Why were injuries more prominent in workplaces during the Industrial Revolution?

During the Industrial Revolution, numerous factors contributed to an increase in workplace injuries, with the proliferation of child labor and dangerous working conditions being among the most significant. Factories and mines often featured hazardous environments, poorly maintained machinery, and a lack of safety measures. Workers, including many children, were frequently subjected to long hours in these perilous conditions without proper training or protective equipment.

Child labor was particularly rampant during this era, as families depended on the income generated by all household members, leading to young children working in unsafe environments. The combination of vulnerable labor force demographics and the absence of regulations meant that accidents and injuries were widespread, as workers were pushed to meet demanding production quotas without adequate safety standards in place.

Consequently, the severe risks associated with the working conditions of the time directly contributed to the high incidence of injuries, making this the most accurate reason for why injuries were more prominent during the Industrial Revolution.