FEMALES IN FACTORIES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 8241, 9 September 1905, Page 6

FEMALES IN FACTORIES.

As the result of the recent accident in a Dunedin factory, by which a girl had portion of her scalp and one ear torn off tin-ought her hair having become entangled in the moving machinery, the Secretary of the Department of Labour has issued a circular to occupiers of factories where machinery is used. It is suggested that, with a view to the prevention of accidents of this natuie, a regulation should be framed directing all girls and women who work in or have access to any part of the buildings where machinery is in motion, to have the hair so arranged — 1.c., neither flowing loose nor hanging in plaits—as to prevent its coming into contact with the machinery. The circular proceeds : " Even the wearing of loose dresses of light texture, which ore liable to be swept by draughts within reach of shafts, gearing, etc., is to be depreciated. Such a regulation, if issued and enforced, would be of great service. To legislate on such a matter would perhaps be regarded as too ponderous, but, while no interference with costume or coiffure worn outside a factory is suggested, the adoption of such reasonable precautions for the safety of workers would relieve employers from some responsibility and anxiety in the future."