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possibly it was not intentional. One firm gave out work to be done outside the factory.
The workers bought the material at the warehouse, made the required article, and this
article was then bought back by the firm. These workers, while really outworkers, were
nominally manufacturing their own materials into the finished product.
Cleanliness.—During the year 152 instances of want of cleanliness were found. Of
these, 133 had been remedied before the end of the year. Many of the workshops which
have been on the register for some time are very satisfactory in this respect. The employers
are now aware that a certain standard must be maintained, and without waiting for a
reminder from an inspector, have the cleansing of the walls and ceilings done in their
less busy time. In these cases the visits of an inspector are not so necessary for the discovery
of actual nuisances or defects as for the keeping of the employer up to a certain
standard through expectation of a visit.
Overcrowding.—Only nine instances of overcrowding were dealt with during the
year, a decrease of 16 as compared with the number of the previous year. In the majority
of workrooms visited, the number of employees was well within the legal limit.
Ventilation.—Although only two instances of workplaces with insufficient means of
ventilation were noticed during the year, yet, as before, many workrooms possessing sufficient
means were found on inspection stuffy and close, especially in the winter months. The
usual alleged reason for the want of fresh air is that the rooms are cold, and for the
same reason gas jets are used to warm the room, thus vitiating the air to a greater extent.
It is difficult to see how this state of affairs can be improved. The workers, often thinly
clad and badly fed, naturally feel acutely any current or influx of colder air, and so
strongly oppose all efforts in that direction. Windows may be opened for a time, but unless
a daily or weekly visit be paid by an inspector, this is only a temporary advantage.
Sanitary accommodation.—During the year, four instances of insufficient accommodation
were found, 120 closets were found in a dirty condition, 111 were found unsuitable or
defective, and 11 not separate for sexes. Of these, before the close of the year, 104 had
been cleansed, and 104 had been repaired. The instances of insufficient or want of separate
accommodation were dealt with by Mr. West.
Other defects.—In addition to the above, 134 other defects, such as defective dustbins,
cisterns, etc., were found,, and of these 101 were remedied under my personal supervision
before the end of the year. The others were dealt with by the other Inspectors, or
have since been remedied.
Two instances of defects existing in workshops were notified from the Home Office,
and were duly remedied, and a report of the action taken sent to II.M. Inspector.
Notices.—Eighty-nine intimation notices (10 in connection with Factories and 79 in
connection with Workshops) and nine Statutory Notices have been served during the year.
Most of the nuisances found were abated after verbal notice had been given to the occupier.
Workshops notified to Home Office.—During the year 130 workshops in which the
required abstract was not affixed, or which had not already been visited by H.M. Inspector,
were notified to the Home Office. Particulars of these will be found comprised in the
accompanying list.
Workroom Cards.—263 workroom cards have been distributed, specifying the cubic
space and the number of employees allowed in each workroom.
Infectious Disease.—It was found necessary to visit eight workshops during the year
re infectious disease. All necessary precautions were taken to prevent any spread of the
disease.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
JOSEPHINE J. BROWN,
Sanitary Inspector of Workshops