Explore how factory laws shape safer, fairer work for millions .
This book argues that strong regulation and well-enforced rules are essential for both workers and a productive economy.
The text surveys the history and rationale of factory legislation, explaining how laws came to limit hours, protect children, and improve conditions. It also describes the role of inspectors, the balance between employer and worker interests, and the social impact of reform movements.
- How early rules evolved into modern protections for workers, especially women and children
- The purpose and power of factory inspectors and how enforcement has changed over time
- Arguments for common rules versus exemptions and the resulting economic effects
- Key sources and debates that shaped factory legislation in England and other lands
Ideal for readers of social history, labor reform, and policy history who want to understand why workplace protections exist and how they were built.