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replacement of a defective light bulb, are the most frequent matters requiring
attention, and often, shop staffs are their own worst enemies in this respect.
Conveniences are, also, often found to be in use for the storage of goods.
This is part of the storage problem met with in so many shops which is referred
to under 'Floors, Stairs and Passages' below.
Washing Facilities
The standard in offices is generally good, but in shops leaves much to be
desired. Cleanliness is often lacking, and it is frequently obvious from the
condition of the hand basins and water heaters that they have not been in
recent use.
The fact that the definition of a 'wash basin' in the Washing Faci1ities
Regulations 1964 does not preclude the use of a sink in the place of a basin
does not help attempts to improve out of date facilities.
Accommodation for Clothing
So often the only facility provided is a nai1 or hook in a convenient door.
The minimum requirement made by Inspectors is provision to enable each member
of the staff to hang his or her outdoor clothing to dry separately from the
clothing of others on a wet day.
In the absence of Regulations prescribing minimum standards, it is
not possible to require accommodation that would ensure the safe custody
of clothes together with the contents of the pockets.
Floors, Stairs and Passages
Every effort is made to point out to occupiers the dangers of fire
and accident arising from the obstruction of floors, stairs and passages.
Usually, the obstruction is only a partial one, but instances have been seen
where fire and other exits are completely blocked by boxes and cartons containing
goods.
These conditions are usually rectified immediately in the presence
of the Inspector, but in some cases a subsequent visit will find a similar, if
minor, condition existing.
Dangerous Machines
There is an undoubted improvement in the guarding of dangerous machines,
although the removal of guards on food slicing machines by operators is sometimes
met with. In these circumstances, it is difficult to refute the usual explanation
that the machine is about to be cleansed, and it is left to the Inspector merely
to impress on the person concerned the inherent dangers of using an unguarded
machine.
Accidents
A total of 72 accidents were reported during the year, and such action
taken as was found to be necessary following investigation. No fatal accidents
were reported.
The total number of accidents reported annually has remained fairly
constant over the past few years, but it is questionable that all accidents
involving absence from work for 3 days or more are reported. Every effort
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