NRS-14616 | Minutes of the Workmen's Compensation (Silicosis) Committee No.2

Committee No.2 was constituted under the Workmen's Compensation (Silicosis) Scheme No.2 of 1938. The work of the Committee covered testing of the atmospheric dust content in the specified industries, in order to determine the amount of levy payable by the employer (in accordance with Clause 23 of the Scheme), and the validity of compensation claims from employees. In addition, Clause 2(3) of the Scheme provided for the exemption of an employer from the Scheme if he could satisfy the Committee that the amount of free silica dust in the air arising from the material used in the industry was insufficient to constitute a hazard to the health of employees. Consequently, several employers applied to the Committee for a dust count to be made of the atmosphere surrounding their plant. Accordingly, the Committee purchased a dust counter, and a considerable amount of the business, as reflected in the minutes, was concerned with atmospheric testing, and the determination of the validity of applications for exemption. The minutes contain records of inspections of industries and processes, together with recommendations and comments made by the Committee in addition to decisions regarding exemption or reduction in the rate of levy.