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92
Where it is necessary to carry out structural works the speed
at which progress can be made in meeting the requirements of the Act
depends to a large extent upon the availability of labour. The
kind of maintenance or small alteration work required is not readily
accepted by the larger firms of building contractors and the smaller
type of builders are often fully engaged with work of this nature.
However willing shop-keepers and managements might be to comply with
the requirements of the department. they have to take their turn for
attention. Even the big multiple firms who formerly carried their
own large estate and maintenance departments. are finding it difficult
to carry out works promptly. It is also apparent that during the
present period of financial recession the smaller firms. when faced
with considerable expenditure. have some difficulty in meeting their
responsibilities. Often a compromise has to be accepted whereby
the most urgent work receives priority and the balance is phased over
a period.
It is true to say that. apart from the multiple firms and large
organisations. employers have a very limited knowledge of the requirements
of the Act. This is also obvious in respect of changes of
occupation; re-registration or new registration has to be asked for
as few of the new occupiers complete the necessary formalities.
It is also apparent that many employees have little knowledge
or interest in the provisions of the Act which was passed solely in
their interests.
The Act prescribes that an accident is notifiable when it
disables a person for more than three days from doing his usual work.
The higher figures notified in the older age groups are attributable
to the fact that older persons are not so resilient and take longer
to recover. whereas a younger person who has a slight accident would
be fit for work within the three day period.
On specific matters the picture this year shows little difference
from the last report and the sections dealing with cleanliness. overcrowding.
temperature. ventilation. lighting. sanitaiy and washing
facilities have produced the same problems in about similar proportions.
Safety regulations require particular vigilance. not only as
regards food preparation machinery. slicing machines. etc. but also
some mechanical office equipment possess their own particular hazards
that have to be properly guarded.
A total of 90 accidents were officially reported during the year.
none of them fatal. Of the firms reporting accidents 65% were large
organisations or branches of multiple firms. and between them they
accounted for 79$ of all reported cases. It still seems obvious
that not all employers are aware of their responsibility to report