Discuss the various provisions under the Factories Act, 1948 regarding the health of the Workers.

Chapter III (Section 11-20) of the Factories Act, 1948 dealing with the provisions relating to Health of the worker. Health provisions for Workers are - Cleanliness (Section 11) Section 11 of the Act makes provisions for ensuring cleanliness in the factory. It states that every factory shall be kept clean and free from effluvia arising from any drain, privy or other nuisance. Disposal of wastes and effluents (Section 12) Every occupier of a factory shall make effective arrangements for the treatment of wastes and effluents due to the manufacturing process carried on in the factory so as to render them innocuous and for their disposal. Ventilation and temperature (Section 13) Section 13 provides that every factory should make suitable and effective provisions for securing and maintaining (1) adequate ventilation by the circulation of fresh air; and (2) such a temperature as will secure to the workers reasonable conditions of comfort and prevent injury to health. Dust and fume (Section 14) There are certain manufacturing processes like chemical, textile or jute, etc., which generates lot of dust, fume or other impurities. It is injurious to the health of workers employed in such manufacturing process. Effective measures should be taken to prevent the inhalation and accumulation of dust, fumes etc. Artificial humidification (Section 15) Humidity means the presence of moisture in the air. In certain industries like cotton, textile, cigarette, etc., higher degree of humidity is required for carrying out the manufacturing process. For this purpose, humidity of the air is artificially increased. This increase or decrease in humidity adversely affects the health of workers. The State Government may make rules prescribing standards of humidification. Overcrowding (Section 16) Overcrowding in the work-room does not only affect the workers in their efficient discharge of duties but their health also. Section 16 has been enacted with a view to provide sufficient air space to the workers. The section prohibits the overcrowding in the work-rooms to the extent it is injurious to the health of the workers. Lightening (Section 17) This Section provides for maintain sufficient and suitable lighting, natural or artificial, or both in every part of a factory where workers are working or passing. Drinking water (Section 18) This Section deals with the provisions relating to arrangements for drinking water in factories. It provides that in every factory effective arrangements shall be made for clean water. Latrines and urinals (Section 19) The section made it mandatory that in every factory-(a) sufficient latrine and urinal accommodation of prescribed types shall be provided conveniently situated and accessible to workers at all times while they are at the factory. Spittoons (Section 20) According to the section, there shall be provided, in every factory, a sufficient number of spittoons in convenient places and they shall be maintained in a clean and hygienic condition.