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
City of London 1906
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London, City of ]
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91
During 1906 your Woman Inspector has inspected 40 offices, 37 on
complaints and 3 in the course of the routine inspection of workshops and
workplaces.
One hundred and twenty-seven women clerks were employed in these offices.
The result of inspection may be briefly summarised as follows:—
In 7 cases the offices were satisfactory and the sanitary accommodation
suitable.
„ 28 „ there was no separate sanitary accommodation.
„ 1 case the office was dirty and there was no separate sanitary
accommodation.
„ 1 „ the sanitary accommodation was separate, but unsuitable.
„ 1 ,, the office was insufficiently ventilated, the women's convenience
was unventilated and damp, and one of the men's
conveniences opened directly into the office.
„ 1 „ the office was badly ventilated.
„ 1 „ the office ceiling was dirty and the convenience was dirty and
badly ventilated.
Showing 33 cases in which action was necessary.
Result of action taken:—
In 18 cases separate sanitary accommodation has been provided.
„ 1 case the office has been cleansed.
„ 1 ,, the office ventilation has been improved.
,, 1 „ where there was no separate accommodation, the girl clerks
have been moved to other premises occupied by the same firm,
where there is separate sanitary accommodation.
„ 12 cases the owners have undertaken to make the necessary improvements
and alterations, and some of the work is now in
hand.
In view of the very large number of women employed in offices in the
City, it may be of interest to consider the legislation bearing on the subject
of sanitary accommodation in offices.
So long ago as 1848, the City of London recognised the importance of this
question, and in the City of London Sewers Act of that date it is enacted:—
"That it shall be lawful for the Commissioners, if they shall think fit to do so,
"by notice in writing to the owner or occupier of any house or building in which
"persons of both sexes above twenty in number are employed, or intended to be
"employed at one time in any manufacture, trade, or business, to require such