hosiery knitters, lace-makers, jute and wood-workers. According to Hoffman, the mortality-rate from consumption varies according to each group. Thus the mortality-rate in metallic trades is 37.4 per cent.; that from organic dust is 23.7 per cent. ; from mineral dust, 28.6 per cent.; from vegetable dust, 27.4 per cent.; from animal and mixed dust, 32.2 per cent. ; in all dusty trades, 28 per cent.
Industrial Poisons. — Many poisons are either produced or found in industries and industrial processes. The list of industrial poisons published by the Bureau of Labor includes over fifty, among which lead, arsenic, mercury, phosphorus, and chromium undoubtely cause the greatest injury. Lead is used in many trades and often causes poisoning among workers. The effects of lead poisoning are the following: Constipation, abdominal cramps, or lead colic, anemia, blue line on the gums, pain in the joints, temporary blindness, 'wrist-drop,' loss of motive power in hands and feet, progressive muscular paralysis, multiple neuritis, leading sometimes to convulsions and insanity. The workers most frequently affected are those who work in the lead factories and smelting works, printers, type-founders, lithographers, potters, enamel-makers, plumbers, painters, glass-, gold-, silver-, and patent leather-workers.
<Callout type="warning" title="Lead Poisoning Risks">Lead enters the system chiefly through the digestive tract, but also through the lungs and skin. Workers in lead-related industries are at high risk.</Callout>
Arsenic. — This poison is extensively used in arts and trades. Arsenic affects the skin, the digestive tract, and the respiratory and nervous systems. The effects of arsenic are skin eruptions, catarrhal inflammations, colic, indigestion, nerve disturbance, progressive muscular atrophy, etc.
Mercury. — Mercury is used in many trades and may injuriously affect the workers. They come in contact with it in quicksilver, gold, and silver mines, in the manufacture of barometers, thermometers, electric meters, in the manufacture of drugs, in the felt and fur industries, in the manufacture of artificial flowers, in powder works, in photography, and in various chemical works. Mercury is introduced into the system by inhalation of the fumes, by ingestion of the salts, and by absorption through the skin. The effect of mercurial poisoning is manifested in stomatitis, gastric disturbances, a metallic taste in the mouth, ulceration of the gums, nerve paralysis, loss of memory, and other nervous disturbances.
<Callout type="important" title="Mercury Exposure">Workers handling mercury should wear protective gear to avoid inhalation or skin contact.</Callout>
Phosphorus. — The danger of phosphorus poisoning is limited almost entirely to workers in match factories. Its effects are manifested in gastric disturbances and in caries of the teeth, and necroses of the bone of the jaw. Under the present federal law the manufacture of poisonous phosphorus matches is to be eliminated entirely.
Other Poisons. — There are several other poisons which injuriously affect the workers. Among these the most important are chromium, zinc, aniline, and others, which are employed principally in the chemical trades.
Gases, Fumes, and Vapors. — There are also many industries in the processes of which dangerous gases, fumes, and vapors are produced. Some of the principal gases and substances from which injuries fumes arise, are: Sulphuric acid, sulphuretted hydrogen, and other sulphur compounds; carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbon bisulphide, and other carbon compounds; nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, ammonia, chlorine, bromine, etc. The dangers from gases and fumes depend on the toxicity of the substances, the irritating nature of the fumes, their corrosive action upon skin and mucous membranes, the danger from burns, scalds, and explosions, and finally upon the excessive temperatures of the phases in which these gases are generated.
<Callout type="risk" title="Gas Exposure Risks">Inhaling toxic gases like carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulfide can be fatal within a short time after exposure.</Callout>
Industrial Betterment. In order to prevent the injurious influences of prevailing industrial conditions and to promote the health of the workers many of the industrial evils which have been enumerated must be abolished by means of proper legislation for the protection of workers, strict enforcement of the law, and the spread of education among both employers and workers.
<Callout type="tip" title="Legislation and Education">Proper laws and worker education are crucial in preventing industrial hazards.</Callout>
Age. — No child under sixteen is physically ripe for continuous muscular exercise, and no child under that age should be permitted to be at work in gainful occupation.
