PROTECTION OF BUSH WORKERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 277, 23 November 1945, Page 6

PROTECTION OF BUSH WORKERS

BILL BEFORE THE HOUSE 1 Tho D , p ';' liame ' nl Bldgs. Nov. 21 . lhe Bush Workers Bill, which was introduced to the House of Represenahves and read the first time, proiides for the safety and protection of bush workers. The acting Minister of Labour, Mr. O Brien, said the Bill gave power 10 appoint an inspector of gear used in 'no bush and in sawmills. including rolling-stock and bridges. The Bill had been asked for for quite a time Some bush trams bridges were in a bad stale of repair, and accidents had occurred. Gear of this tvpe was not covered by the Inspection of Machincry Act.

. The Bill provides that no employe" in any hush undertaking is to allow any plant to be used unless it is soundly constructed of good material, and is free from any patent defect. I he plant must be under the general supervision of lhe employer, or other responsible person. The Bill provides for the appointment of inspectors as officers of the Public Service and they \vere given full power to make such inquiries and examinations as they may consider necessary. An inspector may give directions concerning lhe plant he considers jnieht endanger the life of any persor® He can condemn such a plant and direct that its use ts to cease or brand the plant, and in such manner as he thinks fit, cause it fo he rendered incapable of use. There

is a proviso, however, that no plant hall be rendered incapable of being used till a magistrate has made an order condemning the plant, If an employer ohiecK to condemnation of any plant, he mav. within seven da vs. apply to a magistrate to have his objection heard and Defects discovered in a plant are to bp reported by bush-workers, and firstaid equipment is to be provided aprl maintained bv the employer for u.v* in case of accident < Offences ar.punishablp n fine not nveeecling £5O.