PUBLIC HEALTH
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registered schools, B.C.G. vaccination is given to all tuberculin negative reactors and during 1959 a total of 7,323 children were tested and 1,083 were vaccinated with B.C.G.
Health education receives strong emphasis at the teacher train- ing level particularly; it is also directed towards parents and children, the work being carried out by a Health Sister and four Health Visitors. The Health Sister gives lectures in health educa- tion and training in first aid at the Teachers Training College. The Health Visitors work in the school clinics and the schools and, when necessary, make home visits as well.
For those children participating in the medical treatment scheme, medical inspections are carried out and defects are either treated in the school clinics or referred to eye, ear, nose and throat or dental clinics. Cases referred for hospital treatment are charged maintenance fees only, while appliances such as spectacles are pro- vided either at cost or without charge depending on the almoner's recommendation.
The School Dental Service undertakes routine dental examina- tions and limited treatment of those school children who partici- pate in the School Health Service.
Industrial Health. The Industrial Health Section of the Labour Department is staffed by the Medical and Health Department. The responsibilities include the protection of workers against health hazards due to environmental conditions, the prevention of accidents and occupational diseases, the assessment and follow-up of industrial injuries involving compensation, training in first aid and research into hazards arising from industrial processes.
Routine factory inspections are made, particular attention being paid to lighting, ventilation, sanitation and working processes. Advice is given on the planning of clinics, first aid facilities, kitchens and canteens, dormitories and sanitary accommodation, especially in new factories.
An important and increasing activity is the surveillance of those handling radioactive substances and lead or who are exposed to free silica dust. The principal occupational diseases encountered at present are industrial dermatitis and silicosis. So far the num- bers affected are small as shown by the following figures for an estimated labour force of 218,000.