Sex. — There should be legislative restriction (1) of the kind of work women may do, (2) of their hours of work, (3) of their work during certain periods. Women's work in many forms of labor, especially when there are abundant dusts, specific poisons, and extra hazardous machinery, should be either entirely prohibited or greatly restricted.
Home Work. Home work is at present greatly restricted in many States. The aim should be to abolish it entirely, as the home should not be converted into a workshop.
Selection of Trade. With a proper system of primary and industrial education and vocational guidance, the selection of a proper trade in conformity with the physical condition of the worker would be greatly facilitated. A rigid preliminary physical examination by competent medical examiners would prevent the entrance of the physically unfit or of weaklings into a trade which requires robustness, great physical power, and endurance.
Education. — The education of workers in matters of personal hygiene, in the protection of their own health and lives, and in the avoidance of the injurious influences of industry would be a great gain and would prevent many industrial diseases and resultant evils.
The Work Place. The sanitation of the work place is of the utmost importance to the worker and should be under the supervision of State authorities, who should require a license for the establishment of factories and workshops. The licenses should be conditioned upon the proper construction, size, plan, and arrangement of the buildings. The walls, floors, ceilings, and all other surfaces in factories should be smooth, without crevices, nooks, corners, moldings, etc., and should be finished with some non-absorbent, light-colored material.
Special care should be given to fire protection and the avoidance of charring from fires and panics. The height of the buildings in which factories are located should be limited, and the number of occupants on each floor should be limited also. The construction of all buildings where a large number of workers are congregated should be absolutely fireproof, with an installation of all modern fireproof devices, such as automatic fire sprinklers, extinguishers, etc.
There should be ample means of exit, which should be enclosed in fireproof partitions, and there should be on every floor a zone of safety to which the workers may escape to remain there for a certain period during fire or panic. Frequent fire drills are also necessary in order to insure discipline among the workers and to prevent panics.
The provision for proper light and illumination of factories should be in the hands of capable illuminating engineers, and the intensity of light for a given place should be properly calculated according to the various exigencies of each trade. Artificial illumination should be controlled so as to avoid the glare which is likely to injure the eyes of the workers or to cause undue eye-strain.
Special provisions for insuring the purity of the air in shops should be taken by compulsory provision of artificial illumination and ventilation in all factories where a large number of persons are at work. The greatest care should be taken in providing ample washing facilities, a pure water supply, a sufficient number of dressing rooms, and properly cleaned and well-flushed toilet accommodations.
<Callout type="important" title="Ventilation and Lighting">Proper ventilation and lighting are essential to prevent industrial diseases.</Callout>
Prevention of Specific Occupational Dangers. — To prevent industrial infection from hair, hides, clothing, etc., all suspected material must be thoroughly disinfected and fumigated, and the employees must be taught to take proper precautions in handling such products by explaining to them the modes of infection.
<Callout type="tip" title="Proper Handling Techniques">Employees should be trained on safe handling practices to prevent industrial infections.</Callout>
Prevention of Dust. — The evil effects of dust in industry may be prevented by the following measures: 1. Separation of the dusty processes from the less dust-producing processes and the isolation of these dusty processes in specially constructed rooms. 2. The instant and continuous removal of all dust created at the place of production, by special vacuum hoods and tubes covering every dust-producing process, all dust being exhausted by fans operated by one central motor. 3. Substitution of machinery for handwork in all processes where the workers are exposed to dust and where mechanical means, which will cover the dusty process and prevent the dust from coming in contact with the workers, cannot be devised. 4. Substitution of the wet method for dry production, that is, all materials producing dust, should be well moistened during the process of manufacture. 5. By isolating the worker from the dusty process. This may be accomplished by separating the worker from the dust-producing process by a glass or other partition or screen, and by inducing each worker to wear properly adjusted respirators in order to prevent the entrance of the dust into the nostrils and mouth.
<Callout type="risk" title="Dust Exposure Risks">Exposure to dust can lead to serious respiratory issues.</Callout>
Prevention of Poisons, Gases, and Fumes. — The prevention of the effects of industrial poisons, gases, and fumes does not differ in principle from the prevention of injury from dust. There are a number of poisons for which non-toxic substances may easily be substituted. This has been done already in a number of cases. Yellow phosphorus, now prohibited in manufacture, has been replaced by red phosphorus; nitrate of silver has been substituted largely for mercury in the manufacture of mirrors; and in pottery production a leadless glaze is now being introduced.
