Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-12-01
INSPECTION OF FACTORIES.

H0COmmen0AttOnS MAU0 Dy AnsPeCLOr
 Simmons in His Annual Report.
 In his annual report, just published, Factory Inspector William s. Simmons says:
 "The general character of the work done during the year has been the same as in previous years. The number of factories visited and inspected was 414. The whole number of persons employed in these factories was 51 ,996. No changes were ordered in 221 of the establish ments which were inspected. All of them were in good condition In 193 factories it was found that there were many changes needed. The whole number of orders given was 4S2. Of these $50 were for better protection from dangerous machinery, 27 were for improving the sanitary condition, GA were for securing safety in the use of elevators, and 41 were for miscellaneous purposes.
 "Many fatal accidents have occurred during the year. Six persons lost their lives through explosions. Probably no blame can be placed upon any one for loss of life in these six cases; but think that it would be we'll in such dangerous occupations as the manu- l facture of powder and fireworks, if the law should require that the dangerous portion of the work be isolated and so ! far removed from that part of the work which is not dangerous that workmen will not be unnecessarily exposed. "From the best information which have been able to obtain. more than twenty persons were killed in the facto- ries of this state during the year. am l indebted to the newspapers for much of the information which I have as to these cases.
 "A good many persons have received serious injuries; but it is impossible to give the number of cases or the extent ! of the injuries suffered. While reports are required by law it will be possible to give the facts in detail, as is done in other states.
 Several of the accidents of recent date were caused by projecting set screws, whose presence upon shafting should never be permitted unless they are securely guarded. During the last ! three years I have given several hun dred orders for guarding set-screws. "Other bad accidents were caused by the bursting of emery wheels. It has been found in some instances that these | wheels were being run at higher rate of speed than the makers had recom' mended. This is an extremely danger ous practice.
 "The number of elevators inspected \ during the year was SOS. Many or these have single cables, and all such need to be managed with much care. Accidents ! often occur upon this kind of elevators There has been some improvement dur ing the year in the matter of placing guards around the opening or wells
 but there has been very little change as to devices for holding the cab or car 1T case of accident to the cable. The practice of employing young help con | tinues, and is likely to do so until pre-
 vented by law.
 ''There has not been much improve
 ments as to fire escapes during the year
 and many factories are without suffi
 cient ways of egress in case of fire O panic. Attention has been called to thi
 matter in previous reports, and thu
 recommendations made are hereby re Inewed.
 "A good many factories are poorly
 ventilated. Increased attention is bein! given to the subject, however, and ther
 has been a gradual improvement during
 the year. The subject is not we'll under stood either by builders or building owners.
 "I am firmly of the opinion that tn
 plans for all new factory building
 should be submitted to the inspector o
 factories for examination and approva before the work of construction is be
 gun, and that he should be given suffi cient authority to see that all unsaf
 factory buildings which are now in us
 be put in safe condition as soon as possi
 ble. It is also clear that their should b
 such legislation as to all other building that the local authorities can give tn public needed protection"