HON. H. T. ARMSTRONG

Grey River Argus, 6 August 1937, Page 7

HON. H. T. ARMSTRONG

At Geneva SPEECH ON BUILDING REGULA riONS. [Special to “Argus.”] LONDON, uly Ist. The Hon. H. T. Armstrong (New Zealand Minister for Labour) speaking at the International Labour Conference (Geneva) on the Convention and Recommendations, prepared by the committee on Safety in Building (the adoption of which was recommended by the chairman of the Committee the British Government Advisor), said he was pleased the Convention was being so well received for there was urgent need for rules to be made. Coming from a country where similar laws had been in operation for over 30 years it might be of some interest to delegates if he gave a brief outline of the position there in the matters referred to.

“We have scaffolding laws”, said Mr. Armstrong, “that go considerably further than what is proposed in this Convention. Our legislation covers excavations, bridge-building, and buildings of ever description. We have inspectors specially trained for the work; and it is not only for the safety of the worker, but a lot of responsibility is taken off the builders; and because of that the builders are very strong supporters of the regulations.” He continued that he would read a brief outline of the position in New Zealand and afterwards would hand to the International Labour Office a copy of the New Zealand regulations. It was considered that the adoption of international safety regulations was desirable. Legislation was first adopted in New Zealand for the regulation of scafforlding in building in 1906. The Act was extended to cover excavation work in 1922. The primary object of the Act and regulations was to prevent accidents and ensure safe working conditions. The regulations were revised and brought up-to-date in 1935 and were now considered to be in advance of those of any country in the world. It was considered that the Draft Convention should contain general provisions laying down principles, definitions, inspection provisions, notification to the administrative authority of the intention to begin building, duties of persons controlling building work. Building, he said, should include any erection, structure, bridge and also any excavation connected with building, sewers, gas, water, electricity, etc. In New Zealand there were inspectors in each of the principal towns. They were specially qualified, and were required to pass an examination on the subject. Notification of the beginning of any building work, or the erection of scaffolding, or gear, or the beginning of any excavation work, had to be given to the nearest inspector. Last year 5,025 such notices had been given in New Zealand. Regular inspections were made immediately any scaffolding, or gear, was erected. During last year 12,971 inspections were made. Provision existed for the notification of accidents, and each case was thoroughly investigated. Workers, also, were advised in respect to any claim to which they might be entitled, under the Workers’ Compensation Act.

Builders and contractors, concluded Mr. Armstrong, generally appreciated the work of the inspectors, whose advise also was often sought where the work'was of a technical or hazardous nature.

In a reference to Mr. Armstrong’s remarks, the chairman of the committee said they were pleased to hear how in that progressive young country New Zealand, they had already gone far ahead of the Draft Medel Code.