Labor Problems and Labor Legislation (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1922 edition. Excerpt: ...The point most frequently dealt with is safeguarding machinery. Mechanism for transmitting power, such as belting, shafting, and gearing, as well as the active parts of machines, like saws, planers, mangles, and emery wheels, must usually be securely guarded. If this is impos sible, it is sometimes required that notice of the danger be conspicuously posted. Loosely phrased requirements for fire escapes are found in many states, but it was not until disastrous factory fires had occurred in New York and New Jersey that scientific provisions for fire prevention and safe exits became general. Factory doors are supposed to swing out or to slide, and not to be locked during working hours. The courts have often held that failure to provide the required safeguards in itself constitutes negligence on the employer's part, and that the workman does not assume the consequent risk. Mining Every state where mining is an important industry has adopted legislation looking to the safety of the men who carry on this hazardous work underground. In many cases these mining codes are among the lengthiest, the most detailed, and the most complex of our labor laws. They usually require accurate maps showing all workings and open at all times to the mine inspectors, a sufficient number of escapement shafts, proper ventilation and supply of pure air, and periodic inspections to discover explosive or poisonous dusts or gases. Precautions against falling rock or coal must be taken by carefully timbering dangerous places. Rules are laid down for proper methods of drilling and blasting, protected hoisting cages, safety lamps, telephone connections, and sometimes a certain amount of first-aid equipment. Work of women in mines is usually prohibited. Enforcement of these...