Firefighter Health and Safety Practice

What historical event in 1911 highlighted dangerous working conditions and led to reform?

1. Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire

2. Great Chicago Fire

3. San Francisco Earthquake

4. Boston Molasses Disaster

The correct answer is: Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire

The Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire in 1911 was a pivotal event that brought national attention to the dire working conditions in factories, particularly for women. The tragedy occurred in New York City when a fire broke out in the garment factory, ultimately claiming the lives of 146 workers, many of whom were young immigrant women. The horrific nature of the incident was exacerbated by the lack of safety measures, such as locked exit doors and insufficient fire escapes, which trapped workers inside. This catastrophic event exposed the severe neglect of worker safety and labor rights, triggering public outrage and leading to reforms in labor laws and workplace safety regulations. In the aftermath, numerous changes were enacted, including stricter fire safety codes, better training for emergency situations, and improved working conditions in factories. The fire served as a catalyst for the labor movement, emphasizing the need for organizational safety behaviors and protections for workers, which continues to resonate in discussions of occupational health and safety today.