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There was one accident reported of an unusual occurrence. It
concerned a youth of 15 years who was found unconscious with
multiple injuries in a yard adjoining the premises where he
worked. Apparently the youth decided at the end of the working
day to leave the building via the flat roof and he knew that on
the other side of the parapet wall was some temporary scaffolding.
It was dark at the time. He climbed on to the roof of an out-building
and jumped as he thought towards the scaffolding but missed it
and landed on the ground 20 feet below. This accident taught
him a lesson but nearly cost him his life.
Annual Report to Secretary of State for Employment and
Productivity
As required by Section 60 of the Act a copy of the prescribed
report sent is available at the Town Hall for public inspection.
Future Legislation
It has been suggested that the Factories Act, 1961, and the
Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963, be amalgamated
and extended in scope to cover most employments and other
safety measures with local authorities being responsible for
"commercial premises". There is also a suggestion of modifications
in the working hours of all young persons. The Under
Secretary of State for the Department of Employment and Productivity
has announced the possibility of new legislation dealing
with safety, health and welfare.
Offensive or Toxic Materials
In the present Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963
no provision is made in dealing with offensive or toxic materials
or substances.
During the year a complaint was made to the Department that
nylon dress net kept for sale in a shop was causing irritation
of the eyes, nose and throat. A laboratory stated "the smell was
identified as free formaldehyde and subsequent tests confirmed
this. It is not toxic to any great extent as a health hazard, but
the pungent odour and concomitant eye irritation are enough to
make the fabric unmerchantable". H.M. Medical Inspector of
Factories says of this material — "In our experience this
chemical is normally used in the treatment of cotton materials
to give a crease resistant finish. It will, however, cause irritation
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