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

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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London

Islington 1913

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

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1913]
220

Table: This year's work of the Workshops Inspectors brings the total number of major nuisances dealt with by them since 1898 up to 18,867, and as these were of a more or less serious character, it is self-evident that they are doing a very good work in the Borough. The following Table shows the nature of some of the work dealt with since 1896.

This year's work of the Workshops Inspectors brings the total number of major nuisances dealt with by them since 1898 up to 18,867, and as these were of a more or less serious character, it is self-evident that they are doing a very good work in the Borough. The following Table shows the nature of some of the work dealt with since 1896.

18961897189818991900190119021903190419051906190719081909I9IO191119121913Total
Overcrowding2612151422144134133098924141417262
Ventilation1413254358114831122920233330255
Dirty Premises311195109992172182314236304124489707194255°54494762567,093
Drains5544583753132161779050191541926161****2,612
W.C.'s4203253413554113751541611651511906205736775224715174636,891
Water supplies79413520191383541838172345404653l620660
Surface drains79I0987517881253403439457299Il64728341,094

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*Now included in District Inspector's summary.
Cleanliness.—The reports of the Inspectors show that 256 premises were
found in an uncleanly state, and that 273, which included some places remaining
over from 1912, were remedied. In the five preceding years the numbers have
been as follows 1907, 505; 190S, 425, 1909, 719; 1910, 970; 1911, 448; and
1912, 492. These figures are conclusive as to the greater cleanliness now to
be found in the workshops and workplaces of the borough.
Effluvium Nuisances —None were discovered.
Ventilation.—Thirty cases of insufficient ventilation were discovered, of
which 26 had been remedied before the end of the year.
Overcrowding.—In 17 instances overcrowding was discovered, and was
remedied in each case. This offence has never been serious in the Borough, as
in 18 years only 79 cases have been discovered. Generally it only occurs when
business is very brisk, when extra hands are temporarily taken on. The particulars
for each year since 1896 may be seen in the tabular statement given
above.
Want of Drainage of Floors—34 cases, invariably in laundries,
were discovered where the fioprs were not so drained as to prevent the water
standing on them. Notices were duly served, which in 30 instances had been
complied with before the year had closed.
Sanitary Accommodation.—In only 12 workshops was separate
accommodation for the sexes required, and with three exceptions it had been
provided before the end of the year.