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Overcrowding
The general reaction of managements whose attention has been drawn to the possibility
of overcrowding when this Section becomes operative on 1st August this year has been cooperative.
The majority will have taken the necessary steps to alleviate any overcrowding, mostly
by the redistribution of the staff within the premises.
Temperature and Ventilation
These two problems are often related, but no great difficulties have been experienced
in implementing them, as it has been found that the majority of employers provide adequate
heating and/or heating points.
Lighting
In most modern office buildings and in shops generally, this has been found adequate.
The most usual places where it has been found insufficient, having regard to the Illuminating
Engineering Society's recommendations, are on staircases, storerooms and corridors.
Floors, Passages and Stairs
The condition of these has, in most cases, been found satisfactory except for the
absence of suitable handrails.
Accidents
During the year under review no fatal accidents were reported. The number of accidents
notified was 58, of which 23 were investigated in view of the likelihood of contraventions of the
Act. Over 75% of these accidents occured in the following categories:-
(1) Injuries whilst cutting with knife or involving machinery (12)
The majority of this type of accident involved young trainee butchers, and visits have
been made and the persons concerned interviewed. It is felt that the advice given on these occasions
may help to prevent other young persons from repeating this type of accident.
One accident involved a "Dangerous machine", namely a gravity feed slicer. The lady
assistant was cutting salami sausage and she either pushed the salami with her hand or tried to
clear a "Difficult" slice away from the blade, and in so doing sliced off a piece of nail and the
top of her index finger. The slicer was examined, and it was found to be provided with all the
necessary guards and pusher. The assistant had been given instructions by the manager, and in
the circumstances, as all legal precautions had been carried out, no further action was taken.
Another case involved an operator of a duplicating machine whose hand was caught
between the cylinder and stripping fingers. The guarding of this machine, and ones of similar
construction, has been referred to H. M. District Superintendent Inspector of Factories, who is
contacting the manufacturers to endeavour to improve the guarding.
(2) Falling on steps or stairs (11)
A number of this type of accident were investigated, and the occupiers of the premises
concerned were instructed to provide adequate handrails, repair or renew defective stairs and, if
necessary, to improve lighting.
(11)