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occupiers and employees. It is thought that the public awareness of the inherent
dangers might well be stimulated through the medium of television.
Dangerous Machinery. (Sees. 17, 18 & 19)
Seven accidents were notified, fortunately none was fatal. One was due to inadequate
fencing of a food slicing machine. Another was caused by the use of a
similar machine without the 'last slice' plate being in position. One employee
sustained a severe laceration while slicing a loaf of bread in a gravity-feed
slicer; the loaf shifted position during slicing and the employee attempted to
re-adjust the loaf position, placing his hand between the last slice plate and
the cutting blade whilst the machine was in motion. Advice was given to
occupiers to approach manufacturers with regard to the fitting of adequate
fencing and in this connection, the Local Authority Circular No. 7 (supplement 4)
which was issued towards the end of the year was found to be of considerable
assistance. The advice of H.M. Inspector of Factories was sought on occasions and
joint visits were made where doubt arose as to the necessity or adequacy of fencing.
First Aid. (Sec. 24)
First Aid Boxes or cupboards were often absent or inadequately equipped
but generally the omissions were quickly rectified when pointed out. Details of
the requirements for particular boxes were sent to occupiers where appropriate.
Display of Abstract of the Act.
This requirement which came into force on 1st June, 1965, was not complied
with in many premises. In most instances, however, verbal notices sufficed to
remedy the omission.
Problems of Demarcation.
A number of buildings were in multiple occupation, parts being subject to
the Factories Act, 1961 and the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963. In
all cases where questions of demarcation of enforcement responsibilities arose,
satisfactory working agreement was reached with H.M. District Inspector of
Factories.
Accidents. (Sec. 48)
During the year 93 accidents were notified. Of this total 36 were investigated
and, where appropriate, occupiers and employees were advised as to measures
to prevent recurrences. Reports of accident investigations were, in appropriate
circumstances, sent to H.M. Inspector of Factories. Analysis of reported accidents
by workplace and sex and by primary causes are given below.
Conclusion.
From the information available following the first full year of operation of
the Act, it is clear that there is scope for considerable improvement in the
fields of health, safety and welfare in the working conditions of employees in
many office and shop premises. Appropriate enforcement of the provisions of
the Act should go a long way to this end.
The help and advice received from H.M. Factory Inspectorate towards
uniformity in enforcement of the Act is gratefully acknowledged.
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