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109
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WORKPLACES WHERE WOMEN
ARE EMPLOYED.
During the year 1912 the general pressure of the work of our Section of the
Department has been so great, and the special claims of the Tuberculosis
problem have been so insistent, that very little inspection of workplaces where
women are employed has been done. Unless the development of our Tuberculosis
scheme relieves me very considerably of special duties I shall be
compelled to ask for some assistance in order to carry out the duties for which
T was originally appointed. The work of our part of the Public Health
Department has grown enormously, both in extent and complexity, since my
appointment eleven years ago, and the organisation and co-ordination
which are essential to the frictionless running of our machinery, occupy a very
large portion of my time.
Very few complaints as to the condition of womens' workplaces were
received during the year. Although this may indicate that their general
condition is not markedly bad, which I believe to be the case, it is very
desirable that inspection should be resumed with as little delay as possible.
Quite apart from the discovery of contraventions of the law, inspection is
important as keeping both employers and employed in touch with the official
who has special interest in the health of employed women and girls.
I have sent out the usual reminders to actual and possible employers of
outworkers with a view to their duly sending in the required lists. I have also
distributed the names and addresses of outworkers to their respective Boroughs
when not resident in St. Pancras.
With a view to obtaining information as to any special need for my intervention
I have joined the voluntary and the official Committees formed
for the care of the employment of young persons, and have found reason to
believe that this connection has been reciprocally helpful.
The close connection of other social problems with that of industrial employment
is, perhaps, a sufficient reason for temporary neglect of the direct, in
favour of the indirect, care of our industrially employed women, but I am
exceedingly anxicus to take such steps as shall ensure that routine inspection
is resumed with the least delay possible.
M. E. BIbby.