A labour inspector visits a factory and records that adult workers are being made to work 10 hours per day on several days of the week. Under the Factories Act 1948, the maximum permitted spread of daily hours for an adult worker is:
- A 8 hours
- B 9 hours ✓
- C 10 hours
- D 12 hours
Correct answer: B. 9 hours
Explanation
Sections 51 to 54 of the Factories Act 1948 fix weekly hours at 48, daily hours at 9, with rest intervals after 5 hours and a weekly holiday. Overtime beyond 9 hours per day or 48 hours per week attracts overtime wages at twice the ordinary rate. The 8-hour day applies to mines and shops and establishments legislation, not to the daily limit in factories.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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