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Unit 14: Quality of Work Life

Section 39: Power to Require Specifications of Defective Parts or Tests of Stability: If it Notes
appears to the Inspector that any building, machinery or plant may be dangerous to human
life or safety, he may ask the manager to carry out tests to ensure their safety.
Section 40: Safety of Building and Machinery: If any building, machinery or plant is
dangerous to human life or safety, the Inspector may prohibit its use until it has been
properly repaired or altered.

Section 40- A-Maintenance of Building: If any building is in a state of disrepair, the inspector
may ask the manager to specify the measures to be taken for such repairs.
Section 40- B-Safety Officers: In any factory wherein 1,000 or more workers are employed
and the manufacturing process involves any risk of injury, hazard to health, safety officers
may be appointed.

14.5 Labour Welfare

Labour welfare implies providing better work conditions (for example, proper lighting,
cleanliness, and low noise) reasonable amenities (for example, recreation, housing, education,
etc). The need for providing such services and facilities arise from the social responsibility
of industries, a desire for upholding democratic values and a concern for employees.
The Oxford Dictionary defines labour welfare as “efforts to make life worth living for
workmen”. The report of the committee on labour welfare set up by the Government of
India in 1969 refers welfare as a broad concept, a condition of well-being. It suggests the
measures which promote “the physical, psychological and general well-being of the working
population”.
The ILO defines labour welfare as “such services, facilities and amenities as adequate
canteens, rest and recreation facilities, arrangements for travel to and from work, and for
the accommodation of workers employed at a distance from their houses, and such other
services, amenities and facilities as contribute to improve the conditions under which
workers are employed”.
Labour welfare has its origin either in some statute formed by the state or in some local
custom or in a collective agreement or in the employer’s own initiative. Today, welfare has
been generally accepted by the employers. Each employer, depending on his priorities gives
varying degrees of importance to labour welfare. The state only intervenes to “widen the
area of applicability.” It is now accepted that labour welfare is a social right.

14.5.1 Need for Labour Welfare
From the Point of View of Workers
Welfare measures must eliminate risk and insecurity. The organization, besides providing
fair wages, must also provide facilities like medical aid, creches, subsidized food and
transport required by workers.

From Employer’s Point of View
Employers provide amenities to discharge their social responsibility, raise the employee’s
morale, use the work force more effectively and reduce turnover and absenteeism. Welfare
helps to build a positive image of the organization and makes it easier for them to attract
and hire competent personnel.

From Union’s Point of View
Trade unions role in labour welfare stems from worker’s need for welfare services. Unions
feel that welfare services ought to be provided whether by the Government or the employers.
However, much depends on the initiative of the unions, their bargaining strength and the
priority given by them to the rights of the workers.

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