Final answer:
The Factories Act, 1948, and similar historical legislation like the early Factory Acts in Britain, aim to protect industrial workers' health and safety by regulating working conditions, preventing child labor, and limiting work hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Factories Act, 1948 was articulating comprehensive legislation in India, aiming to ensure the health and safety of workers in industrial enterprises. A response to the industrial revolution's impact on workers' health, similar laws such as the early Factory Acts in Britain evolved through the 19th century, establishing regulations like the prohibition of child labor in coal mines with the Coal Mines Regulation Act of 1860 and the Ten Hour Law of 1847 curtailing the work hours of women and children.
The Act mandates conditions to limit exposure to industrial hazards. For instance, working environments with poor ventilation could expose workers to harmful substances like phosphorous, leading to severe health issues. To counter such risks, the provision for adequate ventilation and steps to eliminate or reduce exposure to hazardous materials are part of the Act's prescriptions for worker safety. Sadly, historical employer negligence, driven by profit motives, often resulted in unsafe conditions.