H—ll

(3) Lighting.—While much improvement has been noted, the general standard is only fair, there being insufficient light from both natural and artificial sources in many factories and too much glare from unshaded incandescent lamps. The use of fluorescent lamps is being rapidly extended and has met with wide acceptance. It has been noted that such lamps are particularly useful in the elimination of shadows —an important factor in the prevention of accidents. Most new factories have excellent lighting, both by daylight and artificial means, the standard being higher than laid down in lighting codes. The lighting in many factories would be improved by greater attention to the cleaning of windows, lamps, and shades. (4) Ventilation. —The standard is generally satisfactory, and most of the problems arise in connection with the withdrawal of dusts and fumes. Occupiers are co-operative in installing exhaust systems at the Department's request, but the shortage of galvanized iron has prevented or slowed down the installation in some cases. Particular difficulty is being experienced with the dust nuisance in lime and rock-crushing mills and in linen-flax works. (5) Sanitation and Cleanliness. —Here also many improvements have been noted by Inspectors, but the main offenders are the smaller factories, plants located in old buildings, and specific industries where the work is dirty. ■ In some cases the fault lies with the employee rather than the employer. A large percentage of factories have no hot-water installation, but compliance with the requirements of Inspectors is sometimes delayed by electricity restrictions. However, some occupiers tend to use the electricity shortage as an excuse when other heating media would be satisfactory. Particular attention during the year was given to the provision of soap and towels in the engineering industry. In the dairy industry it was found that few dairy factories in Taranaki fully complied with the provisions of section 62, neither hot water nor towels being provided, while employees frequently washed themselves in the tubs used for the cleaning of factory equipment in the absence of (or in some cases, in spite of) the installation of wash-basins. Remedial measures are under action. Inspectors have been careful in administering section 62 while there were shortages in the supply of towelling, but the position is now much easier. A great deal more attention could be paid by occupiers to the provision of proper washing facilities, cleanliness, and housekeeping. (6) Provision for Meals. —Inspectors have given this aspect a good deal of attention. Some factories have first-class canteen and meal-room accommodation. In one case it was noted that a staff library was a part of the dining-room facilities. (7) Canteens in Factories. —Section 69 (6) of the Factories Act provides that where the number of persons employed in a factory and requiring to have meals at the factory exceeds 100, an Inspector may issue a requisition on the occupier requiring him to maintain a canteen at which employees may purchase meals. This does not mean that all factories of that size are required by law to provide a canteen —the initiative is with the Inspector, and he will serve a requisition only if workers are not being satisfactorily provided for either by the employer, or by nearby facilities such as restaurants. A full survey is in progress of all factories in New Zealand employing more than 100 persons to ascertain what meal facilities are provided, and whether canteens, which were essential in wartime overtime conditions, are still found to be necessary. The survey is not yet complete, but preliminary reports indicate that many large factories have made excellent provision for the serving of meals to employees. During the year the Health (Eatinghouse) Regulations 1948 were gazetted. These are administered generally by the Department of Health, but Factory Inspectors have been instructed to apply the standards contained in Parts 111 and IV to factory canteens. (8) Rest-rooms, Cloak-rooms, Change-rooms. —More improvements of this nature have been possible during the year. Sometimes it is impossible to provide adequate separate facilities in existing small factories, and compromise arrangements by dividing part of

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