Full text of Industrial Accidents to Women in New Jersey, Ohio, and Wisconsin : Women's Bureau Bulletin, No. 60

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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
BULLETIN OF THE WOMEN’S BUREAU, No. 60

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS
TO WOMEN
IN NEW JERSEY, OHIO, AND
WISCONSIN

[Public—No.

259—66th

Congress]

[H. R. 13229]
An Act To establish in the Department of Labor a bureau to be
known as the Women's Bureau.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That there shall be estab
lished in the Department of Labor a bureau to be known as the
Women's Bureau.
Sec. 2. That the said bureau shall be in charge of a director, a
woman, to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice
and consent of the Senate, who shall receive an annual compensa
tion of $5,000. It shall be the duty of said bureau to formulate
standards and policies which shall promote the welfare of wage
earning women, improve their working conditions, increase their
efficiency, and advance their opportunities for profitable employ
ment. The said bureau shall have authority to investigate and
report to the said department upon all matters pertaining to the
welfare of women in industry. The director of said bureau may
from time to time publish the results of these investigations in such
a manner and to such extent as the Secretary of Labor may prescribe.
Sec. 3. That there shall be in said bureau an assistant director,
to be appointed by the Secretary of Labor, who shall receive an
annual compensation of $3,500 and shall perform such duties as
shall be prescribed by the director and approved by the Secretary
of Labor.
Sec. 4. That there is hereby authorized to be employed by said
bureau a chief clerk and such special agents, assistants, clerks, and
other employees at such rates of compensation and in such numbers
as Congress may from time to time provide by appropriations.
Sec. 5. That the Secretary of Labor is hereby directed to furnish
sufficient quarters, office furniture, and equipment for the work of
this bureau.
Sec. 6. That this act shall take effect and be in force from and
after its passage.
Approved, June 5, 1920.

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
JAMES j. DAVIS, Secretary

WOMEN’S BUREAU
MARY ANDERSON, Dirsctor

BULLETIN OF THE WOMEN’S

BUREAU, NO. 60

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS
TO WOMEN
IN NEW JERSEY, OHIO, AND

WISCONSIN

UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON
1927

ADDITIONAL COPIES .
OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE PROCURED FROM
THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON, D. C.
AT

45 CENTS PEE COPY

CONTENTS
Page

Letter of transmittal
Part I. Introduction------------------------------------ --------------------------------------Sources of information
Methods used in study------------------------------------------------------Number of accidents studied----------------------------------------------Summary of facts
II. Legislation
Injuries according to extent of disability----------------------------Fatal cases
Permanent total disability cases----------------------------------Permanent partial disability cases_____________________
Classification according to State standards------------Classification according to common standard--------Severity of permanent disability.---------------------...
In terms of cause of accident and healing
period--------------In terms of location, extent, and degree--------In terms of estimated time lost--------------------In terms of total incapacity__________________
Temporary disability cases
41
Length of healing period of temporary disability
cases—common standard
In relation to cause of accident________________
In relation to nature and location of injury-------In relation to age
43
Inj uries included by law-----------------------------------------------------Nature of injuries recorded in the three States---------------Hernia
50
Occupational disease----- -------Occupations included by law
Act elective or compulsory
65
Occupations covered
67
Numerical exclusion provision
68
Cases of compensation to domestic servants----------Permanent disability cases__________
Temporary disability cases_______________
Summary
71
Cases of compensation to farm laborers-----------------Method of payment
73
Ratio between compensation and wage loss------------------Compensation in relation to age___________________
Payment by employers of compensation in excess of
legal rates
77
Compensation rates paid in the three States----------Medical aid
78
Medical aid given in the three States, in relation to nature
of injury
82
Medical aid and extent of disability----------------------------Use of X ray
83
Infection'
Rehabilitation
92
Federal assistance in the three States---------------------------State efforts and results
93

vn
1
2
2
3

11
20
21
21
26
28
28
30
34
39
42
42
43
46
46
54
65

68
68
70

72
73
76
78

83
84
92

CONTENTS
Page

Part III. Administration--------------------------- --------..............................................
Determination of extent of permanent disability-----------------Adjustment of claim---------------------------------------------------------Adjustment of cases involving wage loss-----------------------------Payment of penalty.............-----------------------------------------------IV. Prevention
Cause of accident--------------------------------------------------------------In relation to nature of injury-------------------------------------In relation to location of injury-----------------------------------In relation to severity-------------------------------------------------Extent of disability----------------------------------------------Elevator accidents----------------------- -----------------Conveyors--------------------- ------------------------------Degree of impairment—Lost time-------------------------In relation to typically woman-employing industries----The metal industry----------------------------------------------The clothing industry------------- _----------------------------The paper and paper-products industry----------------The textile industry---------------------------------------------The food-products industry----------------------------------Power laundries---------------------------------------------------Restaurants
Charring--------------------------------------------------------------Falls--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------Frequency rates
Severity rates
Age element-------------------- ------------------------------------------------Cost of accidents
State prevention work----------------------------- -------------------------V. Findings from interviews with permanently disabled women —
Cases illustrating injury through a hazardous condition of
employment___________________________ .---------------- ------Typical cases of lack of proper occupational instruction. _
Typical cases of guard faulty or machine out of repair. _
Typical cases of inherently hazardous machinery--------
Typical cases of minors employed on hazardous ma
chinery----------------------------- -------------------------------------Typical cases of speeding at piecework.---------------------Typical cases of other hazardous conditions of employ
ment7--------------------------------------------------------------------Cases illustrating injury in an occupation excluded from many
laws
Cases illustrating injury inflicted in a way not recognized in
many laws--------------------------------------------------------------------Cases illustrating difficulty in meeting expenses between acci
dent and receipt of compensation-------------- ;------------ ----
Cases illustrating that compensated period did not coincide
with healing period—temporary cases-----------------------------Cases illustrating that claimant experienced difficulty in re
gard to personal needs---------------------- .---------------------------Cases illustrating difficulty of adjusting compensation to wage
loss—impairment cases--------------------------------------------------Cases illustrating injury involving the central nervous system
not adequately compensated------------------------------------------Cases illustrating that payment for scheduled number of
weeks did not compensate for impairment----------------------Cases illustrating inadequacy of rehabilitative procedure..—
Typical cases of inadequate medical attention, surgical
treatment, nursing care-------------------------------------------Typical cases of no occupational training though disabled
for pre-accident job-------------------------------------------------Typical cases of difficulty in securing employment------Typical cases of ignorance of legal rights--------------------Summary of 385 interviews-----------------------------------------------Appendixes:
' A—General tables
B—Schedule forms______________________________

97
101
102
103
104
105
105
105
108
108
108
109

112
112
116
116
117
117
118
119
120
121
121
121
123
125
127
130
131
133

134
134
136
142
149
151
153
159
160
166
176
185
196
203
218
229
230
243
250
261
267
272
315

CONTENTS

LEGAL CHARTS
Chart

I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.

