Essay On Working Conditions During The Industrial Revolution

729 Words2 Pages

Erica Siefkes Mr. Mason European Studies 28 April 2014 Working Conditions during the Industrial Revolution How would you feel if your boss cut down your work paycheck just because he wanted a better life for them self? The men, women and children that worked in factories during the 18th and 19th centuries were brutally mistreated causing poverty, injuries and pallid body types (Thompson). At the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, working was incredibly unsafe because there were absolutely no labor or safety laws. Working conditions back then were extremely different from those that are in place today. The unbearable working conditions caused a vast amount of labor laws and rights. For example, factory workers were expected to work 14-16 hour days, six days a week. The dusty, dirty, unlit mills along with few break times made working there a living hell. “Breaker boys suffered from chronic throat trouble and respiratory illnesses that were caused by inhaling coal dust. Above ground machinery, particularly coal crushers, were dangerously loud. If a breaker boy worked long hours around the coal crusher he often suffered from hearing loss (Wagner). Due to the fact that there were no safety laws in place, ear plugs and masks were not used. In fact, no safety equipment was. The dangerous machines with unprotected parts made children susceptible to injury and death. If someone were to get injured, they were immediately fired and not paid compensation for their health care. “If a boy was caught wearing gloves, the boss would beat him. A skin condition that miners termed “Red tips” was brought about by prolonged contact with sulfur from the coal. Breaker boys’ fingers often became cracked, bloody, and swollen from sorting (Wagner).... ... middle of paper ... ..., (21 and over). The Employment Rights Act of 1996 has included benefits UK’s citizens with four weeks paid yearly leave, sick pay, maternity and father leave. All employees are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks paid holiday time per year. All employers are responsible of their employee’s health and safety care. Adults are limited to 48 hours per week of work. Direct/indirect discrimination or harassment is not tolerated as well as favoritism. Age, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion, etc. are all factors. The UK is in progress for a plan of terminations. Working conditions during the industrial revolution made labor laws and rights happen. Thinking back to the 19th century in England, working conditions have improved tremendously. Unfortunately it had to start with devastating conditions of employment for people, but look at where England is today.

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