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51
prefers to take the risk of fire from permitted smoking rather
than from a hurriedly discarded cigarette end. Another firm with
a lesser fire risk permits smoking up to 1½ hours before finishing
work so that any likely fire would be spotted before closing the
premises.
Social Activities
The smaller firms have little or nothing in the way of social
activities. The larger firms vary widely in the facilities
provided. One works manager stat.ed their social club was a
failure because of the situation of the firm's premises some
distance from public transport. In the same road however another
firm has a very flourishing social club.
Major considerations in the success of social activities
appear to be suitable premises, canteen facilities and enthusiasm
on the part of some member or members of the firm,;
Canteens
The provision of works canteens as might be expected varies
with the size of the firm. Most of the large firms provide well
equipped kitchens and dining rooms usually run by an outside
caterer. One firm expressed the view that the canteen was worth
while in ensuring that employees could have at least one square
meal a day. This firm has made a special effort in decorating and
constructing the dining room in such a way as to avoid the factory
atmosphere, The standard of hygiene in the canteen kitchens is
generally high. Some firms share canteen facilities and one firm
arranged a "meal voucher scheme" at a local restaurant.;
Summary of Findings
(1) Positive methods for safeguarding the health of employees in
many factories particularly the smaller ones, is at present
haphazard and unorganised.
(2) First-aid equipment is very nearly useless unless associated
with trained personnel to use it,
(3) In the smaller factories particularly, there is evidence of
the need for health education in matters relating to industrial
processes and working environment,
(4) The useful employment of able aged persons in local factories
shows there is scope for further discussion with managements in
tackling this problem on a broader scale.;