Fatal cases under the law_____________________
Permanent total disability cases under the law..
Permanent partial disability cases under the law
Temporary disability cases under the law_______
Injuries compensable under the law____________
Occupations covered by the law_______________
Method of payment of compensation______
Medical aid_______________________________
_
Administration____________

Page

13
21
23
41
47

66
74
79
98

TEXT TABLES
Table

1. Cause of accident, by industry__________________
2. Extent of disability according to State classification compared
to extent according to common classification, by location
(cases of permanent disability)_____________________
3. Length of healing period, by cause of accident (cases of perma
nent disability)_____________________________
4. Nature of injury and extent of disability,'by location" of’dis
ability (cases of permanent disability)________________ _
o. Degree of disability in terms of per cent of impairment of membeL by location of injury (cases of permanent disability)___
6. Extent of disability in terms of days lost, by cause of accident
(cases of permanent disability estimated)
7. Degree of disability in terms of per cent of permanent total
incapacity, by location of disability (cases of permanent
disability)_____________________________
______
8. Length of healing period", by cause of accident "(cases’of"tem
porary disability)____________________________
9. Degree of disability in terms of per cent of permanent total
incapacity in permanent disability cases and of time lost in
m n temPorar.y disability eases, by nature and location of injury.
10. Compensation paid in cases of occupational disease, by nature
of disease and by State______________________
_____
11. Medical aid furnished in cases of occupational disease, by
nature of disease___________________________ _______
12. Ratio of compensation to wage loss, by degree of disability____
ii ,1s?? on y1110*1 compensation was based, by age of injured. "_
14. Medical aid furnished in cases of accident, by nature and loca
tion of injury and by State________ __
_
__
16. Nature of injury and whether or not med'ical" treatment began
with date of accident, oases complicated by infection com
pared to cases not so complicated (Ohio)__________ __ _
16. General nativity and ability to speak English and whether or
not medical treatment began with date of accident, cases
complicated by infection compared to cases not so compli
cated (Ohio) _ ______________________________________
17. Wage after accident of injured who returned to work, by"age
(Ohio) _______
18. Location of injury, by cause of accident-IIIIIIII"
19. Extent of disability,_ by cause of accident________________
20. Degree of disability in terms of per cent of impairment of mem
ber in permanent disability cases and of time lost in tempo
rary disability cases, by location of disability and cause of
accident___________________________________ __
21. Cause of accident, by age of injured

4
26
29
31
33
36
40
42
48

55
57
73
77
80
89

91
95
106
110

114
128

CONTENTS

APPENDIX TABLES
Number I. Extent of disability according to State classification, by nature
and location of injury and by State
272
II. Length of healing period, by extent of disability and cause of
accident
276
III. Length of healing period, by extent of disability and nature
and location of injury
2S0
IV. Degree of disability, according to State classification, in terms
of estimated weeks lost in permanent disability cases and
of length of healing period in temporary disability cases, by
State;
V. Length of healing period, by degree of disability and age of
injured-------------------------------------------------------------------------VI. Extent of disability, by location of injury
284
VII. Medical aid furnished in cases of accident, by extent of dis
ability and by State
286
VIII. Extent of disability in cases in which X ray may assist diag
nosis, by nature and location of injury (Ohio)____________
IX. Rate of compensation per week in relation to wage on which
compensation was based, by extent ofdisability___________
X. Ratio of compensation to wage loss, by degree of disability and
by State________________________________________
XI. Nature of injury and extent of disability in cases complicated
by infection, as compared to allcases.,.
292
XII. Nature of injury, by cause of accidents __ ________________
XIII. Frequency of accidents and extent of disability, by industry
and occupation and by StateXIV. Estimated severity of disability in terms of total days lost, by
industry and by State (cases of permanent disability)_____
XV. Length of healing period, by extent of disability and by in
dustry___________________________________________________
XVI. Compensation paid in cases of accident, by extent of disability
and by State_________________

Page

282
283

288
289
290
293
296
308
311
314

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
United States Department of Labor,
Women’s Bureau,

Washington, March 29, 1927.
I transmit herewith the report of a study of industrial acci
dents to women in New Jersey, Ohio, and Wisconsin. This report is
of very great importance because it is more comprehensive than any
other that has been made on the subject of accidents to women in
industry.
Miss Kathleen Jennison, industrial assistant, Women’s Bureauj
was in charge of this study, and the report was written by Miss
Jennison in collaboration with Miss Elisabeth Benham.
Respectfully submitted.
Mary Anderson, Director.
Hon. James J. Davis,
Secretary of Labor.
Sir:

