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that a number of premises have still to be registered. A total
of 1,346 units were registered up to December 31st, 1964.
Enforcement has been undertaken by the existing Public
Health Inspectorate and clerical staff.
The overall impression obtained is that of a readiness on
the part of employers to co-operate in complying with the
provisions of the Act. As will be seen from Appendix II, the
principal shortcomings were in respect of Cleanliness,Temperature
(maintenance and recording), Ventilation, Sanitary Conveniences
(condition), Inadequate washing facilities, Floors, passages and
stairs (condition) and First-Aid equipment provision.
Accidents
The Act places an obligation upon employers to notify the
appropriate authority of certain accidents which occur on their
premises, resulting in death or disablement from normal work for
more than three days. Where necessary the circumstances of
accidents are investigated and appropriate reports made. Quarterly
returns are sent to the officer appointed by the Minister under
Section 57 of the Act.
During 1964, ten accident notifications were received. All
were investigated and fortunately none was of a serious nature.
Verbal notice was given to one employer with regard to poor
lighting and obstruction of a staircase.
Dangerous Machinery
Provision is made for all machines to be securely fenced,
so that no worker can come into contact with any dangerous part
while the machines are moving,and for such fencing to be properly
used and maintained. Young persons (i.e. under 18 years of age)
may not clean machinery if, in so doing, they are exposed to
risk of injury from moving parts or adjacent machinery. Certain
machines have been prescribed by Order by the Minister as dangerous
and may not be worked by persons other than those who are
adequately trained or under adequate supervision.
During routine inspection an apparently dangerous machine
not listed in the Order was seen; this was an electric wallpaper
trimming machine having unguarded circular cutting wheels.
The advice of the Minister's appointed officer was sought and
following his visit, representations were made by the user to
the manufacturers. An adequate guard has now been developed and
submitted to H.M. Inspector of Factories for approval.
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