London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Islington 1912

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington, Metropolitan Borough of]

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225 [1912

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Industry.Number.Number of women employed.
Picture framing10
Pill making15
Sack making17
Sauce making170
Seed packing15
Surgical appliances making15
Syphon manufacturing1350
Table stationery128
Tooth brush making19
Underclothing making1350
Underskirt making136
Vinegar making124
Washing powder making16
White lead works16
Total1947,084

It will be seen from the above figures that there has been a nett increase of 3 in
the number of occupied factories during the year, but I would point out again as I have done
previously, that such a figure in no way represents the actual amount of increased employment
in the Borough. For the purpose of showing this increase it would be necessary to
compare the number of hands employed during any two years. I have therefore instituted
a record of the number employed in each factory, and these figures will be found set
forth above. In the future, therefore, a more accurate comparison of the state of employment
in those trades which come under my inspection will be available, and will, I think,
prove interesting. Further, it must be pointed out that the figures of employment given
both in the list above and in that which follows for workshops, are subject to almost daily
changes. They represent an accurate average on the whole year, but in many of the trades
are subject to considerable seasonal fluctuations. There is nothing of particular note to
report on the sanitary accommodation of factories during the year. One new factory built
provided almost ideal conditions, which it is hoped will be appreciated.
The condition of the sanitary conveniences generally showed a good deal of improvement,
a defective state either as to structure or cleanliness being observed in only 36 cases
during 1912 as compared to 54 in 1911. Some premises appear hopeless, defects being found
on every visit. The nuisance complained of is always abated immediately upon instruction,
but on the next visit a fresh nuisance will be in evidence. This condition, I feel convinced,
is due either to the absence or inefficiency of a forewoman. This continual fault-finding is
irritating both to the occupier and to the inspector, and can certainly be avoided, and is
avoided by sound business management.
During the year two memoranda were received from the Home Office, dealing with
(1) Structural Requirements of the Factory and Workshop. Acts and (2) Duties of the Local
Authority under the Factory and Workshop Acts. These are annotated summaries of special
sections of these Acts and of various Orders and Regulations which have been issued from
time to time.
Q