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76
FURRIERS' WORKSHOPS.
By the middle of June last the inspection and registration of Furriers'
workshops in the City had been completed.
The results clearly show the necessity for systematic inspection. The
importance of cleanliness cannot be over-estimated in this business, and
thorough ventilation is absolutely necessary. If, in addition, refuse is removed
daily and fur clippings are properly stored, it places the sanitary condition as
high as possible in such a business, especially if floors are rendered impervious
by some suitable material.
One case only of infectious disease, viz., Scarlet Fever, has occurred during
recent years in connection with this industry, and the precautions taken after
the patient (a boy) was removed to hospital prevented any spread of the
infection.
H.M. Factory Inspector was notified of the fact that in 13 cases the
"Abstract" of the Act was not affixed as required by statute in workrooms
where young persons or women were employed.
Only 75 of the 144 premises inspected, in which the business of furrier or
skin merchant is carried on, are used as workrooms, the remainder being
occupied by dealers and importers of skins or rugs as warehouses or
showrooms.
The enquiry showed that 22 outworkers were employed within the City
and 120 in districts outside.
The majority of the premises inspected had but one workshop each, nineteen
had two, five had three, one had seven, and one nine.
The artificial illuminant employed was gas in 100 cases, electricity in 18.
The total number of workshops inspected was 118, and involved 720
inspections and re-inspections, and the number of employes engaged made a
total of 906 workers (312 males and 594 females).
In five cases overcrowding was found to exist.
The total number of defects reported was 416, comprising (1) Dirty condition
of workshop, defective ventilation, dec., 129; (2) Defective drainage,
including soil pipes and sink wastes, 69; (3) Water-closets, want of ventilation,
unsuitability, not separate for the sexes, and general defects, including
want of cleansing, 139; (4) Water supply, including dirty cisterns, others
not covered, &c., 38; (5) Accommodation for reception of refuse defective, 41.
The number of Notices served was 142, made up of 108 "Intimations" and
34 "Statutory," all of which were complied with, without the necessity for
any legal proceedings.