HC Deb 15 November 1949 vol 469 cc197-8W
87. Mr. M. MacPherson

asked the Minister of Labour, in view of the high accident rate in the iron-founding industry, as noted by the Chief Inspector of Factories in his Annual Report, what steps are being taken to bring this rate down.

Mr. Isaacs

The steps taken by my Department to try and reduce the number of accidents include the promotion of safety education so as to obtain the co-operation of the workers in various matters, such as the maintenance of a high standard of tidiness and good order in the foundry. Among other things, the wearing of special safety boots and leg protection against the risk of burns from molten metal is recommended. The Joint Standing Committee on Conditions in Iron Foundries recently agreed that accident prevention should be included among the matters which they will keep under constant review.

I am advised that most of the accidents in iron foundries either relate to persons falling or arise in connection with the handling of goods or from splashes of molten metal.