The Evolution of Workplace Safety Laws: From Industrial Revolution to Today

The Evolution of Workplace Safety Laws: From Industrial Revolution to Today

There was once a time when the safety and well-being of employees were not a prime concern. Today, though, that is not the case, and protecting workers is a serious matter. This is why the United States has ample health and safety laws that safeguard workers and that companies must abide by.

Still, it took well over 200 years to get to the point where the country is today and the progress that workers have benefitted from. The foundation and motivation for today’s workplace safety laws are deeply rooted in tragedies and workplace accidents that happened so long ago when no such workplace legislation existed.

Understanding the Progress of Workplace Safety 

The Evolution of Workplace Safety Laws: From Industrial Revolution to TodayPrior to the Industrial Revolution in 1760, many people earned money through agriculture and by selling homemade products. Eventually, factories became king and people started to populate cities where factories and mills were plentiful to secure the job opportunities the factory system offered. Mass production became prominent but the influx of people vying for factory jobs led to substandard pay and hazardous working conditions. People employed in factories and mills often had to work very long hours in dangerous work environments where accidents lead to injuries and also many workers lost their lives in fatal incidents.

During this time, it wasn’t just adults who were eager to find employment in the factories in the cities, young children were also being employed. Small children were working extended days and in environments where heavy equipment caused the demise of many in crushing accidents and horrific incidents of decapitation. Children were also suffering from burns, blinding, disease, and poisoning.

The atrocities that children were exposed to and the harm they endured led to the Factory Act of 1802 where textile mills and factories that had at least three apprentices or at least 20 employees had to abide by certain requirements. Having ventilation, limits on working hours, providing apprentices with an education, and more were included in the regulations. The Factory Act, as it is known, is believed to have started the trend towards increased oversight and protections for workers.

A growing interest and attention in worker welfare brought a movement to reduce 12-hour work days to 10. In addition, starting in 1833, the initial few factory inspectors were appointed and their numbers steadily increased over time. Other safety regulations aimed at strengthening protections for women and children were being gradually introduced as well. 

The Employer’s Liability Act of 1880 gave workers the right to obtain compensation if they were injured at work through negligent behavior. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 provided that employers had a duty and responsibility to keep their workplaces free from dangerous and toxic conditions that could be harmful to employees. Soon, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as well as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health were established. The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 covered safeguards for all employees across all industries. As technology has advanced, the ability to manage health and safety efforts at work has become more streamlined and efficient.

Speak with an Attorney at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP

The Pennsylvania construction accident attorneys at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP can help you if you were injured on the job. Please call (215) 731-9900 to schedule a free consultation with our experienced legal team.


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