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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.
"Overcrowding.—We have to report a slight increase in the number of instances in which
this 'Nuisance' was observed : twelve cases compared with 9 in 1907 and 23 in 1906.
"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), is required, by
Section 38 Public Health (London) Act, 1891. These are usually provided, but difficulty occurred
during the year in regard to the accommodation provided at some of the florists' shops, these
premises now being classed as "workshops" under the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901; whereever
wreaths, bouquets, etc., are prepared for sale. The nuisance was abated in each case before
the close of 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 832 outworkers working for firms within the Borough were forwarded to the Medical Officer of
Health of the several boroughs in which they resided; while the names and addresses of 302 outworkers
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-four workshops or outworkers'
homes; scarlet fever in 12 instances; diphtheria in 11; erysipelas in 9; enteric fever
in 2. The sufferers from scarlet fever and diphtheria were removed to hospital. Disinfection was
carried out in every case, and happily there was no spread of disease.
"Home Office Cases.— Eighty-five cases of failure to affix the "Abstract" in workshops were
reported to the Home Office, and also six complaints on other matters coming under the
jurisdiction of His Majesty's Inspectors, and not under that of the Local Authority. Fifteen cases
of alleged insanitary conditions in workshops, received from the Home Office, were investigated
forthwith, and dealt with as found necessary. Twelve 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, all of which were as a rule, found in good
order. In two cases written intimations were necessary; they were at once complied with."