Wax plant staff

Hydraulic filter press, Pumpherston. See full record; LVSAV2019.041

A dipper worked in the wax extraction department at the oil refinery. Many paraffin process workers suffered from skin disorders as a result of working in clothes saturated with oils and waxes. Upper arms and ankles inevitably became heavily soiled, resulting in skin infections, growths and cancers. Scrotal and facial cancers were also reported, often with fatal consequences. In 1958, an Agreement Between the Scottish Shale Oil Companies and the National Union of Shale Miners & Oil Workers records that a dipper earned between 29s 0d and 30s 1d per shift. Day workers worked an average of 44 hours per week (5 days one week and 5.5 days the next week). Three shift or double shift workers worked a 6 day week of 48 hours. Additional Resources oral history transcript: Mr Neil McGinty