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The results of the detailed survey show that there are 4,781 premises in the
Borough to which the Act applies and for which the Local Authority are responsible.
There are 3,578 premises on the current register and there are 1,203 premises which are
still due to receive a general inspection.
1,736 premises were exempted from the Act because the business was carried on by
self-employed persons, or persons only employing members of their immediate family, or
because employees were engaged less than 21 hours in a week. A small change of
circumstances could bring any of these premises within the scope of the Act and, in
consequence, periodic visits were made to ensure that there was no material changes.
Conversely, other changes resulted in premises no longer being governed by the provisions
of the Act. Since 1963, this happened on 393 occasions.
Proceedings
During the year two prosecutions were instituted. One of the cases was withdrawn
when the work was completed and in the other case, the defendant was fined £10 with
£10 costs for failing to provide hot or warm running water to the washing facilities
used by the employees.
Ten other cases are awaiting decisions as to whether proceedings should be
instituted.
Exemptions
No applications were received for exemption from the requirements of the Act
relating to space standards, heating provisions, sanitary and washing facilities.
Applications were received for exemption from the provision of first aid boxes, in
respect of five premises.
Accidents
95 accidents were notified and of these, 27 required further investigation.
One fatal accident occurred on a large building site at a multiple store. The
responsibility for action was vested in Her Majesty's Factories inspectorate.
Dangerous machinery
Most firms were able to supply the proper guards for gravity feed food slicing
machines. It was still difficult to get second-hand machines guarded. These machines
were usually not serviced and, in consequence, the owner of the machine had to make
his own arrangements for the guards to be purpose-made and fitted. Several occupiers
complained that the prices charged for the relatively small additional guard were
excessive.
In warehouses, old guillotine machines were sometimes found to be inadequately
guarded. Action was taken to have all dangerous machines guarded, and the Authorised
Officer of the Ministry of Labour was able to offer valuable assistance when difficulties
have been encountered.
Lighting
Ministry regulations for prescribing minimal standards were still awaited. Whilst
realising the difficulties involved in prescribing standards which are neither too high
nor too low, guidance on acceptable standards of lighting would be most useful.
Cleanliness
The need for re-decoration inevitably meant an arbitrary decision by the Inspector
visiting the premises. Minimal but specific standards would be useful, preferably in
the form of regulations and similar to the standards laid down under the Factories Act.
Ventilation
New shop fronts were often found to have no provision made for ventilation.
Occupiers were therefore advised when seeking Town Planning approval of the need to make
adequate provision for ventilation.
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