Final answer:
The owner of a tenement house in 1901 was responsible for ensuring that fire escapes were safe and accessible, a regulation brought to the fore by the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, which resulted in improved fire safety laws and worker protections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The owner of a tenement house is responsible for ensuring that fire escapes are properly constructed, well-maintained, and accessible as part of their duty to provide a safe living environment. This responsibility was underscored by the tragedy of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in 1911, which claimed the lives of 146 workers due to inadequate fire escape facilities, among other safety issues. Following the fire, there was a significant public demand for better building safety regulations, resulting in improved fire safety laws and the growth of organizations like the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU), which advocated for safer workplaces.
Additionally, these events led to the adoption of regulations such as zoning ordinances and ultimately federal laws regarding worker safety during the New Deal, culminating in the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) in 1970.