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
East Ham 1935
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for East Ham]
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101
Shops Act, 1934.
(ii) Arrangements for health and comfort of workers.
The sanitary conveniences and facilities for taking meals were
examined during the resurvey at 1,387 shops. In 207 cases either
sanitary accommodation or meal facilities or both were unsatisfactory,
84 (written preliminary intimation) notices were served
under the Act, and in 123 instances a verbal notice was given and
the work promised. In 189 out of the 203 cases the requisite
work had been carried out. Three hundred and twenty-seven
inspections of work in progress have been made.
The following improvements have been made as a result of the notices:—
| (1) | Ventilation and Temperature of Shops (Shop reconstructed on account of ill ventilation) | 1 |
| (2) | Sanitary conveniences:— | |
| Provided | 10 | |
| Reconstructed | 9 | |
| Repaired, etc. | 174 | |
| (3) | Lighting | Nil |
| (4) | Washing Facilities:— | |
| Provided | 5 | |
| Reconstructed | 4 | |
| Repaired | 18 | |
| (5) | Facilities for meals:— | |
| Provided | 2 | |
| Repaired or cleansed | 28 | |
| Cooking facilities provided or repaired | 8 | |
Seventy-three miscellaneous defects or nuisances were remedied
in consequence of the visits.
It is hoped to devote more attention to the means of heating
and ventilation of the shops in the future.
Considerable good is arising from this part of the New Act,
although the difficulties in its administration are numerous.
Housing
The main work of the department in the matter of housing
in this Borough is the maintenance and repair of houses. The