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In addition 6,870 abortive visits were made where access was not
obtained,959 Statutory Notices were served and 842 were complied with during
the year.
These figures do not include 385 Statutory Notices served and 176
complied with under Sec. 15 and 16 in respect of houses in multiple occupation.
Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963
(1) Registration and Inspections
During 1970, the programme of routing street by street inspections
continued as in previous years. This gave a total figure of 1,695 inspections
of all kinds, of which 903 were general inspections.
Other inspections included revisits to premises to ensure that work
requested by the Department had been completed in a satisfactory manner
or was in progress. The majority of the newly registered premises consisted
of changes in occupation, discovered during the routine reinspections.
A considerable number of visits were made to premises regarding
reported accidents, and to give advice under the Hoists and Lifts Regulations,
1968.
Satisfactory results were obtained in many instances of minor
contraventions of the Act by verbal warnings, and more time is now being
spent on advice to and consultation with employers of staff and owners of
premises regarding many aspects of the Act and relevant Regulations,
including the Hoists and Lifts Regulations.
It was found that more owners and occupiers of premises, who were
either making alterations or opening new businesses, were calling on us
for advice and assistance before commencing work on the premises. It is
hoped that this aspect of our duties will continue to increase. It was noted
during the year that the numbers of employment agencies, accommodation
agencies and antique shops had considerably increased in the Borough.
(2) Operation of the General Provisions of the Act
Cleanliness
There was a general increase in the number of contraventions under
this heading which were mainly related to passages, stairs, storerooms and
staffrooms of premises. This is the "hardy annual" of all the contraventions
which re-occurs again and again, unlike a structural defect, which, once
remedied, normally does not re-appear. It is generally the smaller firm
which offends most regarding lack of cleanliness, particularly with reference
to staffrooms, where the larger concern appears to take more care and of
course, can probably afford to spend more on the welfare of staff.
A total of 267 contraventions were found during the year and letters
sent in all cases. This was an increase of 122 from last year.
Overcrowding
One particularly bad case of overcrowding was discovered this year
and negotiations are still in progress with the firm concerned to improve
the situation. Compliance with the section is expected in the very near
future.
Temperature and Ventilation
These sections bring a considerable number of complaints from employees
and involved visits to premises where verbal advice and written notification
invariably brings about improvement.
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