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In many cases, the cause of complaint in winter can be shop doors kept
open to attract custom and in warehouse premises, the continuous van loading
or unloading operations in progress. During the summer months, the lack of
an effective ventilation system in retail shops can lead to staff complaints,
166 letters were sent regarding contraventions.
Lighting
In the majority of cases this was found to be adequate, but 36 contraventions
were found to exist during the year. Improvements were effected in the
premises concerned after notification from the department.
Sanitary Conveniences
There was a reduction in the number of contraventions of this section
of the Act in 1970, when a total of 37 owners or occupiers were witten to
regarding various matters mainly concerned with cleanliness and maintenance.
Washing Facilities
Systematic inspection procedure showed that the improvement of last
year was continued in 1970 as regards washing facilities in premises coming
within the scope of the Act. Even so, letters were sent out in 45 instances
when some contravention of this section was found.
Although the facilities may be provided, in that wash hand basin and
water supply are present, it was quite often noted that it had been omitted
to provide soap and towels for use by the employees.
Clothing Accommodation
Considerable improvements were found in the accommodation provided for
employees' clothing in most premises. Only 5 contraventions were noted
during 1970.
Floors, Passages and Stairs
Almost twice the number of contraventions under this heading were dealt
with this year compared to 1969. A total of 116 owners or occupiers were
written to regarding defects on their premises, the majority of which
concerned the maintenance and construction of staircases and handrails.
Obstruction of stairs by various articles was also a cause for our intervention,
as was defective and worn floor coverings.
First Aid
The lack of maintenance of a proper first aid kit formed the subject of
158 letters to employers during the year. This was more than twice the number
of contraventions for the previous year.
Other Matters
A total of 235 contraventions of other aspects of the Act were dealt
with in 1970. Many of these included defects in Lifts and Hoists, dealt
with under the Lifts and Hoists Regulations 1968. In most cases under these
Regulations the owners of lifts are co-operative with regard to defects
detailed in the reports made by the authorised persons, who are usually the
Engineer Surveyors of Insurance Companies0 On receipt of their reports, we
write to the persons owning or operating the lifts detailirlg the defects
which require attention and follow up by inspection of the apparatus0
Success in the implementation of the Regulations may be largely due to the
need for insurance cover, which usually convinces the firms concerned to
rapidly put the necessary work in hand.
(3) Accidents
The total number of accidents reported during 1970 was 41, which is
an increase of 10 over last year3 Again, it was fortunate that there was
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