London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Lewisham 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Lewisham Borough]
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OFFICES SHOPS AND RAILWAY PREMISES ACT, 1963
A study of the list of items requiring attention given below shows an improvement
on last year, particularly the provision of a proper first aid box. The number of premises
without a thermometer and without an abstract of the Act fell very considerably
showing that the improvement recorded in 1969 has continued very satisfactorily.
| Condition of floors and staircases | 40 |
| Insufficient washing facilities | 39 |
| Poor standard of cleanliness | 38 |
| Absence of a thermometer | 33 |
| Abstract of the Act not displayed | 31 |
| Absence of a proper first-aid box | 26 |
| Defective condition of sanitary accommodation | 26 |
| Insufficient lighting | 17 |
| Insufficient heating | 12 |
| Deficient washing accommodation | 7 |
| Insufficient ventilation | 6 |
| Insufficient sanitary accommodation | 5 |
| Lack of seating facilities | 5 |
| Absence of drinking water | 4 |
| Lack of facilities for drying clothes | 2 |
The number of registered premises in 1970 showed an increase of 30 whilst the
number of newly registered during the year decreased by 7. The number of staff
employed increased slightly from 15,523 to 15,602. It is intersting to note that the
number of males increased by 2,430 whereas the number of females employed dropped
by 2,051.
There were more accidents reported in 1970 (75 compared with 63) and most were
fortunately of a minor character; 37 of the accidents were fully investigated and
suggestions were made to avoid a further similar accident. During the routine
inspection of premises, the occupiers are reminded of the necessity to report accidents
involving employees and there appears to be no reason to think that these reports
are not sent in to the local authority.
It has been surprising to receive a number of adverse reports under the Hoists and
Lifts Regulations 1968 but it has shown how useful they have been. The necessary
repairs were usually put in hand without delay. It has been found, however, that
reports on the periodical examinations are not always available at the premises
particularly in branches of the larger firms where they are retained at the Head
Office. It would be useful if these reports or a copy could be kept at the premises
concerned.
82