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN IN
NEW JERSEY, OHIO, AND WISCONSIN
PART I
INTRODUCTION
The Women’s Bureau, created to promote intelligent standards for
women in industry, naturally is keenly interested in the accident and
disease hazards connected with woman-employing occupations. In
the course of inspections of working conditions in factories, canneries,
laundries, and stores the bureau has noted the existence of certain
unsafe practices in the industrial processes of some establishments
and the efficient way in which such practices are forbidden and haz
ards are prevented in other establishments. It was deemed advisable,
therefore, to study the effects of accidents to wage-earning women
and to examine, after a decade under workmen’s compensation laws,
(1) the relative importance of various factors in accident causation,
(2) the regulations passed by legislatures to relieve the victims of
industrial accidents, as far as possible, of the burdens inflicted by
wage loss and by permanent physical incapacity, and (3) the pro
cedure by which these regulations are being enforced.
The present report covers the findings of a general study of the
work accidents to women in New Jersey, Ohio, and Wisconsin from
July 1, 1919, to June 30, 1920, and a survey of legislation, adminis
tration of laws, and accident prevention in the same States. Limited
time and funds prevented the inclusion of more States in the investi
gation by the Women’s Bureau, but in each of the three States
included the industries are diversified and employ a considerable
number of women, and the accident data available are of such
nature, and so filed, as to lend themselves readily to statistical
analysis. Moreover, in each of these States the compensation law
has been in force for some time and is fairly well worked out, and a
good deal of progress has been made toward adequate treatment of
injured employees. At this point it is not out of place to call atten
tion to the effect upon American progress along these lines of the
conferences of the International Association of Industrial Accident
Boards and Commissions. The fact that administrators of work
men’s compensation laws have come together annually to exchange
their experience with various rulings accounts in no small measure
for the phenomenal way in which this branch of labor legislation has
increased in effectiveness during the comparatively short period of
its existence.

INDUSTBIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Hazard is so inherent a part of industry, as at present constituted,
that various occupations have each a predictable risk, and the cost
to the injured employee of the accidents which occur—the wage
loss, medical cost, and expense of restoration of earning capacity—•
is as logically a direct expense of production as is spoiled material
or damaged equipment. Furthermore, the supremely important
subject of accident prevention should receive unremitting attention.
Thorough study of industrial hazard and scientific analysis of causes
of accident mean much in a reduction of casualties incurred by men
and women while engaged in gainful pursuits.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION

The material studied by the Women’s Bureau was secured partly
from those records on file with the workmen’s compensation boards
or commissions in New Jersey, Ohio, and Wisconsin which relate
to the women meeting with compensable accidents from July 1, 1919,
to June 30, 1920, and partly from interviews with the women who
had been left with permanent injuries as a result of those accidents.
It seemed an opportune time for such a survey, since the census
figures for 1920 made it possible to estimate severity and frequency
rates according to industry with a fair degree of accuracy; and also
since, by interviewing the women from three to four and a half years
after the accident, it was possible to ascertain what family, com
munity, and industrial adjustment they had been able to make in
that time.
METHODS USED IN STUDY

Sections II, III, and IV of this report are given over to an analysis
of work accidents to women from the points of view of legislation,
administration, and prevention. The laws discussed in the report
are those on the statute books of the States at the time of the acci
dents recorded. No attempt has been made to deal with any
subsequent changes in these laws. In the sections dealing with
legislation, administration, and prevention, not only are State
provisions and regulations in regard to the various matters discussed,
but in conjunction with each point the State records are analyzed in
some detail in order to show by concrete examples the results of the
laws. Also, in a number of instances descriptions of cases taken from
the records are presented for illustrative purposes. Not only the
facts of a case pertaining to a particular point are given but other
facts are cited in order to permit of a fuller appreciation of each
situation.
In Section V are presented interviews with permanently disabled
women, which indicate in a general way the need for legislative and

METHODS USED IN STUDY

administrative changes and for the promotion of preventive work,
in connection with accidents to women.1
Because the States classified their disability cases according to
slightly different standards, it has been necessary to reduce the cases
to a common denominator for the purpose of satisfactory discussion
throughout the report. Consequently, the great majority of statis
tical tables included have been drawn up according to a common
standard. The few tables based on the State standards (text Table 2
and Tables I and IV in the appendix) are so designated in the title.
Injuries which originated at one part of the body and resulted in
disability of another part of the body—for example, an injury to the
eye which affected the central nervous system—may be classified
variously in different tables.
NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS STUDIED

Table 1 gives the number of compensable accidents to women
occurring in the three States during the period covered, by industry
and cause.
1 It seems advisable to restrict the number of interviews included in this report to less than one-half the
total number made by the Women’s Bureau agents, but data on the remaining interviews are on file in the
bureau and may be consulted by persons interested in a study of work accidents to women.

Table

1.—Cause of accident, by industry
A. NUMBER

Clerical, professional, etc.

Manufacturing

co
'C
co
d
d
<

All causes............................

In hands of injured worker__
In hands of fellow worker
Handling of objects..........
Heavy objects.. ______
Sharp or rough objects_ _ _ _ _
Hand trucks, wheelbarrows_ _ _
Falling objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..........
.
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

o
ft

3 3,268 2, 528

*3
o
ft
a
o
o

114

104
10

489

340

199
260
30
66
54
12

180
27

P
03
W
oC
a^
13 *
od
■D &P
d
a
P cj
§ d-S
03
ft

CO
+-»
o
d
d
o
»
®
5
ts
o
ft

97 186 160 297 279

co
d
o
o
bfl
’oJ
®
a

....
8

CO
®
X
o
ft
u
-

ft
CS
ft

_ _

15
13

-9

11
16

18 1C
35 12
1

1
—
36
1
—
9 .......

1
1

2
4

Stepping on objects__________
Striking against objects....................

22
114

12
69

686

348

293

135
200
13

d
®
H
d
P
33 jg
o
■0-3
as
ft
d
o
o

251

to
co
•2
H
d m ft
ft
Pp=
*=!
d
co T3
a co
as bo ^ '3
bo & P ® o
£
ft
-4-3
O
-W
CS
O
®
3
a
o

136

From elevations........ .
On level...... .........
Into excavations__

tfi
P

ft
CO
3
d
ft ft
d "ft bO
o. a.s
d
P
t-c
03 two
p
•r~<
ft
®
§■ p -C
d
ft ft ft
41

2—

....

9 26

1
1

6
3

®l

21
2

4
13

rt)

—
5

—
7

—

....

-4

-—

3, 3

14 6
10

15 17

—
-8
14
2 6
— 11 10
18 "i
—
-l

1
..
8 9

8
8

1
2 2 1

CO
S co
d d d
®
d O
® eft
o p
C3 "3
ft =3
ft
d
o 1
o
o
£
£

2 83 175 3

16
3 1 1

1 2 1

4
1

4 320
1 —5 -- —

1
2

£ jp
CCS X
— ®
-4-i
cc

d
p
CS
P
o
bo
03
£

5
4
10
8

—
....

