from an Industrial correspondent "Conditions in the Drop Forging Industry 1954-1964', published by H.M.S.0. price 5/Od., makes numerous comments of direct relevance to the subject of workers' control, and particularly to the use of workers' safety delegates with direct responsibility for safety and health management. These, at any rate, are the logical conclusions to be drawn from a Report which refers to forges where "workers had to resort to patching up openings in walls with sacks and bags .... and where window frames were often left broken," "The problem of lighting required urgent attention and there was no technical reason for the exclusion of light from any forge. All should have windows in the upper structures of the walls .... but broken windows were far too often repaired without being reglazed. The industry would benefit too from new artificial lighting systems properly designed by experts and periodically maintained and cleaned." The Report reminds the industry that the Factories Act stipulates the daily removal of trade refuse from floors and benches and the cleaning of the floor each week. Altogether the impression is given of an industry with its roots in the Victorian era,and in:which the "dirty, dusty and dark conditions" are looked upon as "irremediable" features. Inspite of many new constructions, there is still a class of buildings "beyond hope", and much is needed to convert others to modern standards. Though it jibs at drawing the obvious conclusions, the Report does recommend that a person "of sufficient status" should supervise the safety and health organisation, The existing bad conditions make it quite clear that it cannot be entrusted to the management.
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