APPRENTICES AND THEIR TRAININGCentral

Section 14 of The Apprentices Act, 1961

↩1961.For the existing section 14 of the principal Act, the following shall be substituted, namely:-

Where any apprentices are undergoing training in a factory, the provisions of Chapters III, IV and V of the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948), shall apply in relation to the health, safety and welfare of the apprentices as if they were workers within the meaning of that Act and when any apprentices are undergoing training in a mine, the provisions of Chapter V of the Mines Act, 1952 (35 of 1952), shall apply in relation to the health and safety of the apprentices as if they were persons employed in the mine. STATE AMENDMENT Rajasthan Amendment of section 14, Central Act No. 52 of 14. Health, safety and welfare of apprentices.- Where any apprentices are undergoing training in a factory, the provisions of Chapters III, IV and V of the Factories Act, 1948 (Central Act No. 63 of 1948), shall apply in relation to the health, safety and welfare of the apprentices as if they were workers within the meaning of that Act and when any apprentices are undergoing training in a mine, the provisions of Chapter V of the Mines Act, 1952 (Central Act No. 35 of 1952), shall apply in relation to the health, safety and welfare of the apprentices as if they were persons employed in the mine and when any apprentices are undergoing training in a shop or commercial establishment, the provisions of the Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments Act,1958 (Act No. 31 of 1958), shall apply in relation to the health, safety and welfare of the apprentices as if they were persons employed in the shop or establishment.. [Vide Rajasthan Act 2 of 2015, s. 7]

Summary

Apprentices training in a factory are protected by the same health, safety, and welfare rules that apply to regular workers under the Factories Act, 1948.
These protections cover specific chapters of the Factories Act dealing with health, safety, and general welfare.
Apprentices training in a mine are protected by the health and safety rules of the Mines Act, 1952.
For the purposes of these safety laws, the apprentice is treated as if they were a regular employee or worker in that factory or mine.

Practical examples

1Leo is an apprentice at a large chemical factory. Under Section 14, the factory must provide him with the same protective gear, ventilation, and emergency exits required for all other workers by the Factories Act of 1948.

2Sarah is training in a copper mine. On her first day, the safety officer ensures she receives the mandatory safety training and equipment required by the Mines Act, 1952, because the law treats her as a person employed in the mine for safety purposes.

FAQ

1. Am I entitled to a clean workplace and drinking water?

Yes. Since the health and welfare chapters of the Factories Act apply to you under Section 14, the employer must provide these standard facilities.

2. Are there special safety rules just for apprentices?

Section 14 doesn't create new rules; it applies the existing high standards of the Factories Act and Mines Act to you as if you were a regular worker.

3. What if I am training in a shop, not a factory or mine?

The main Act covers factories and mines; however, some States like Rajasthan have amended Section 14 to include shops and commercial establishments.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 14 of The Apprentices Act, 1961, which law governs the health and safety of an apprentice in a factory?

Q2.Under Section 14 of The Apprentices Act, 1961, how is an apprentice in a mine viewed for safety purposes?

Q3.Which specific aspects of the Factories Act, 1948 apply to apprentices under Section 14 of The Apprentices Act, 1961?

Q4.Under Section 14 of The Apprentices Act, 1961, which law provides health and safety protections for apprentices in a mine?

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