___

21
44 —4—

p
1
>>
®
s d
O rf\ ft ®
® “ SP d-2
>»
&
o PJ3
°d 1=1
«1
ft
8 d-ft
p ^ s’3
®
®
•—
a
®
®
e
£3
o
o ft
o O ft O
~
—
4yd yu 55 309 39
15
15 —
——
-14
14
1

3
5

23 1
38 4

12 6

11 5
1 1

6
25 6

1
3

-6

5 17
1
4

Z36 45
—
11 2 95 14

132 28
9 3

43
-- —
—8 1 7
17
5
5 __ _ _ _
25
..
—
1
2

17 2

14 2

-—

®
d
a
Q
ft

41 14
50 3

d
o
ft
d
ft

61 5 13 112

_®
®
s-<
d
d
o
ft
bO
<1

/
77:22 55 4
1 165
= = =
=—=
5
5
4
-- —
— — —
—

2
1

®
o
£
CO
►»
c3 ®
*
®
P
P O
ft
•j®j ft
£
o
®
CG ft

93 19

—

l 69

co
-ft
o
£
a
to
L

_
—

co
®
ht
•2
1

Stepping on or striking against objects

Falls of persons........................

®
a
o

— —

7
5

___
-- —

18
—
14

27 14519 25 718 3
73
—1
—
—
16 61 4 18 612 2
1 42
9 8015 7 1 6
29
....
4 ..
2

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Cause of accident

Hand tools............... _

d
.2
*03
d“
V.
g o
CS P ®
CO ^
— .2 8
la ft
2
o
OQ
8 p
d
I
p
o o
®
w> d d ft
<
<1 ft o
®
ft
a

Trans
porta
tion

%
Explosions, electricity, and hot substances^.

117
26

Explosions_____
Electricity...........
Hot substances _

87
37

Vehicles _

1
14
....
___ -- —
— """2
4
49 —

—

Elevators-----------------------------Power-transmission apparatus..
Power-working machines-------Chemical products------------------—
Clay and glass-------------------------------Food products........................................ —
Laundry--------------- ------------------------Leather-working.................................. —
Metal-working.............. ...........................
Paper.................. -................ .....................
Printing and bookbinding---------------Rubber, celluloid, and composition.
Textile----------------- -----------------------Wood-working. ........................-.............
Miscellaneous-------------------------------Machines other than power-working...
Conveyors......... .........................................
Prime movers--------------------------------Miscellaneous causes.............
Cause not reported----------1

See. p. 6.

... ....
3 10

1
5
1

.. - .... - 1 2
1

1 3

1,516 1,472

2 44

90 111 205

11
25
77
79
1,382 1,356

1
2 42 ~~16

2
42

3
36

4
5
86

2
5
82

1
1 3 3 4 -
44 62 148 6717

5
32
96
58
63
610
109
63
36
249
59
3
2

1
13 3
81 202

4
5
''§2 ___ ___ — ... — — ...
32 __ _ ___
— — “71 — — —
— — --- a
77
~1 43
1 .... ""‘3 ::::
54
"56
II
—5
63
4 144
4 1.92
4 82
1 26, __3
609
2 36
—
1
2
2
1
3j___
109
1 1
1 1
63
—
15
36
I 2
1
73
249 — "B
1 1
2 4
2
1
59
....
....
....
....
....
24 — i __ .
2
___
___
15 —

—
1

Garden, greenhouse, orchard, and nursery laborers.

3—
....

15
1
1

... .... ...
2
1

_
—
_ __1 __
——
__ ___
2 3
__
....
2 41 129 1

1
3
27
70 28 "I 165

1 1
4
2 40 122 "i

4! 1 3 L
1 1

1
1

;

12 2

122L_ 2

9 4

3 1
4'

ij..
4.
"19 I

"" .... - - ... .... ...

1
4
II
.... “i
- "90
2
5
3 6
1 4
1
29 2
6
1 -4
17
7 I
1
155
2
1
___2 ...
36 10 -*
- - .... " -- ...

1
4 I
51 12
8 3

1 1
1
1

—

___
—

73 30 1 192

1 10

6 2

45 66 153 7217

__
93

_
1
.... ... ... 2

___

6|_2 4;l_

1 2

1
■■

17
1

i
- ....
1

2
-- ... .... ... ... -1
1
3
_ 1

NUMBER OE ACCIDENTS STUDIED

Machinery.......................................... .......................

—

Steam and electric railways---------------------Auto and other power---------- ----------------Other—........................................... -................
Poisonous and corrosive substances and occu
pational diseases....................................................

2„

* Excludes 17 cases not reporting cause of accident. See last item in table.

Table

1.—Cause of accident, by industry—Continued

B. PER CENT

All

Agri
cul
Au
dus- Total tural tomo
tries
imple biles
ments

Cause of accident

100.0 100.0

100.0 100.0 100.0

3.6
3.7
40.6 13.6
13.4
1.8
1.2
3.2 ______ 3.7
13.8 ______ 14.8
2.6
1. 2
.3
2.5
2.8
58.2
53.6
.3

20.0
3.7
40.0 54.3
40.0 51.9
1.2
______

5.9

___

Manufacturing
Cloth
Laun
Food
Print
ing (in
dry
ing
clud Elec and Iron work, Leather
Paper and
trical
kin
Metal
Paper
Rub
ing
and clean prod
goods boxes and
pub
ber
dress sup dred steel ing,
ucts
pulp lish
mak plies prod
and
ucts
ing
ing)
dyeing
100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
100.0
100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
1.2
2.1
8.1
1.9
8.1
1.1
2.9
3.7
2.2
1.0
9.8
5.5
17.6 29.9
7.0 18.1 19.2 10.4
8.0
12.2
8.3
7.5
19.5
5.9
31.9
1.2
2.1
1.8
.5
1.3
3.0
2.3
.9
2.2
.9
1.0
2.4
6.6
1.2
6.2
2.2
3.1
1.8
5.7
7.4
2.3
2.4
3.0
3.3
16.5
8.2
25.8
6.3 20.5
6.1
12.0
25.3
5.6
22.0
13.9
6.6
3.5
4 1
2.2
7.5
1.1
4.4
11.5
4.2
.9
1.0
2.2
“"iT
.0
4.7
3. 1
3.2
1.8
5.6
1.3
2.8
2.2
5.6
1.0
11.0
54. 1 42.3
51.1 56.3 37.4 73.5
51.7
61.1
71.8
77.4
41.5
72.3
33.0
49.4 37. 1
46. 2 51.3 27.3 72.4
50.6
57.4
69.5
72.0
41.5
69.3
30.8
1.0
.3
.7
1.0

