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Further inspections were made to ascertain whether these matters had been put
right and where this was not so, further action was taken to enforce compliance.
Some measuring of offices has already taken place and this will be continued during
1967 in order that the overcrowding provisions operative later in the year can be
fully implemented.
The number of registered premises in 1966 showed a decrease (by 229), whilst
the number newly registered during the year also fell (by 33). The number of staff
employed dropped from 17,635 to 17,317 (males 7,486 compared with 7,698 in 1965
and females 9,831 compared with 9,937).
There were 86 accidents reported during the year and investigation of 49 of these
again showed that they were mostly of a minor character. In several instances occupiers
were asked to carry out alterations or repairs to obviate any further accidents.
In one case, however, it was felt that there was considerable negligence, namely the
absence of proper guarding to an opening in the floor of the bar in a public house.
Legal proceedings were instituted under section 16(4) of the Act, and a fine of £15
was imposed after a plea of guilty by the defendants.
The conditions in shop and office premises are undoubtedly slowly improving
as a result of this Act, and it is hoped further inspections during 1967 will show
that the improvements have been maintained.