ENG-1957 — Page 77

OCCUPATIONS, WAGES AND LABOUR ORGANIZATION

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surveyed during the year included those concerned with the manufacture of dry batteries and of artificial pearls. All new factories are inspected by the Industrial Health Section, so that possible hazards can be found at the earliest opportunity.

The betterment of medical facilities in industrial concerns has been chiefly the responsibility of the Assistant Industrial Health Officer since his appointment. During the year work in this field was concentrated mainly on the organization of first-aid classes for workers with the co-operation of the St. John Ambulance Association. Six classes were completed during the year, and 111 workers from 47 factories obtained certificates of proficiency. Revised scales of first-aid equip- ment required to be maintained in factories were drawn up and were brought into effect early in December. The survey and supervision of medical facilities in factories were con- tinued, with particular attention to concerns where women supervisors are employed on night work. The Medical Department's scheme for the mass X-ray of workers for early detection of tuberculosis was explained to a number of factories. Those managements which agreed to have a survey of their workers undertaken, and to grant sick-leave with full pay to workers in appropriate cases, were put in touch with the Medical Department which arranged for the surveys. to be carried out.

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Industrial Accidents. 4,797 industrial and occupational accidents (86 fatal) involving 4,866 persons were reported and investigated. This is 269 accidents more than in 1956, but with less fatalities. Of the total, 2,165 (19 fatal) were in registrable workplaces, a decrease of 175 accidents (14) fatal), in spite of the increase in the number of industrial workers. Compared with 1956 there was a decrease in accidents per thousand industrial workers from 15.9 to 14.1 for all accidents, and from 0.224 to 0.124 for fatalities. This was due in part to the active industrial safety campaign conducted by the Labour Department in 1957.