Important Events
OSHA began because, until 1970, there were no national laws for safety and health hazards. Some events that led to the OSHA law include:
Triangle Shirtwaste Factory Fire
- The 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire in New York City killed 146 of 500 employees in one of the worst work-related disasters in our country's history. Factory workers, mainly young, female immigrants working long hours for low wages, died because doors were locked and there were no fire escapes. This tragedy outraged the public, who called for safety and health reform. Frances Perkins, who later became the first Secretary of Labor, investigated the Triangle fire and tried to find ways to prevent future occurrences.
- Production for World War I caused a crisis in workplace safety and health conditions. The government created a Working Conditions Service to help states inspect plants and reduce hazards.
- In the 1930's, as part of President Roosevelt's New Deal, additional laws increased the federal government's role in job safety and health. But the federal role was mainly to provide service and information to state governments. By the late 1950's, the Federal-State partnership could no longer deal with the growing workforce and increasing hazards. Additional federal laws were enacted, but only covered certain industries.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-2. Which terrible event in 1911 killed 146 workers and resulted in public outrage and call for reforms?
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