View report page

93
(6) Is preferred by the workers to hand driven methods of operation.
(7) Is somewhat diminished by fitting silencers, but to make up for the resulting
loss of efficiency more drills must be employed.
(8) Can be lessened in intensity for the sufferers if they use ear stops. These
could be distributed among patients and other susceptible individuals.
(9) Is only one among the many which are causing much concern. A public
movement has been organised to combat this menace to health and
quietude.
The Committee might sec fit to express an opinion that although the noise
caused by the use of rock drills in street works may arise in any given locality for
a period of only a few days and may not recur for several years, yet there is evidence
that health may be injuriously affected thereby and requests the Works Committee
to consider what steps should be taken to effect its diminution.
The Council received the report of the Committees on the 14th
December and resolved that representations be made to the appropriate
Government Departments with a view to special research being undertaken
for the reduction of noise caused by the use of rock drills in street
works.
London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1928, Sec. 28—
Removal of Infirm and Diseased Person to Suitable Institution.
Two cases of this kind, both women, of 67 and 83 years of age, respectively,
were reported to the Public Health Committee during the year.
In the first case the Medical Officer of Health was authorised to take all
the necessary steps under the Act for the removal of the woman to a
suitable hospital or other institution.
She suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, lived quite alone, was absolutely
helpless, unable to move, and for many months had not been to bed but
remained day and night in a chair. Her bodily condition and her rooms
became very insanitary and were a serious nuisance to the other occupiers
of the house. She resented any medical or nursing care.
Such persons are most difficult to deal with and it is the experience
of this Department that when suggestions arc made for tl ir removal
to an institution so that proper care and attention may be given them
they refuse obstinately. Only the service of formal notices make them
see reason. This patient declined to listen to any suggestion of removal,
and it was only after service of formal notice under the Act that she
consented to be removed. She died subsequently in St. Stephen's
Hospital.