Question

Girls worked as spinners watching the spools form breaks in the thread. A spinner tended six or eight “sides,” As the long rows of spindles were called. She had to be on her feet nearly all the time, working eleven to twelve hours a day, six days a week. Hine described one spinner as “an emaciated little elf 50 inches high and weighing perhaps 48 pounds who works from 6 at night til 6 in the morning and who is so tiny that she had to climb up on the spinning frame to reach the top row of spindles.

Boys began working as doffers when they were seven or younger. It was their job to remove the whirling bobbins when they were filled with threads and replace them with empty ones. Many of the youngsters worked barefoot because it was easier to climb on the equipment. Hine reported, “A twelve-year-old doffer boy fell into a spinning machine and the unprotected gearing tore out two of his fingers. We don’t have any accidents in this mill, the overseer told me. Once in a while a finger is mashed or a foot, but it doesn’t amount to anything.”

Investigative Report for Textile Workers (5 Point)

1: Is the work area safe? What dangers do you see?

2: Would you recommend that workers wear protective clothing? What would you recommend?

3: Would you recommend any changes to the work environment to make it safe? What changes do you think need to be made?

4: What age recommendations would you give for this job? What is an appropriate age to be doing this work?

5: What injuries or harm can this job cause the children?

6: Would you recommend that children in the photograph be allowed to continue working at this job? Why or why not?

Answer 1

1: The work area described in the text is not safe. There are several dangers present, including the risk of accidents and injuries due to the nature of the machinery.

2: Yes, it is recommended that workers, especially the children, wear protective clothing to minimize the risks associated with their work.

3: Significant changes need to be made in the work environment to ensure the safety of the workers.

4: Given the hazardous nature of the job described in the text, it is not appropriate for young children to be engaged in such work.

5: The job described in the text can cause various injuries and harm to the children involved.

6: It is not recommended that children in the photograph be allowed to continue working at this job.

Step-by-step explanation:

1: The work area is unsafe due to the risks of accidents and injuries associated with the machinery. Instances of workers falling into spinning machines or getting injured by unprotected gears indicate a lack of safety measures.

2: Protective clothing, such as sturdy footwear, gloves, and appropriate clothing, should be worn to minimize risks and provide some level of protection to the workers, especially children.

3: The work environment needs significant changes to ensure worker safety, such as implementing safety guards, safety mechanisms, regular maintenance, and enforcing safety regulations.

4: Due to the hazardous nature of the job, it is not appropriate for young children to be involved. Factors like their physical and cognitive development, maturity, and the availability of educational opportunities should be considered to determine an appropriate age for such work.

5: The job can cause injuries like falls, entanglement with machinery, crushing or severing of body parts, respiratory problems, and long-term health issues due to demanding work hours and physical strain.

6: Considering the hazards and risks associated with the job, it is not recommended for children in the photograph to continue working. Their safety, well-being, and opportunities for education and growth should be prioritized over their involvement in such hazardous work.

Answer 2

1. No, the work area is not safe. There are many dangers present, including:

• Unprotected machinery that can cause serious injuries, such as amputations.
• Long hours of work that can lead to fatigue and accidents.
• Exposure to harmful chemicals and dust that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
• Poor working conditions, such as cramped spaces and inadequate ventilation, that can contribute to fatigue, heat stress, and other health problems.

2. Yes, I would recommend that workers wear protective clothing, such as:

• Hard hats to protect the head from injury.
• Safety glasses to protect the eyes from flying objects.
• Gloves to protect the hands from cuts and burns.
• Long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect the skin from chemicals and dust.

3. I would recommend the following changes to the work environment to make it safer:

• Install guards on all machinery to prevent accidents.
• Reduce the number of hours that workers are required to work.
• Provide better ventilation to reduce heat stress and other health problems.
• Provide better working conditions, such as more space and better lighting.

4. I would recommend that the minimum age for this job be 18 years old. Children under the age of 18 are not physically or emotionally mature enough to handle the demands of this type of work. They are also more likely to be injured or suffer from health problems as a result of the work.

5. The following injuries or harm can be caused to children by this job:

• Amputations
• Burns.
• Respiratory problems.
• Other health problems.

6. No, I would not recommend that children in the photograph be allowed to continue working at this job. The work is too dangerous and the children are too young to handle the demands of the job. They are also more likely to be injured or suffer from health problems as a result of the work.