H—ls

A wide variety of industrial accidents, how they happen, and how to prevent them is described in quarterly pamphlets published by the United Kingdom Ministry of Labour and National Service. The publication of these useful pamphlets, suspended during the war, has been resumed, and they are now being regularly supplied to the Inspectors of Machinery in New Zealand. In the following table is given an analysis of the fatal and non-fatal machinery accidents which occurred during the year, indicating the principal machines and industries :

Machine and Industry Analysis of Accidents, 1949-50

The opportunity has been taken during the year to thoroughly revise, consolidate, and bring up to date the departmental rules governing the design, construction, maintaining, and testing and operation of power lifts. The current lift practice of the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States has been closely studied, and there have been consultations between the Department and New Zealand lift manufacturers and others concerned. The revised rules apply to every new lift built or constructed and to every existing lift materially altered after the 31st December, 1949. It is believed that the revised rules provide a lift code which will ensure a high standard of safety in all future new lifts. After careful consideration and tests and a personal investigation made by the Chief Inspector when in the United Kingdom the Department has approved the application of multi-vee belt drives for lift machines. Properly designed multi-vee belt drives have been proved to be reliable, safe, and silent in operation. Careful attention is given by the inspecting staff to the improvements of the standards of safety of many old lifts, and there are frequent consultations with owners seeking such improvements in safeguards as are practicable. The Department acknowledges the co-operation given in maintaining lift safety by the electrical supply authorities, city and borough authorities, architects, engineers, and lift manufacturing and maintenance firms. The very large majority of lifts are electrically driven and are affected by any interruption of the power supply. In the event of power failure there may be a stoppage of a car between floors, and passengers cannot be released from the car until aid is

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Industries. Totals. Description of Accidents. 1 a o i§ S3 ff 1. al |1 i>. 2 o jj. S 3 1 -a S3 3-S "3 ' 1* 8 t •S 1 1 u d 1 a W X o 1 "<3 o isH rt & a Hi w o pq o H m fc Circular saws 14 14 14 Planers 1 1 1 Shapers 1 4 5 5 Power press . . Guillotines 9 6 2 in 10 1 1 o 91 Laundry machinery Cranes and hoists 1 5 2 6 •> 1 6 Lifts 1 Belting 1 1 1 Shafting 2 3 5 1 4 Gearing Mincers and other cutting 1 2 1 2 1 7 1 ' machines 1 2 7 Others 7 io 2 1 4 2 9 1 21 57 1 56 Total accidents 27 10 4 5 16 2 2 10 1 35 111 4 107