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199
1905
Outworkers rather than indoor hands, possibly due to the fact that in the case of workshops
the employer is responsible for the conditions under which his work is done. The regulations
of the Factory Act tend to induce him to send his work where there are no restrictions
which affect him. It has been suggested that the employer should be made responsible for
the conditions under which his work is done, or that work should be given out to be done
only in a dwelling-house licensed by a Factory Inspector as being suitable for such work.
If the legal regulations which apply to other classes of work were applicable also to home
work, possibly, as has been the case in other industries, the evil conditions under which the
work is now often done would disappear and a higher wage and a better standard of living
be secured to the worker.
Taken as a whole the conditions of the homes of the Outworkers in Islington is fairly
satisfactory, and compares favourably with the conditions in other districts. In certain
industries, such as blouse making for West-End shops, the conditions are very satisfactory.
In some of the industries lately included, where the visit of an Inspector was not anticipated,
the domestic cleanliness was not all that could be desired, but, with time, it is
expected that this state of affairs will be improved.
There were eleven cases of infectious disease notified during the year as occurring in
the premises of Outworkers. These premises were in each instance visited, and all necessary
precautions taken to prevent the spread of the disease.
The sanitary defects found in connection with the workplaces where women are employed
are summarized as follows :—
Overcrowding.—Overcrowding was found in 13 workrooms during the year.The
number of employees was in each case immediately reduced on notice being given.242
workroom cards stating the cubic capacity and the number of employees allowed ineach
room were distributed.
Cleanliness.—167 Workrooms were found in a dirty condition. Of these, 130 had been
cleansed at the end of the year, and the others have since been cleansed.
Ventilation.—Additional means of ventilation have been provided in 4 Workplaces which
were found to be insufficiently ventilated. There is still great room for improvement in
the ventilation of workrooms. Even in those workrooms where sufficient means of ventilation
exist, there is frequently no attempt made to use the existing arrangements. This is
more noticeable in the winter time, when the employees, fearing to cool the room, object to
having the windows open even for a short time during meals.
Other defects.—In addition to the matters already mentioned, other miscellaneous defects
to the number of 102 were found. Of these, 83 were remedied before the end of the year.
Several defects in drainage were referred to the district Inspectors, and were dealt with by
them.
One Statutory Notice and 81 Intimation Notices have been served during the year.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
JOSEPHINE J. BROWN,
Sanitary Inspector of Workshops.
A. E. Harris, Esq.
Medical Officer of Health.