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Working Conditions in Coal Mines
Until the late eighteenth century, working conditions for coal miners in Scotland were notoriously poor, and some people, including criminals, were forced into working in the mines.
"...many colliers , coal bearers and salters in Scotland are in a state of slavery, bound to the collieries and salt-works, where they work for life, and are sold with the mines..."
D. Bremner (1869) in "The Industries of Scotland: Their Rise, Progress and Present Condition".
Attempts were made to improve the situation and in 1775 the government passed an Act improving working conditions, though the industry still had a long way to go.
Mines will always be dangerous places to work, but the 19th century rush to meet the demand for coal meant that safety was often overlooked; there were no health and safety regulations like we have today.
Accidents were a regular occurrence, including mines collapsing, flooding, and gas explosions due to poor ventilation. In 1840, the government led an investigation into the employment of children. They discovered young children working long hours in the coal mines, under difficult conditions.
"I get up at 3am in the morning and gang to work at 4, return at 4 and 5 at night. The ladder pit in which I work is gai drippie and the air is kind of bad as lamps do not burn so bright as in guid air. Accidents frequently happen from the tugs breaking and loads falling on those behind."
1840 testimony of Jane Kerr aged 12, recorded by G. Hutton (2001) in "Scotland's Black Diamonds : Coal Mining in Scotland".
The resulting Mines Act in 1842 prevented young children and women from working in the mines. In 1850, the government appointed a Coal Mine Inspector, who kept an eye on the industry and improved working conditions.
After World War II, one of the aims of nationalising the coal industry was to improve the working conditions of the miners.
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