Safety at work

Front cover of the Templetonian magazine 1962

This poem has been taken from another publication and reproduced in the 'Templetonian'. In the poem there is a clear message for the workers about the hazards that exist on the factory floor. It is obvious that workers are expected to take responsibility for their own safety.

Ten Little Factory Boys Poem The Templetonian Autumn 1962.

Ten little factory boys, working in a line,

One took off the safety guard, then there were nine.

Nine little factory boys, pushing heavy weight,

One jumped aboard the trolley, then there were eight.

Eight little factory boys, thinking more of Devon,

One caught in the shafting, then there were seven.

Seven little factory boys, playing monkey tricks,

One fell down the staircase, then there were six.

Six little factory boys, practising their 'jive',

One fell in machinery, then there were five.

Five little factory boys, safety did ignore,

Didn't wear the right clothing, then there were four.

Four little factory boys, thought working just a spree,

One fell through a window, then there were three.

Three little factory boys, knew not what to do,

Didn't learn the safety drill, then there were two.

Two little factory boys, always dash and run,

One tripped under a motor van, then there was one.

One little factory boy, sitting all alone,

Just didn't concentrate, and then there was none.

From the annual for "Foreman" (1961), published by the Industrial Welfare Society.