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73
Obverse
WORKPLACES.
Address Business
Occupier Date Reg'd.
Owner Owner's Address
Floor. How used. Lighting. Ventilation. General Condition.
Workers—Males Females Office Staff—Males Females Urinals
Conveniences—Males Females Washing Accommodation—Males Females
Accommodation for refuse
Remarks
Date inspected
P.H. Dept., Guildhall, E.C. Inspector.
Reverse as for Factory Inspection Card. See page 69.
OFFICE SANITATION.
The question of Office Sanitation is one of exceptional interest to the City
Corporation as a Sanitary Authority. During the past few years attention has been
directed by the National Union of Clerks and the Railway Clerks' Association to the
subject, and in addition, the last two Parliamentary sessions have witnessed the
introduction of Bills dealing with this problem. The former of the two Societies
mentioned was responsible for one Bill, which was introduced by Mr. Wardle; and Lord
Salisbury had charge of the other which dealt mainly with underground workrooms.
During consideration by Parliament the latter Bill was subjected to various alterations
which resulted in its receiving Government approval. These facts, combined with the
knowledge that there is considerable probability of these Bills again coming forward,
and that one at least may become law, would appear to justify some attention being given
to the matter in this report.
Going back to Dr. Farr we find him reporting that "Commercial clerks experience
an exceptionally high rate of mortality. The rooms in which they work are generally
close and ill-ventilated. They often stoop at their desks. They require Sir John
Lubbock's holidays." This was undoubtedly a true statement of affairs at that time,
but considerable improvement has been made since then. New buildings have in many
instances replaced the cramped and unsatisfactory places which preceded them, and a
growing tendency exists to recognise that the best work is done in suitable surroundings.