Factories Act 1934
Pakistan's foundational factory safety law; its Chapter III sets baseline health and safety standards for factory workplaces.
Overview
The Factories Act 1934 remains the principal statute governing conditions inside factories employing ten or more workers. Chapter III (Health and Safety) covers cleanliness, ventilation, temperature, dust and fume control, lighting, drinking water, and sanitation, while other chapters regulate working hours, inspection, and the employment of adolescents and children. Provinces have since issued their own Factories Rules, and in some cases newer OSH acts, but the 1934 Act remains the base layer beneath them.
Key points
- Applies to factories employing 10 or more workers
- Chapter III sets health and safety baselines: cleanliness, ventilation, lighting, drinking water, sanitation
- Restricts working hours and regulates the employment of adolescents and children
- Establishes an Inspecting Staff (Inspectors and a Chief Inspector) to enforce compliance
Who this applies to
Owners and managers of factories and industrial premises; enforced by provincial Chief Inspectors of Factories alongside the newer provincial OSH acts.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1934 Act still apply given the newer provincial OSH acts?
Yes, it remains in force as the baseline factory law, the newer OSH acts add to it rather than replace it.
What counts as a "factory" under this Act?
Generally, premises using power-driven machinery and employing ten or more workers, with provincial Factories Rules adding further detail.
What are the working hour limits under the Act?
Historically capped at around 48 to 56 hours a week depending on the type of work, with separate rules for seasonal factories.
Who enforces the Act on the ground?
Provincial Chief Inspectors of Factories and their inspection staff, who can inspect premises and issue compliance orders.
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