Chem Clay,
icals glass,
and
and
allied stone
prod prod
ucts ucts

94.1
94. 1

Manufacturing—Continued
Cause of accident
Straw
All causes___
Hand tools................. ............................
Handling of objects...............................
Falling objects_______________ "“““3__
Stepping on or striking against" objects
Falls of persons____ _____ ___________
Explosions, electricity, and hot sub
stances.._____________ __________
Vehicles_______ _____
Poisonous and corrosive substances and
occupational diseases____________ _
Machinery
Power-working machines
Miscellaneous causes"

100.0

50.0
25.0^

Clerical, professional, etc.

Total

100. 0

100.0

2.9
9.7 ............
.6
1.1
9.7
66.7

3.0
18.9
2.4
6.3
47.9

6.7
8.9
50.0

14.5
3.6
7.3
49.1

4.9
19.7
1.3
5.5
46.9

8.3

2.2

2.8

11.0

6.7

5.5

3.0
6.9
4.3
.4

1.1
3.3
2.2

1.3

8.8 ............1.6

3.1

21.6 ..............

100.0
9.6
18.1
3.6
9.6
6.0

100.0

25.0
25.0

1.2

1.9
60.0
51.6
.3

2.4
49.4
48.2

100.0
100.0

1.7
73.7
69.7
.6

33.3
33.3

Transportation

Care
Do
Office and cus mestic
tody
and
em
Other
ployof
per
build sonal
ings service

Wagons Wood
Mis Not
Tex
and
prod cella speci
tiles
car
ucts
fied
neous
riages
100.0

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

All causes........ ................. ............ .............. .........

Hand tools...............................
3.5
Handling of objects.........
.........."
Falling objects___________ ............................................ 15.0
2.0
Stepping on or striking against objects"’ ll..............
4.2
Falls of persons_______________ ____
21.0
Explosions, electricity, and hot"substances’
3.6
Vehicles.........................................
1.1
Poisonous and corrosive substances and occupational
diseases._________________
2.8
MachineryIIIIIIIII”””!!!””’”
........
46.4
Power-working machines.."."”111”""II
42.3
Miscellaneous causes
.4

But
tons
(com
posi
tion)

100.0
21.1

100. o’ 100.0

1.9
5.5
14.5

12.8

Street
railway Tele
con phone
Total ductors
serv
and
ice
laborers
100.0

6.5
16.9
2.6

100.0

4.5

21.8

5.1
48.7

7.8
32.5

31.8

5.1
5.1

7.8
18.2

9.1
54.5

7.3
3.6

1.3
7.4
5.1

5.2
1.3

7.3

1.3

>1.8

1.8

Public
utili
ties—
gas
works

Trade

100.0

nursery
laborers
100.0

9.1
3.6
10.9
32.7

6.1

Agricul
cure—
garden,
green
house
orchard

75.0

2.4
26.1
4.2
10.9
44.2
2.4
1.8

5.5
3.0
1.8

NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS STUDIED

This table indicates where accidents were occurring and why.
A comparison of the numbers injured and the numbers employed
will be found on page 125. More than three-fourths of the accidents
occurred in the manufacturing group, and over one-half of these,
58.2 per cent, were due to machinery. The next most serious causes
were falls of persons, responsible for 13.8 per cent, and the handling
of heavy, sharp, or rough objects, which occasioned 13.4 per cent,
of the accidents in the manufacturing group. The manufacturing
industry responsible for the greatest number of accidents was textile
manufacturing. In textile mills three-fifths of the accidents were
caused by machinery and approximately one-fifth by falls of persons.
The food industry, which followed textiles in number of accidents,
had a smaller per cent (37.4) due to machinery, 20.5 per cent and
19.2 per cent, respectively, being due to falls of persons and the
handling of objects. The iron and steel industry ranked third in
number of accidents. After machinery, which caused nearly threefourths (73.5 per cent) of the accidents in this industry, the most
serious cause was the handling of objects. The metal-goods industry
was fourth in regard to number of accidents. In this group machinery
accounted for over seven-tenths of the accidents, and the handling
of objects, which ranked next, was responsible for one-eighth.
There were 87 accidents to workers in laundries and cleaning and
dyeing establishments, over one-half being caused by machinery and
one-fourth by falls of persons.
A little over 2 per cent of the accidents occurred to women in the
transportation group, almost three-tenths (28.6 per cent) of these
occurring to women employed on street railways and about seventenths (71.4 per cent) to telephone employees. The occupations
grouped as clerical, professional, etc., accounted for slightly more
than 15 per cent of the total number of injured women, and trade
accounted for 5.1 per cent. Nearly one-half of the accidents to
women in these two groups were due to falls.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

SUMMARY OF FACTS
I. Scope of survey.
1. Number of records of accidents to women included .
3, 285
(New Jersey, 1,096; Ohio, 1,545; and Wisconsin, 644.)
2. Number of personal interviews with permanently disabled
women (common standard!2___
rrr
II. Cause of accident.
Per cent of all accidents due to—
Machinery _
&& a
Falls of persons ..._____
91 n
Handling of objects. __
Other _ _ _
III. Accident frequency rate (see p. 125).
Rate (per 1,000
Industries with rates of 10 and over:
women employed)
Metal goods_____
Iron and steel.. _.
Food products
Printing and publishing................
_______ 19. 04
Electrical supplies.. _
Clay, glass, and stone products____
_______ 13. 61
Laundry work, cleaning, and dyeing
_______ 12. 75
Rubber . .
Leather products _.
IV. Accident severity rate (see p. 126).
Rate (per 1,000
Industries with rates of 0.50 and over:
hours' exposure)
Metal goods ____
Laundry work, cleaning, and dyeing
_______ 1. 81
Iron and steel.
Care and custody of buildings
_______ 1. 13
Electrical supplies___
__
Food products.
__
Printing and publishing ____
V. Extent of disability.2
Number of cases in—

Extent of disability

Fatal________________ _____
Permanent-............ ..................
Temporary.................... ..........

