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OFFICES, SHOPS AND RAILWAY PREMISES ACT 1963
During 1972, 49 offices were registered for the first time compared
with 76 in the previous year but at the end of the year showed an
increase of 4. Although 112 retail shops were registered for the
first time during the year compared with 140 in 1971, the final
figure at the end of the year showed a drop from 1,212 to 1,194.
The number of registered premises inspected in 1972 was 1,531 compar
with 1,575 in 1971 and the total number of visits made during the
year fell slightly from 5,683 to 5,389. The number of staff
employed was 14,709 compared with 15,135.
The number of items requiring attention showed an increase of 30 in
1972. The figures shown below indicate that a poor standard of
cleanliness was the most common defect. This related principally
to the decorative condition of the room behind the shop, staircase,
lobbies and water closets. In very few cases was it necessary to
call attention to the cleanliness of the shop itself. The
condition of floors and staircases also accounted for quite a
number of the defects and these related to defective floor
covering, absence of satisfactory handrails arid staircase sometimes
impeded by stock. Other items requiring most attention were
deficient or insufficient washing facilities, the absence of a
proper first aid box and deficient and insufficient sanitary
accommodation.
Poor standard of cleanliness 100
Deficient and insufficient washing facilities 63
Absence of a thermometer 33
Absence of a proper first aid box 50
Deficient and insufficient sanitary accommodation 46
Condition of floors and staircases 85
Abstract of the Act not displayed 21
Insufficient lighting 30
Insufficient ventilation 11
Insufficient heating 7
absence of drinking water 2
Lack of facilities for drying clothes 1
Dangerous machinery 5
Lack of seating facilities 1
There were more accidents reported in 1972 (88 compared with 70)
but most were fortunately of a minor character. 46 of the accidents
were fully investigated and advice was given to avoid a repetition.
The inspection and repair of lifts and hoists were continued
satisfactorily during the year. It is difficult to specify instances
of exceptionally good or bad standards but it could be said that
the standard of most of the multiple stores is always very good and
every attention is given to the requirements of the Act. In no
instance was it necessary to invoke Section 22.
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