OCCUPATIONS, WAGES AND LABOUR ORGANIZATION
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a number of other industrial undertakings are also subject to inspection to ensure compliance with industrial health and safety legislation generally, and in particular to the provisions relating to the employment of women and young persons.
A total of 16,669 visits were made by the labour inspectorate during the year. Of these, 1,630 were concerned with industrial or occupational accidents and workmen's compensation; 873 were night visits to industrial premises in connexion with the employment of women and young persons during prohibited hours; 178 were wage enquiries; 859 were connected with the employment of young persons; and 13,129 were routine inspections for the enforcement of safety, health and welfare provisions.
An Industrial Health Officer, appointed during the year, conducted an investigation to determine the efficiency of electro-static precipitators installed in a cement works, and a survey to determine the value of oil-spraying to reduce dust during the blowing process in cotton mills. Further surveys are being planned.
Industrial Accidents. 3,059 industrial and occupational accidents (85 fatal) were reported and investigated. This is 1,345 more than last year, but with 7 fewer fatal accidents. Of the total, 1,521 (13 fatal) were in factories. The increase is to a large extent an increase in the reporting of incidents. The new Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance requires that every accident, as a result of which the employed person is incapable of performing his ordinary work for one day, be reported. Under previous legislation, accidents were not notifiable unless the employed person was unable to perform his ordinary work for three days. Increased reporting of accidents under the Workmen's Compensation Ordinance is an additional factor. It must be expected, however, that the increased scale of industrial activity in the Colony will lead to a larger total number of accidents, and it is particularly satisfactory in these circums- tances that the total number of fatal accidents reported has actually decreased.
Welfare. Employers are increasingly accepting the provision of welfare facilities for workers as part of the responsibility of management. In every registrable work- place first-aid equipment and drinking water must be