Are 12 Hour Shifts Legal In India? Exploring Employment Laws

Is it legal to work 12 hours a day in India? In India, the legality of working extended hours is regulated by the Factories Act of 1948. According to this act, individuals who have reached the age of 18, referred to as adults, are subject to specific working hour limits. They are not permitted to work for more than 48 hours in a week, and their daily work hours should not exceed 9 hours. Additionally, Section 51 of the Act specifies that the spread over, which encompasses the total time from the start of work to its conclusion, should not surpass 10 and a half hours. This legislation aims to ensure the well-being and rights of workers in India by establishing clear guidelines on working hours and conditions.

Is it advisable to work 12-hour shifts? Working extended 12-hour shifts can lead to various potential health issues, including sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, and obesity. These prolonged shifts, which require employees to remain on duty for half a day, have been a subject of concern in recent years due to their impact on workers’ well-being. It is essential to address these concerns and consider the potential risks associated with extended work hours. This discussion becomes even more crucial in light of recent research and findings up to April 19, 2023, which highlight the importance of work-hour regulations and the need for a balanced approach to ensure both productivity and employee health.