Full description
The Factory Welfare Board was constituted as an advisory body to the Department of Labour and Industry and Social Welfare by the Factories and Shops (Further Amendment) Act 1941 (Act No.42, 1941) which amended section 36(c) of the Factories and Shops Act 1912-1936 from 27 October 1941. The first Board was appointed on 8 June 1942 with Robert Wilson Adamson as Chairman, and members William Stewart Price as representative of employers and Edward Charles Erwin as representative of employees. (1)
The main functions of the Board were to: encourage and assist in the establishment of welfare and safety committees in the factories: to direct and supervise the activities of such committees; and to make recommendations to government regarding any special measures needed to improve the health and safety of employees particularly in the prevention of accidents, and the provision for medical and first aid attention, rest, recreation, meals, and the facilities for the washing, changing of and protection of work clothing; to collaborate with the organisations of employers and of employees who were engaged in technical research on the general welfare of employees; and to investigate the housing provided for employees. (2)
Amendments to section 36c of the Factories and Shops Act 1912 in 1943, and 1946 expanded the definition of a factory, and granted the Board power to inspect factories, or any premise where an industry was being conducted. The functions of the Board were also expanded to include making recommendations on the appointment of qualified nursing, or first aid staff. (3)
From 3 December 1956 the Board's title was changed to the Factory and Industrial Welfare Board. (4)
The Factory and Industrial Welfare Board was reconstituted under section 62 (2) of the Factories, Shops and Industries Act, 1962 (Act No.43, 1962). (5) The main functions of the Board had been expanded to include making recommendations for any industry on: the prevention or diminution of noise; the supply and use of protective clothing and protective equipment; the provision of canteen facilities; the lighting and ventilation of places of employment; and the provision of closet accommodation for employees. (6)
The Factory and Industrial Welfare Board was abolished on 4 May 1983 by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983 (Act No.20, 1983) which amended the Factories, Shops and Industries Act, 1962. (7)
Endnotes
1. Factories and Shops (Further Amendment) Act, 1941 (Act No.42, 1941); NSW Government Gazette No.136, 24 October 1941, p.3756; Ibid. No.90, 12 June 1942, p.1887.
2. Ibid. s.3 (b) Amending s.36(c) of the Principal Act.
3. Factories and Shops (Amendment) Act 1943 (Act No. 16, 1943) s. 4 (d); Factories and Shops (Amendment) Act 1946 (Act No. 17, 1946) s. 2 (h)
4. Factories and Shops (Amendment) Act, 1956 (Act No.31, 1956); NSW Government Gazette No.129, 30 November 1956, p.3503.
5. Factories, Shops and Industries Act, 1962 (Act No.43, 1962) s.62 (2); NSW Government Gazette No.1, 4 January 1963, p.2 (commenced 7 January 1963).
6. Ibid. S 63 (1) – (3)
7. Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983 (Act No.20, 1983); NSW Government Gazette No.67, 4 May 1983, p.2003.
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