In a bid to ensure safety of women at work places, Haryana Government has decided to allow factories in the State, registered under the Factories Act 1948, to apply for exemption from employing women in the night shift from 7 pm to 6 am.
At the same time, the State Goverment has directed the employers to strictly follow the guidelines to ensure the safety and security of women at work places before applying for such exemption.
Speaking about the conditions for granting exemption, the spokesman said it should be the duty of the employer or other responsible persons at the work places or institutions, to prevent or deter the commission of acts of sexual harassment.
The employer should also provide for procedures for resolution, statement or prosecution of acts of sexual harassment by taking all steps required, and appoint not less than two female wardens per night shift who would go around and work as special welfare assistants, said the spokesman.
In case of any criminal case, the employer should initiate appropriate action in accordance with the penal law without delay, and also ensure that victims or witnesses are not victimised or discriminated against, while dealing with the complaints of sexual harassment.
The employer should see that the women workers are employed in a batch not less than ten, and the total of the women workers employed in a night shift should not be less than 2/3rd of the total strength.
Sufficient women security should be provided during the night shift at the entry as well as exit point, and sufficient number of work sheds should be provided for female workers to arrive in advance, and also leave after the working hours, he added.
Apart from this, separate canteen facility should be provided for female employees. The employer should provide transportation facility to women workers from their residence and back (for the night shift) along with security guards (including female security guard) and each transportation vehicle should also be equipped with CCTV cameras.
Also, an additional holiday should be permitted for the women workers during their menstruation period, which should be a paid holiday for the night shifts, said the spokesman.