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a shovel, loading mail-bags, unloading vans, loading rolls of fabric,
emptying dustbins, to injury through dropping a receptacle of boiling
water„
Transport
Several accidents were reported as due to this primary cause,, The majority
involved the use (or misuse) of fork-lift trucks in warehouses, In most
cases, it was found that the human element was mostly to blame - sheer
carelessness, lack of observation; and some form of misdirected high
spirits on the part of the operators resulting in an accident, either to
the operator or a fellow employee It is felt that not sufficient regard
is given to the training and supervision of mechanical handling operators
in some warehouses and in particular, the overall supervision leaves a
lot to be desired*
Hand Tools
Only one accident was reported during the year which involved the use of
hand tools,, This was largely due to human error or carelessness in handling
a meat cutting knife„
Machinery
The issue of the leaflet "The Safe Use of Food Slicing Machines" has generally
been well received by the trade, and as only two accidents were
reported during 1971 in this category, it may well be that a heightened
awareness of the dangers could stem from this publication Certainly it
was found during our routine inspections that more care is being taken
over the cleaning of such machines and the supervision of younger members
who may handle them„
(4) PROSECUTIONS
It was found necessary to institute legal proceedings in one case during
the year0 This involved a shop, the occupiers of which were orosecuted
for five contraventions of the Act, including unsuitable washing facilities,
improperly maintained stairway, improperly guarded open-sided stair, and
inadequately maintained lighting apparatus,, A total fine of £100 and £10
costs was imposed on the firm concerned by the Court„ A subsequent appeal
by the accused led to this penalty being substantially reduced.
B.ll