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The number of persons employed in retail shops has decreased considerably which
is probably due in some measure to the tendency for retail shops to change to self-service
trading with a subsequent reduction in persons employed.
Inspections
All newly registered premises are given a general inspection as soon as possible after
registration and all registered premises have had at least one general inspection. It is
anticipated that it will be possible to ensure that all registered premises are given a general
inspection every 18 months to 2 years. Re-inspections are carried out at periodical
intervals particularly where requirements under the Act have been brought to the
attention of the occupiers. Written notices are given where necessary but, as has been
found in previous years, many improvements have been achieved following discussions
with the occupiers. It is interesting to note that very few complaints were received from
employees.
The total number of general inspections made during the year was 1,826 and the
total number of visits to all registered premises 4,937 compared with 1,240 and 3,847
respectively for 1968.
The number of infringements found and remedied was 1,743 and 1,489 respectively
compared with 1,025 and 735 for 1968. Details are given in Table D.
The statistical information required to be submitted annually to the Department of
Employment and Productivity is shown in Tables A, B and C.
The inspection of premises is carried out by the Public Health Inspectors and
Technical Assistants under the supervision of the Inspectors.
Operation of the General Provisions of the Act
Cleanliness (Section 4)
This continues to be one of the more common shortcomings and 307 instances
were found warranting attention. Of those, 226 were satisfactorily resolved during the
year.
Overcrowding (Section 5)
Four instances of overcrowding were encountered and two remedied. Most
occupiers and employees seem to be well aware of the requirements of the Act in this
respect.
Temperature and Ventilation (Sections 6 and 7)
There were comparatively few instances of inadequate heating and in most cases
effective remedial measures were taken. The lack of thermometers continues to be a
common failing and action was taken in respect of 186 premises. 44 cases of inadequate
ventilation were found and some difficulty was experienced in achieving satisfactory
remedies, particularly in retail shops.
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