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"The several premises were inspected more or less frequently according to the needs and
circumstances of individual cases, and all complaints, whether made by H.M. Inspector or otherwise,
received immediate attention. At several workshops improvements to ventilation, a matter
within the jurisdiction of the Council, were carried out.
In one case proceedings were taken against an employer, who was fined £5 and a prohibition
Order granted to prevent him from wanning his workroom by means of an unventilated gas ironheater.
"Overcrowding.—We are glad to report a continued decrease in the number of instances in
which this 'nuisance' was observed: nine only, compared with 23 in 1906 and 36 in 1905. The
season,'however was a bad one from the dressmakers' point of view, and a smaller number of
hands' than usual were employed in consequence.
"Sanitary Conveniences.—Where persons of both sexes are, or are intended to be employed at
any factory, workshop or workplace, the provision of sufficient and suitable accommodation in the
way of sanitary conveniences, separate accommodation for persons of each sex, as required, by Section
38 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, and is enforced—not always without difficulty, of which
instances occurred during the year.
"Outworkers.—Lists of outworkers are required to be sent in twice a year—in February and
August, and reminder notices having been sent to all known employers of outworkers, there was no
failure to comply with the requirements of the order during the year. The names and addresses
of 708 outworkers working for firms within the Borough were forwarded to the Medical Officer of
Health of the several boroughs in which they resided; the names and addresses of 315 out-workers
residing in Kensington, but working for firms in other boroughs, were received from Medical
Officers of Health.
"Infectious Disease.—Cases of notifiable diseases occurred at thirty-nine workshops or outworkers'
homes; scarlet fever in 21 instances; diphtheria in 7; erysipelas in 4; enteric fever in
one. The sufferers from scarlet fever and diphtheria were removed to hospital; in one case pressure
had to be employed to secure removal. Disinfection was carried out in every case, and happily
there was no spread of disease.
"Home Office Cases.—Fifty-five cases of failure to affix the "Abstract" in workshops were
reported to the Home Office, and also five complaints re working overtime. Thirty cases of
alleged insanitary conditions in workshops received from the Home Office, were investigated forthwith,
and dealt with as found necessary. Sixteen reports with reference to these cases were forwarded
to His Majesty's Inspectors.
"For some years past we have experienced almost invariable willingness on the part of
employers to conform to the requirements of the law when attention has been called to any default,
and we gladly testify to the courtesy with which our visits and suggestions are received.
"The table appended to this report summarises the work of the year, so far as it is capable of
being expressed in this form.
"We may mention that, as usual, we kept under observation the lavatory accommodation for
women at the railway stations; thirteen in number, an increase of two—at Gloucester Road, and
at Brompton Road on the Piccadilly tube, respectively—all of which were, as a rule, found in good
order."
[Summary return o1 work.