act thresholds.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.