New Jersey

Ohio

Wisconsin

State
classi
fication

Common
stand
ard

State
classi
fication

Common
stand
ard

State
classi
fication

Common
stand
ard

8
816
778

8
332
761

6
132
1,407

6
372
1,167

89
549

99
639

VI. Nature of injury.
1. Per cent of all injuries due to—■
Cut, laceration, puncture
32. 9
Bruise, contusion, crush
27. 5
Sprain, strain
11. 7
Dislocation, fracture___________
Amputation
Burn, scald, crush and burn___________________________
2. Per cent of permanent disability cases due to—
Amputation
30. 4
Cut, laceration, puncture
23. 5
Bruise, contusion, crush
22. 3
Dislocation, fracture
lo! 2
Sprain, strain
Burn, scald, crush and burn.__________________________

10. 4
7, 7
4. 7

4. 8
3. 4*

* Because of different standards in the three States in the classification of permanent and temporary
disability cases it has been necessary for the purpose of discussion throughout the report to classify such
cases according to a common standard.

SUMMAEY OF FACTS

Per cent
68. 3

VII. Location of injury.

VIII.

Upper extremities
Lower extremities
Trank__________________________
Head
Healing period in relation to age.
Per cent of women for whom healing period was
at least 12 weeks:

15. 0

12. 5
4. 1

Al] cases

Permanent
disability cases

Under 20 years of age 3.
9
11. 6
20 and under 40 years of age 7.
7
20. 8
40 and under 60 years of age 14.
0
33. 1
60 years of age and over 24. 3
50. 0
IX. Permanent disability cases.
1. Per cent of all injuries (State classification):
Percent
New Jersey___________ __
_
_
_ _ _
29. 1
Ohio--------------------------------------------------------------------------8. 5
Wisconsin
13. 9
2. Time lost (see p. 35):
Average days
Cause—
lost per case
Falls of persons (66 cases) 1, 033. 7
Handling of objects (55 cases)
889. 7
Machinery (574 cases)
562. 1
3. Age of the women:
Percent
Under 20 years
28.
8
20 and under 40 years
52.
3
40 and under 60 years
16. 2
60 years and over___________ _________________________
2. 7
X. Three hundred and eighty-five cases interviewed.
1. Nativity:
Percent
Native-born white
78.
2
Native-born negro:____________________________________
6. 2
Foreign born
15. 6
2. Education:
Native born—
Had finished the eighth grade or had attended high
school------------------------------------------------------------------36.3
Foreign born—
Could speak English
88.
3
Could read English
58.
3
3. Dependency:
Responsible for support of others______________________
47. 8
Sole support
12. 6
Contributed definitely but not sole support________
35. 2
Note.—One hundred and twenty-eight others were in house
holds having several wage earners and may have had some financial
responsibility not reported.

4. Experience:
In accident occupation—
Less than 6 months
35.
Less than 1 month
Less than 1 week
6. 0
6. Industrial rehabilitation:
Disabled for former work
Disabled for all available work
Of the 338 who definitely returned to industry—
Returned to former employer_____________________
Soon laid off or had to quit_______________________
Never since accident had earned so much as before.
43094°—27----- 2

14. 5

40. 8
10. 4
79. 6
18. 6
28. 1

PART II
LEGISLATION
To facilitate the comparative study of the legislation dealing with
accident compensation in New Jersey, Ohio, and Wisconsin, charts
have been prepared from the laws on the injuries and occupations
included by law, compensation awarded according to nature of injury
and extent of disability, method of payment of compensation, pro
visions in regard to medical aid, and procedure of administration.
It seems advisable to approach the question of compensation from
the angle of the legal provisions dealing with the extent of disability
incurred as a result of accident. For the layman an understanding of
such expressions as “permanent total disability” and “permanent
partial disability” may be acquired from the charts on these subjects
(II to IV).
INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OF DISABILITY
FATAL CASES

That there are no significant differences among the laws in the
three States in their definition of what constitutes a compensable
fatal case is shown by the accompanying chart. When an accident
causes a fatal injury, whether death is instantaneous or whether it
follows a period of disability, the accident is a compensable one.
Compensation is paid during the disability period, medical bills and
funeral expenses up to certain amounts are allowed, and compensa
tion is paid to dependents.
The States have formulated slightly different provisions for the
protection of those who have been dependent on the deceased. In
each jurisdiction the rules seem to have emanated from a desire to
compensate dependency. However, although due care has been
taken to relieve industry of this debt if for any reason dependency
is terminated, the same care has not been taken to provide for
dependency during its continuance. In other words, the laws
carefully define persons who may be compensated as being total or
partial dependents, and the amount of compensation due is deter
mined accordingly, but in each State a time limit is set beyond which
payments cease. In New Jersey and Wisconsin this limit is about
six years and in Ohio it is eight years. In connection with the dis
cussion regarding definition of dependents it is interesting to note
that in New Jersey if a dependent is an alien and not a resident of the

INDTTSTBIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

United States he is not entitled to compensation, while in the other
two States there is a special provision against discrimination of this
kind.
In Wisconsin partial dependents receive by way of compensatipn
four times the amount of money contributed to their support during
the year preceding the accident; in New Jersey they receive over a
period of about six years a percentage of the amount so contributed
the year before the accident, the percentage depending upon the num
ber of dependents; and in Ohio they are allowed two-thirds of the
wage over a period the length of which is determined by the commis
sion, the maximum being set at eight years. In compensating total
dependents much the same plan is followed in Ohio and Wisconsin
except that in the former State the period is set at eight years and in
the latter the full wage for four years is paid during a six-year period.
In New Jersey the per cent of wage paid over the six-year period
depends upon the number of dependents. In each State payments
are made weekly.

*>
Chart

NEW JERSEY

I.—FATAL CASES UNDER THE LAW
OHIO

WISCONSIN

Death by accident arising out of, and in the course of,
employment.
First supplement, compiled statutes of New Jersey, 1911
1915, p. 1641, Sec. II, 7.

