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One fatality occurred to a woman employee who fell on a short flight
of stairs and struck her head against a wall at the foot of the stairs.
Another accident occurred on concrete stairs of quite recent construction
in a large office where, not only was there found to be difference in
the height of the risers of the stairs in the same flight, but there was a
difference in several treads to the extent of ¾ of an inch in the height
between each side, of the same riser.
Although no regulations exist, as yet, for portable steps and ladders,
particular attention is paid to these items of equipment when inspecting
premises. Boxes of varying sizes and tea chests have been used as a
substitute and have collapsed in the process. Accidents arising from improper
or defective steps can have serious effects.
One such accident occurred with serious consequences in the office
of a well known Company. One step of a short step ladder completely
collapsed when stood upon causing the employee to fall to the ground.
The Company was instructed to carry out a thorough inspection of all
steps and ladders in their premises and to repair or destroy any such
equipment found defective.
Accidents due to "horseplay", thoughtlessness, ignoring warning
notices, and improper use of implements continue.
An employee received a cut thumb when using a gravity feed food
slicing machine for slicing cucumbers for sandwiches. Whilst the machine
was adequately equipped for the purpose for which it was made, its use
for slicing cucumbers was highly improper. The firm provided a hand
slicer as a result of the accident.
An employee was injured in the print room of a large firm due to an
explosion of ether caused by another employee smoking a cigarette in close
proximity and despite a "No Smoking" notice being exhibited. The management
have issued a warning notice that summary dismissal will result in
future in the event of an employee offending against the "No Smoking" rule.
An employee badly cut his hand by endeavouring to remove the screw
cap of a mineral water bottle by jamming it between rails of a window sash.
The bottle broke at the neck causing laceration of the tendons of his hand.
During the year five cases were reported to the Town Clerk with a view
to legal action being taken.
(1) A firm of solicitors employed one assistant in a room with
insufficient airspace, contrary to Section 5(2). As a result
of a letter from the Town Clerk, the adjoining office was
integrated with the smaller office occupied by the assistant,
and the overcrowding was thus abated,