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45
Most premises had no thermometers or first aid facilities and the local demand
for these items was, at one time, oo great that there was difficulty in obtaining
them fro® the main suppliers.
Inspections of all types of premises revealed that a considerable proportion of
floors and staircases could be classed as hazardous, if not dangerous, to the
employees; a major deficiency in shops was the lack of a constant supply of hot or
warm running water.
It is too early to state how many premises have complied with the written
intimations that have been sent. Re-visiting commenced in December and early
indications are that a high percentage of premises now comply or action has been taken
with a view to compliance.
The provisions relating to dangerous machinery have proved difficult to administer
in some respects. Inspectors have given advice to occupiers on the guarding of various
machines but difficulty in obtaining the recommended type of guard required has been
experienced. This applies in particular to Gravity feed slicing machines and handoperated
paper cutting guillotines.
During the part of 1964 in which the Act has been in force, nine accidents have
been notified of which three required further investigation. As a result of these
investigations a letter was sent in one case recommending measures that could be taken
to prevent recurrence.
It is felt that only a few occupiers are aware of their responsibility to notify
accidents and that further publicity both at national and local level may prove
necessary.
A provisional estimate of the number of properties to be registered in the Borough
compared with the number of registrations received suggests that possibly only half
of the premises concerned have registered. Further publicity is necessary to secure
100% registration.
A table giving details of the contraventions found is overleaf.