Death resulting from the injury within the period of two
years. Compensation having been continuous to the
time of death on account of injury and death resulting
from such original injury, benefits shall be allowed.
General code of Ohio, Page’s compact edition, 1920, sec.
1465-82.4.

Death resulting proximatcly from the injury.
Death occurring other than as proximate result of accident,
benefits shall be the same if the accident has caused
permanent total disability as if accident has caused
death.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-9 (3), (4)-

B. DEPENDENTS
1. PRESUMED TO BE TOTAD DEPENDENTS
Decedent’s widow and natural children under 18 years of
age who are actually part of decedent’s household at
time of death.
Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 93, par. 12 (g).

Wife or husband if living together at time of death.
Children under 16 (over 16 if mentally or physically in
capacitated from earning).
General code of Ohio, Page’s compact edition, 1920, sec.
1465-82.5.

[Note.—See also second paragraph of 2.]

Wife or husband if living with decedent at time of death.
Child or children under 18 (or over 18 if mentally or physi
cally incapacitated from earning) if living with decedent
at time of death, and if there is no surviving dependent
parent.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-10.3

2. MAY BE TOTAL OR PARTIAL DEPENDENTS
Any or all of the following who may be dependent on the
decedent at time of accident or death—husband, wife,
parents, step-parents, grandparents, children, step
children, grandchildren, child in esse, posthumous child,
illegitimate children, brothers, sisters, half brothers,
half sisters, niece, nephew.
Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 93, par. 12 (g).
Except in case of husband, wife, parents, and step-parents
only those under 18 years or over 40 years shall be in
cluded and then only for that period during which they
are under 18 or over 40, but no age limit is placed on
dependents physically or mentally deficient.
Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 93, par. 12 (g,j).

In other cases, the question of dependency in whole or in
part shall be determined in accordance with the facts in
each particular case, but no person shall be considered
dependent unless a member of the family of deceased
employee or bearing the relation of husband or widow,
lineal descendant, ancestor, or brother or sister. ‘ ‘Child’'
shall include posthumous child or child legally adopted
prior to injury.
General code of Ohio, Page’s compact edition, 1920, sec.
1465-82.5(B). '

In other cases, question of dependency shall be determined
in accordance with the facts. No person shall be con
sidered a dependent unless a member of the family of the
decedent or a divorced spouse who has not remarried,
or one who bears to him the relation of husband or
widow, or lineal descendant, or ancestor, or brother or
sister.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-10.3(c); sec. 2394-10.4.

INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OF DISABILITY

A. WHAT CONSTITUTES A FATAL CASE

Chart

NEW JERSEY

FATAL CASES UNDER THE LAW—Continued
OHIO

WISCONSIN

3. NONRESIDENT ALIEN DEPENDENTS
Unlawful—to make any discrimination against the wid
ows, children, or other dependents who shall reside in a
foreign country.
General code of Ohio, Page's compact edition, 1920, sec.
14.65-107.

No person shall be excluded as a dependent who is a non
resident alien.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2894-10.5.

C. BENEFITS
1. TO TOTAL DEPENDENTS
1 dependent, 35 per cent of wage.
2 dependents, 40 per cent of wage.
3 dependents, 45 per cent of wage.
4 dependents, 50 per cent of wage.
5 dependents, 55 per cent of wage.
6 or more dependents, 60 per cent of wage.
Maximum, $12 a week
Minimum, $6 a week.
Actual wages if less than $6.
Benefit to be paid for 300 weeks.
Acts of New Jersey. 1919, ch. 9S, par. 12 (ja-f, k).

66% per cent of average weekly wage not to exceed $15 per
week—to continue for the remainder of the period be
tween date of death and eight years after date of injury.
Maximum, $5,000.
Minimum, $2,000.
General code of Ohio, Page's compact edition, 1920, sec.
1465-82.2.
If compensation has been continuous to time of death,
amount paid for total or partial disability shall be
deducted from final award.
General code of Ohio, Page's compact edition, 1920, sec.
1465-82.4.

The death benefit shall be a sum equal to four times the
decedent’s average annual earnings but when added to
the disability indemnity paid and due at time of death
the benefit shall not exceed six times the average annual
earnings.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2894-9 (8) (a).

2. TO PARTIAL DEPENDENTS
Benefit to be such proportion of the scheduled percentage
allowed for total dependents as the amounts actually
contributed to the partial dependent by the decedent
shall constitute of his total wage; the provision as to a
$G minimum shall not apply.
Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 93, par. 12 (g).

Benefit to be 66^ per cent of average weekly wage, not to
exceed $15 a week and to continue for all or such portion
of the period of eight years after date of injury as the
commission in each case may determine.
Maximum, $5,000.
General code of Ohio, Page's compact edition, 1920,
sec. 1465-82.8.
If compensation has been continuous to time of death,
amount paid for total or partial disability shall be
deducted from final award.
General code of Ohio, Page's compact edition, 1920,
sec. I466-82.4.

Benefit not to exceed four times the amount devoted by
decedent during year immediately preceding his death,
to support of such dependents. Where by reason of
minority, sickness, or other causes during such year,
the foregoing basis is unfair or inadequate, the death
benefit shall be such sum as the commission may de
termine to be fair and just, considering death benefits
allowed in other cases.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-9 (4) (c).

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Shall not apply to alien dependents not residents of the
United States.
First supplement, compiled statutes of New Jersey,
1911-1915, p. m5, Sec. II, 12.

3. DISTRIBUTION OF BENEFIT IF MORE THAN ONE DEPENDENT
The benefits to be apportioned among the dependents by
commission as it may deem just and equitable.
General code of Ohio, Page's compact edition, 1920,
sec. 1^65-88.

If more than one total dependent, benefit to be divided
equally, and persons partially dependent, if any, to
receive no part. Partial dependents shall be compen
sated according to the relative extent of dependency.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2894-10.8 (c).

4. OTHER BENEFITS
Expenses of last sickness not to exceed $200. (See Chart
VIII of this report.)
Cost of burial not to exceed $100.
Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 93, par. 12 (i).

