Work conditions have impact upon labour productivity, and hence, upon labour cost. There has not been any in-depth research work on work conditions in the factories of West Bengal. This study relates to the work conditions of factories in different manufcturing industries here. By good work conditions we mean the standard work conditions as described in the Indian Factories Act of 1948 (Amended subsequently). With the help of a Survey we have tried to exemine how far the surveyed factories have followed the provisions of the above Act. Our survey covers manufacturing industriues situated in and around the city of Kolkata (formarly Calcutta).