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Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963.
For many years there has been legislation to protect the health
and safety of employees in factories, but until 1964 only limited
provision was made in public health and shops legislation for those in
non-industrial employment. The Offices, Shops and Railway Premises
Act, 1963, and subsequent regulations make standards for health,
welfare and safety in offices, shops and certain railway premises.
Matters covered by the Act include cleanliness, overcrowding, heating
and lighting, sanitary facilities, safety and fire precautions. Responsibilities
for enforcing the Act are divided betwen local authorities, the
factory inspectorate and fire authorities.
The number of visits made for all purposes of the Act during
1971 in Merton was 1,569 and the co-operation of employers has been
most encouraging. No serious objection has been raised as to the
manner in which the enforcement of the Act is being carried out.

Contraventions rectified.
Cleanliness 192
Overcrowding 1
Temperature 69
Ventilation 41
Lighting 25
Sanitary conveniences 64
Washing facilities 65
Clothing accommodation 16
Seats 1
Floors, passages, stairs 41
Dangerous machinery guarded 11
First Aid provisions 94
Other contraventions 140
Exemptions.
No exemptions (Section 46) were granted in 1971.
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