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It was found that where contraventions existed, owners have
readily complied with informal notices, and only in very few
instances have cases been referred to the Solicitor when, following
a warning letter from him, the notice has been complied with.
It is surprising that so many employers and employees still
appear to have little knowledge of the requirements of the Act.
This may be partly explained by the fact that there are frequent
changes in staff, both in offices and shops, particularly women
and younger staff.
Registration by some occupiers is not usually of their own
volition and, in these cases, it has been found that, in addition to
the initial visit, further revisits and letters have been required
before the requisite form has been completed and returned.
Operation of the general provisions of the Act
Cleanliness.—Parts of some shops away from the selling areas
could show improvement in respect of decorative conditions but
in the main the rooms concerned were only used by staff at odd
intervals.
Overcrowding.—The value of this section in this Borough is that,
owing to certain areas of extensive redevelopment, many occupiers
who are having to move are thinking of their future requirements
in relation to space problems, staff, etc.
Temperature.—Improvements are constantly being made to the
heating arrangements in many offices and shops. It has been
noticed that a few shops still persist in keeping their doors open,
even during the cold weather, thus allowing an excessive amount of
cold air to blow in, nullifying the heating arrangements provided
for the shop.
Lighting.—Increased awareness of the need for better lighting is
now general among occupiers, but many premises still have parts
where the lighting could be improved.
Sanitary conveniences and washing facilities.—The position is improving
but revisits still show that water closets tend to be misused
by both sexes and often become fouled and dirty. Many water
closet compartments are situated in outside yards and this location
seems to predispose to neglect.
Floors, passages and stairs.—In many cases, both occupiers and
employees seem to have a careless attitude towards such hazards
as unguarded openings in floors and staircases obstructed by the
storage of goods. It is hoped that revisits will have the effect of
making all concerned conscious of such dangers.
Dangerous machinery.—It has been found necessary to stress the
provisions of Sections 17, 18 and 19, and to draw attention to the
number of accidents known to happen nationally. There still
appears to be a fatalistic attitude towards accidents occurring in
premises covered by the Act.