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AGRICULTURE (SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE PROVISIONS) ACT,1956.
This Act came into force on 5th July, 1956, and aims at
securing the safety, health and welfare of persons employed
in agriculture and certain similar occupations, and the
avoidance of accidents to children in connection with the use
of agricultural vehicles, machinery and implements.
Most of the provisions of the Act are to be administered
by officers to be appointed by the Minister of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food, but the Town Council can require the
provision of suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences for
employees and the proper maintenance end cleaning thereof.
It is remarkable that requirements for the provision of
proper washing facilities for employees are not also within
the sphere of the Council but are to be dealt with by the
Minister's staff.
The Council's Public Health Officers were duly appointed
authorised officers for the purposes of the Act.
CIVIL DEFENCE.
The- Public Health Department, in common with other
departments of local government, makes its contribution to the
organisation, training and practice of Civil Defence as required
in time of war.
The inroads thus made into the time and energy of those
principally concerned are considerable, whilst the work of the
clerical staff which is already barely adequate in numbers is
increased.
The Medical Officer of Health has been appointed Head of
the Ambulance Section and shares the services of the Civil
Defence Officer as administrative assistant as a condition of
acceptance of the appointment. Much good work in recruiting
and training has been accomplished and continues.
The Chief Public Health Inspector is Head of the Welfare
Section of the local Unit, and this Section has developed
Tinder his command into an active and essential part of the
organisation which functions in exercises and would be
available at times of civil disaster as well as for the
primary task for which embodied.
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