Women and boys under the age of 10
The 1842 Coal Mines Act forbade the underground employment of women and girls in coal mines in Britain. This was in response to growing concerns about the harsh working conditions and exploitation experienced by women and children in the mines.
forbade the employment of women and boys under 10 years of age in the mines
forbade the employment of women and boys under 10 years of age in the mines
The Act prohibited all underground work for women and girls, and for boys under 10
The Mines Act of 1842 passed a law in Great Britain which made it illegal for women to work underground in mines. The most interesting reasoning behind this was that the hot conditions under the mines would cause women to work shirtless, as men often did. This was, at the time, seen as extremely socially unacceptable.
The Mines Act of 1842 was significant as it marked a pivotal step in improving working conditions for miners in the UK. It prohibited the employment of women and boys under ten in underground mines, addressing concerns about their safety and exploitation. This legislation was part of a broader movement for labor reform during the Industrial Revolution, highlighting growing awareness of workers' rights and the need for regulation in hazardous industries. Ultimately, it laid the groundwork for future labor protections and reforms.
The Mines Act of 1842 forbid employing children under age 10, and for all women, to work in mines. It should be noted that England mines today and in 1842 have extensive coal mines.
1842
The Ashley Mines Commission was an parliamentary commission that interviewed mine employers and workers from 1841-1842, focusing on physical conditions and sexual behavior of the workers. The inquiries resulted in the Mines Act of 1842, which sought to reduce immoral behavior and sexual bullying by prohibiting underground work for all women (and for boys younger than ten).
Working In Mines
The law passed in 1842 that made it illegal for young children to work was the Mines Act. This legislation prohibited the employment of boys under the age of ten and girls of any age in underground coal mines in the United Kingdom. The act aimed to improve working conditions and address the exploitation of child labor during the Industrial Revolution. It marked a significant step towards the regulation of labor practices and the protection of children's rights.
1842