Final answer:
Investigators of an industrial accident, such as a worker's amputation on a table saw, would explore factors like safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and worker training. They would also review working conditions that could contribute to accidents. Employers in industrial workplaces could mitigate hazards by implementing safety measures, proper ventilation, and protective equipment to prevent accidents and exposure to harmful substances like phosphorus.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a worker suffers an amputation on a table saw, the investigator might ask a series of questions to understand the circumstances of the accident. The questions could cover a range of topics including safety procedures, equipment maintenance, worker training, and the presence of safety equipment. For example, investigators would inquire whether the saw was equipped with appropriate safety features such as guards or emergency shutoffs, whether those features were functioning properly, and if the worker was trained to use the saw safely. The investigator might also ask about the working conditions, such as the lighting, cleanliness, and organization of the work area, which can all contribute to safety hazards.
Sewing machines in industrial workplaces likely exposed workers to phosphorus through machinery lubricants or when machining metal parts that could contain the element. Employers could have provided safer working conditions by ensuring proper ventilation, providing personal protective equipment, and replacing dangerous chemicals with safer alternatives. Employers might not have provided safer working conditions due to the cost of implementing safety measures, lack of awareness about the hazards, or prioritizing production over safety.
In the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory disaster, potential problems included locked exits, cluttered workspaces, inadequate fire escapes, and lack of fire alarms or sprinklers. These factors contributed to the high death toll when a fire broke out and workers were unable to escape.
The pace and long hours of mechanized labor did indeed take a toll on workers' health and safety. The use of toxic chemicals, inadequate safety protocols, and the absence of regulatory oversight were often to blame for work-related injuries and illnesses. Employers in industrial settings could take action by offering proper training, ensuring machine safety features are in place and functioning, and adhering to occupational safety regulations.