Conditions for employing women during the night shift in a Factory

The Government of Haryana, vide notification no. 11/6/2022-4Lab, dated 8^th May 2025, has notified the following conditions for getting approval from the labour department to employ women during the night shift (7 PM to 6 AM) in a Factory:

1. Declaration/consent from each women worker, including security guard, supervisors, shift-in-charge, or any other women staff to work during the night shift, i.e., between 07.00 PM to 06.00 AM, shall be obtained.

2. The provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and rules framed thereunder, any other law or any other instructions/conditions issued in this regard from time to time by the Central Government or State Government, shall be complied with by the occupier of the factory.

3. The occupier should provide proper lighting and CCTV cameras not only inside the factory but also in its surroundings and at all places where the female workers may move out of necessity in the course of their work.

4. The occupier or manager shall see that the women workers are employed in a batch of not less than four.

5. The occupier shall provide transportation facilities to the women workers from their residence and back. Each vehicle shall be provided with security guards (including female security guards), well-trained and responsible drivers, and proper communication channels. Other practical measures, such as installing CCTV cameras, GPS, etc., may also be provided in each vehicle to ensure the safety and security of women workers.

Provided that a woman worker may opt out of the transportation facility by giving her consent if she is willing to come to the workplace by herself.

Provided further that the occupier may pool the transportation facility through a tie-up with external transporters.

Provided further that in the case of the driver being employed through outsourcing, the management shall ensure to its satisfaction that the collection of bio-data and pre-employment screening of the antecedents of the drivers are carried out by the service provider.

6. At least one female security guard shall be provided in the factory during the night shift.

7. Appropriate medical facilities shall be provided during the night shift by engaging a doctor or female nurse. However, the occupier may pool the ambulance services and other necessary medical facilities by tying up with nearby hospitals to meet any emergent situation during the night shift. Important telephone numbers, such as hospitals, ambulances, police, etc., shall also be displayed at prominent places.

8. In other respects, the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948, and the rules of other statutory provisions with respect to the hours of work, rest intervals, holidays, separate canteen or restroom facility for women workers, the provisions of Payment of Equal Remuneration Act, and all other Labour Legislations shall be followed by the occupier of the factory.

9. Whenever there is an untoward incident, an express report should also be sent to the concerned Assistant Director, Industrial Safety & Health, and the local police station.