View report page

65
the trailer although it was not his duty to do so. The Coroner at the inquest
recorded a Verdict of "Death by Misadventure". Braking, reversing, and
skid resistance tests carried out by the Police were satisfactory.
A letter was sent to the Company concerned requesting warning notices
to be conspicuously displayed forbidding all persons to move behind trailers
or protecting barriers when trailers are being parked or removed; also limiting
the duty of transferring registration plates from one trailer to another to
that of the tractor driver, to be carried out only when the tractor and trailer
are connected. The Company agreed to the recommendations and warning
notices have been exhibited as requested.
In a multiple store a male young person (age 15) lacerated the fingers
of his left hand in cleansing an unguarded bacon slicing machine which was
in motion. The firm was duly prosecuted - (See end of report).
The leaflet "The safe Handling of Food Slicing Machines" is issued by
the department where considered advisable, and it is hoped that there will
be a resultant improvement in imparting the information to staff.
Apart from defects found in the course of routine inspections 32 complaints
were received during the year compared with a similar number
received during 1970. These included inadequate ventilation of offices,low
temperature, insufficient and defective sanitary accommodation, dirty
premises, defects to floors, steps and stairs etc.
No problems have arisen during the year in connection with the mechanical
handling of goods. The means of access to loading docks merit special
attention. Insecure wooden steps, or absence of steps, fixed steps without
handrails or handholds have been found and such defects remedied.
During the year two cases were reported to the Town Clerk with a view
to legal action being taken.
In the first case a firm retailing electrical accessories was prosecuted
for—
(a) Dirty walls and ceiling of premises contrary to Section 4(1).
A fine of £20 was imposed.
(b) Failing to provide a handrail of durable material contrary to Section
16(2). A fine of £30 was imposed.
(c) Dirty wash basin and washing compartment, walls, floor, ceiling and
woodwork contrary to Section 10(2). A fine of £30 was imposed.
(d) Dirty condition of water closet pedestal and water closet compartment
contrary to Section 9(2). A fine of £30 was imposed.
Fines totalling £110
Costs £20