The removal of gases and fumes may easily be accomplished by means of proper ventilating devices. Prevention of Accidents. — The prevention of accidents due to machinery and other causes is a most important part of industrial hygiene. Motors, engines, and flywheels should be fenced in and provided with proper guards and rails. Wheels, shafts, drums, belts, gearings, etc., should be enclosed and protected by special devices. There should be in every establishment a rigid inspection by the foreman and by experts in the proper safeguarding of machinery.
Factory Inspection. — Factory inspection is already a recognized State institution, and has done much toward the amelioration of the conditions of labor. In order to increase its benefits, part of the control should be in the hands of capable industrial physicians. Medical inspection is an important feature of modern industrial hygiene. Medical factory inspection embraces the following features: State licensing of trades and industrial establishments; preliminary physical examination of applicants for employment; periodic medical inspection and examination of workers; exclusion of all who are physically unfit or suffering from incipient disease; sanitary inspection of places, trades, and all sanitation.
Health Insurance.— Finally, the promotion of public health demands the institution of new measures for the protection of the workers, as well as the general community, by means of compulsory industrial insurance. Insurance against accidents, against sickness, against death, against unemployment, and similar insurance is already in operation in many countries, and this principle is rapidly spreading and promises to become one of the most important elements in industrial legislation and industrial welfare.
Functions and Duties of the Factory Nurse. The recognition of the importance of the human factor in modern industry has led owners of industrial establishments to improve the sanitary conditions of their factories and to take better care of their employees. A large number of factory owners have appointed physicians as sanitary supervisors of their plants and medical examiners of their workers, and advisors and consultants in the prevention of occupational and vocational diseases. The trained nurse is also playing a very important role in factory sanitation and in the field of industrial hygiene. A large number of nurses have been and are constantly being appointed in various plants to assist the physicians in their work of increasing the health and efficiency of the workers.
<Callout type="tip" title="Nurse's Role">Factory nurses play a crucial role in first aid, health care, and overall worker well-being.</Callout>
Key Takeaways
- Proper ventilation and lighting are essential to prevent industrial diseases.
- Dust exposure can lead to serious respiratory issues, so proper isolation techniques should be used.
- Industrial accidents can be prevented by safeguarding machinery with guards and regular inspections.
Practical Tips
- Implement strict safety protocols for handling toxic substances like arsenic and mercury in any industry that uses them.
- Ensure all factory workers are provided with adequate personal protective equipment, especially respirators when dealing with dust or fumes.
- Regularly conduct fire drills to ensure employees know how to evacuate safely during an emergency.
Warnings & Risks
- Lead poisoning can cause severe health issues and is a significant risk for workers in lead-related industries.
- Exposure to toxic gases like carbon monoxide can be fatal, so proper ventilation systems are crucial.
- Improper handling of industrial poisons can result in serious injuries or death.
Modern Application
While the specific techniques and equipment mentioned may have evolved since 1917, the core principles of worker safety, hygiene, and protection remain relevant. Modern industries still face similar hazards but now benefit from advanced technology, stricter regulations, and improved training methods. Understanding these historical practices can help us appreciate how far we've come in workplace safety while also identifying areas that require continued improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main types of industrial poisons mentioned in this chapter?
The chapter mentions lead, arsenic, mercury, and phosphorus as some of the most dangerous industrial poisons. These can cause severe health issues if not properly managed.
Q: How does the chapter suggest preventing dust exposure in factories?
The chapter suggests several methods to prevent dust exposure, including separating dusty processes from less dusty ones, using vacuum hoods and fans to remove dust, substituting machinery for handwork where possible, and providing respirators to workers.
Q: What role do factory nurses play in industrial hygiene according to this chapter?
Factory nurses are responsible for providing first aid, caring for the health of women workers, inspecting sanitary facilities, investigating causes of worker absences, and giving hygienic advice to families. They also assist physicians in improving the overall health and efficiency of workers.