View report page

WORKSHOP SUPERVISION
57
The question as to the use of gas stoves without proper flues is still unsettled.
Sanitary Conveniences.—All the existing workshops appear to be adequately provided
with closet accommodation, no premises having been reported during the past year as otherwise.
The general improvement which has taken place with respect to this part of workshop
accommodation is manifest from the appended statement.

Sickness.— The cases of infectious disease, of all descriptions, reported during the year on
"workshop premises" numbered 111, including 32 cases in the homes of outworkers. Last
year's numbers showed increases over the figures for 1906 and 1905, viz., on all premises 92
and 70 respectively, and 23 and 29 on outworkers. Last year's cases are analysed below, the
cases reported from outworkers' premises being shown in parentheses.
Scarlet Fever 17 (6) Puerperal Fever 1 (—) Measles 44 (12)
Diphtheria 5 (3) Erysipelas 9 (2) Chickenpox 27 (8)
Enteric Fever 2 (—) Whooping Cough. 5 (1)
In addition to the above, 5 cases of "consumption" were reported. The deaths from the
foregoing disease numbered 14, viz., 10 from "consumption," 2 from whooping cough, and one
each from diphtheria and measles, the death from diphtheria being the only fatal case on
outworkers' premises.
On receipt of information of any case of infectious illness the premises are specially
visited. Inasmuch as practically all cases of the notified diseases are removed to hospital it
is only necessary to see that any articles liable to convey infection are properly dealt with.
No orders to prohibit work were required during the year, and nothing transpired leading to
a suspicion of any spread of infection from such source.
Bakehouses.—There were 74 such premises on the special Register at the close of the
year, 16 being "level" and 58 "underground." Baking was given up during the year in 3
underground bakehouses, and resumed at 2 others, which had been temporarily out of use.
When such places are re-opened after closure, a special inspection is made to see that the
place is in accordance with the prescribed requirements, and that cleansing, usually with some
improvements, is carried out.
Of the 74 bakehouses on the Register, 7 are " factories," but are nevertheless under the
jurisdiction of the Department, the special provisions of the Public Health (London) Act,
1891, over-riding the general rule under the Factory Act. Seventy-six (76) inspections were
made of the "factory bakehouses," and 423 of the remaining 67 premises.