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Detailed consideration was given in 1961 to this lodging house,
and the number of men for whom the licence was renewed was reduced
from 313.
During 1962, a number of improvements were effected by the owners
but as it was understood that the premises would be closed during 1963,
no action was taken to secure more elaborate modernisation of the facilities
provided. The licence has, however, again beenfurther extended. The Public
Health Inspectors visited and inspected the premises from time to time
during the year.
Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963.
The Act which came into operation in August, 1964, contains
provisions for securing the Health, Safety and Welfare of persons employed
to work in Offices, Shops and Railway Premises. The Act applies to all
premises where persons are employed, the only general exclusions are
family businesses and premises where self employed persons work.
The Act requires that all premises to which the Act applies should
be registered. Up to 31st December, registrations in respect of 1,333
premises had been received. Although occupiers of all premises received a
reminder regarding registration.it is thought that many registerable premises
are still unregistered.
Public Health Inspectors of the Department commenced the
considerable task of inspection in September, and a streamlined method of
registration, inspection and service of notices was devised, and circulars
relating to different provisions of the Act were included with each notice,
as necessary. The inspection of offices, in particular, was hampered by the
shortage of Public Health Inspectors and the failure to appoint a technical
assistant.
The inspections have revealed that the more common defects, are
the absence of supplies of hot running water; staircases without handrails;
defects to sanitary conveniences; the lack of clothing accommodation; and
the absence of thermometers and first aid boxes.
Particular attention was paid to the guarding of food machinery,
certain types of which are capable of causing serious injury. 19 machines
were discovered without the recommended type of guard and a warning issued
in each case.
It was found necessary to refer certain questions to the Ministry of
Labour for advice in connection with the guarding of gravity feed slicing
machines. Consultations also took place with the machine manufacturers,
and H.M. Inspector of Factories.
In connection with the provisions of the Act relating to the
notification of Accidents, 8 notifications were received. However, all the
accidents were of a minor nature, and did not require lengthy investigation
or special action.
One application was received and approved during the year for
exemption from the requirement, to provide first aid boxes at premises where
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