On January 16, 2025, the Government of Meghalaya issued a significant notification outlining stringent safety and security conditions for the employment of women in night shifts within factories across the state.
This notification, aimed at ensuring the well-being of women workers, comes under the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948. It addresses a range of safety measures that factory occupiers must implement when employing women between 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Key Guidelines and Conditions:
Prevention of Sexual Harassment:
- No woman should be subjected to sexual harassment in any workplace. Factories must adhere to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, and comply with all relevant laws and guidelines.
Safety for Women Working Alone:
- In cases where women work alone, their safety and security must be ensured by the factory management.
Internal Committees for Sexual Harassment Prevention:
- Factories must establish an Internal Committee (IC) to handle complaints of sexual harassment, as per the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. This committee must be present in all administrative units or workplaces.
Written Policies on Sexual Harassment:
- Factories are required to prepare a written policy prohibiting sexual harassment and display it prominently within the workplace.
Surveillance and Security Measures:
- The occupier must ensure proper lighting, CCTV cameras, and security guards, especially around areas where female workers may be moving during their night shifts.
- Transport arrangements must include female security guards, well-trained drivers, and communication tools like GPS, CCTV, and Security Apps in each vehicle.
Women Supervisors for Night Shifts:
- All supervisors and shift-in-charges overseeing women workers during night shifts must be women.
Medical Facilities:
- Factories must ensure that adequate medical facilities are available, including a doctor or female nurse during night shifts. Emergency medical transportation must be arranged for situations such as injuries or harassment.
Grievance Redressal:
- A monthly meeting must be held with the women workers to address any grievances, and the management should strive to resolve them.
Training and Awareness Programs:
- Regular workshops and programs must be conducted to sensitize women workers about their rights and the protections available under the law.
Reporting and Documentation:
- An annual report detailing the status of sexual harassment prevention must be submitted by the occupier to the Chief Inspector of Boilers and Factories by January 31 each year. Any untoward incidents must also be reported to both the local police station and the Chief Inspector.
Other Statutory Requirements:
- The occupier must adhere to all other relevant provisions of the Factories Act, 1948, Equal Remuneration Act, and other labor legislation related to working hours, rest intervals, and facilities for women workers.
Impact:
This comprehensive set of regulations underscores the Meghalaya Government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure working environment for women in factories, particularly during night shifts. The guidelines also serve as a significant step towards empowering women workers by addressing issues like harassment, security, and equal treatment.
Factories operating in Meghalaya with women employees during night shifts must now comply with these measures to safeguard their workforce and maintain a secure working environment.
