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(c.) In the factory referred to emyloying 90 white lead workers, stringent
precautions are taken by the employers to prevent their men's health
suffering, and a tended with marked success.
(d.) The specialities of their mannfacture differ materially from the ordinary
white lead making, being" mostly wet instead of dry processes, and are
much less dangerous to health.
(e.) The routine is as follows :—
Working- hours from 6 a m. to 5.30 p.m., 1 hour 40 minutes allowed
for breakfast and dinner inclusive, no meals allowed to be taken on the
premises, and no women workers are employed.
The strictest personal cleanliness inculcated under threat of dismissal
for contumacy. Washing places provided. Soap, towels, hot
water, &c. provided constantly for all hands. Gloves, working' dresses,
respirators and boots provided for the day work, and their use enforced.
Medical attendance and proplovlactic drinks provided for the men,
and sick time paid for.
Question of providing working dresses for all hands now (at my
request) under consideration bv the firm.
(f) No deaths from immediate lead poisoning have occurred in these works.
Some few cases of colic, or drop wrist, &c. were distinctly traceable to
personal want of cleanliness, and not to the work itself, since many of
those engaged in the day work have been at it for 20 years and upwards
with no bad effects.
(g.) These precautions are far in advance of those recommended by the
Chief Inspector of Factories, and if made compulsory on all employers,
would, I consider, from my nine years' experience amongst lead workers,
prove sufficient to prevent the deplorable results ascertained to follow
the east end working.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
BENJAMIN BROWNING, M.D.
Medical Officer of Health.
The Vestry having received a letter from the Clerk to the Metropolitan Board of
Works, applying on behalf of the Board to insert glass tablets in the street lamps, with
colored inscriptions showing the direction and distance of the fire plugs from the
nearest lamp, on the 7th November, 1882, the following resolution was passed by the
Vestrv upon the subject, viz.:—
" Resolved, that this Vestry do consent to allow the Metropolitan Board of Works
" to insert glass tablets in the lamps of this parish, of the description and for the pur"
pose mentioned in the letter, and that it be suggested to the Board to add the name
" and address of the turncocks on sucb tablets."