Medical expenses as in other cases. (See Chart VIII of
this report.)
Reasonable expenses of burial not to exceed $150.
General code of Ohio, Page's compact edition, 1920,
sec. 1465-89.

Medical expenses as in other cases. (See Chart VIH of
this report.)
Reasonable funeral expenses not to exceed $100.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2894-9 (4) (d).

INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OF DISABILITY

Distribution among dependents to be determined by
Workmen’s Compensation Bureau according to relative
dependency.
Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 98, par. 12 (h).

ZJl

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Since the object of workmen’s compensation laws is to relieve the
wage earner of the economic cost of accidents, it would seem equitable
that a percentage of the wage earned by the deceased, the exact per
cent to be determined by the extent of dependency, should be paid
during the period of such dependency; for example, to minor depend
ents until they are permitted by law to enter industry, to a wife at
least as long as there are minor dependents, and so forth.
Table I in the appendix shows that 15 fatal cases occurred in the
three States during the period studied. Descriptions of these cases
as given in the State records follow:
A woman sorter in a paper-box-board factory, 20 years old and
earning $10 a week, fell into a pulp vat and was killed instantly.
A lump sum of $425 was paid to her mother, who was partially de
pendent upon her. The funeral expenses were $100.
A janitress in a public school, age not reported, was earning $15.81
a week. While she was cleaning lockers in the gymnasium of the
school, a section of the lockers fell over on her. The scalp was
lacerated in the occipital region. The right temporal region was
contused; also the right eye tissue. The right hip and shoulder were
contused. She lived 21weeks after the accident and received
$222.55 (gratuity $10) at the rate of $10.54 a week. There were no
dependents. Medical expenses of $200 and funeral expenses of $100
were paid.
A housemaid in a private family, 24 years old and earning $15
a week, lighted the gas heater attached to the boiler in the kitchen
and was found dead beside the heater some hours afterward. Death
was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. There were no depend
ents. Funeral expenses amounted to $100.
In a plant in which aluminum goods were manufactured the
explosion of a dust collector resulted in fatal injury to five women
satin finishers. Case descriptions follow: One woman, 31 years old,
had had seven and a half years’ experience with the firm as a satin
finisher. Her wage was $23 a week. It was estimated that during
the previous year she had contributed $200 to her mother, who was
partially dependent upon her. The total compensation paid was
$850 ($50 gratuity) at the rate of $14.63 a week. Funeral expenses
were $583. A worker of 24, with seven years’ experience, was earning
$21 a week. Her mother and brother, the latter sick since the war,
were partially dependent upon her. It was determined that she had
contributed $513 the previous year to their support. Her father
was working, but his earnings were small. The total compensation
was $2,107 ($55 gratuity) which was paid at the rate of $13.65 a week.
Funeral expenses were $474.60. A 20-year-old woman, of only six
weeks’ experience, was earning $15 a week. She had no dependents.
Funeral expenses were $397.35. A woman of 19, with four years’

INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OP DISABILITY

experience, was earning 121.60 a week. It was determined that she
had contributed $540 to her family during the previous year. The
total compensation was $2,210 ($50 gratuity), paid at the rate of
$14.04 a week. Funeral expenses were $457. A woman of 21, with
four and one-half years’ experience, was earning $20 a week. There
were no dependents. Funeral expenses amounted to $468.60.
A 16-year-old girl had been scrubbing and cleaning in a hotel for a
month before the accident which was responsible for her death.
She earned $15 a week. While riding on an elevator she was caught
between the floor and the platform of the car. Her chest was crushed,
and death was instantaneous. It was determined that she had
contributed the equivalent of $212.50 to her parents in the previous
year. The treble compensation provision in the Wisconsin law,
levied when a minor of permit age is injured while working without a
permit, was held to apply in this case. The total compensation
allowed was $2,550 and it was paid at the rate of $9.75 a week.
Funeral expenses were $100.
A woman operator of a burr-making machine in a plant making
dental supplies, 33 years old and earning $25.65 a week, met with a
fatal accident. A small belt came off a pulley at about 6.30 in the
morning. The foreman was not due to report until 7. This worker
and another, girl tried to replace the belt with a pole. Finally the
worker climbed a stepladder and attempted to put the belt in position
with her hands. Static electricity of the line shaft pulled her hair
around the shaft behind her. When her hair gave way she fell to
the floor. The scalp was tom from the head from a line just under
the eyebrows and including the right ear but was left attached from
a point just behind the right ear across the base of the brain and to a
point over the left temple. There was a small depressed compound
fracture of the skull. She was taken at once to a hospital. Six
weeks later the doctor reported, “This girl has lost her entire scalp
and the bones of the skull are entirely denuded except for temporal
fossae which contain the temporal muscles. There is a small depressed
fracture over the temporal region about one-fourth of an inch in
diameter, the result of a round object being driven in, probably a
bolt. She has developed a secondary parotitis, and the deeper
structures of the neck are being burrowed into by pus, giving the
appearance of a general cellulitis of these tissues. She has lost the
sight of the left eye by infection. She has been delirious for days
and running a temperature of 100° to 104° F. Her pulse is around
110 to 130 all the time. We are giving clysis. , I believe that a skin
graft will be necessary later if she lives; also probable decompres
sion of the depressed fragment, together with some procedure as
Warbasse recommends to start granulation on the bare skull.” She
died nine weeks after the initial injury. Her mother had been

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

totally dependent upon her for six years and was allowed $5,000,
the maximum award, which was paid at the rate of $15 a week.
Medical expenses of $1,064.07 and funeral expenses of $150 were
paid. An investigation was made in this case to determine whether
the accident occurred in the course of employment. It appeared
that the injured was an employee of a secret-service agency and that
it was her duty to keep the machinery moving. The claim was
allowed.
A charwoman in a Young Women’s Christian Association cafe
teria, 57 years old and earning $10.50 a week, ran a splinter from
a broom into her hand. She thought there was no danger and kept
on working. She stated to a friend in the afternoon that she had
run a splinter into her thumb while at work. The first evening
after the accident.she went to a doctor’s office. He treated her four
days and finally sent her to a hospital in a semicomatose condition.
Streptococcic septicemia caused death the next day. There were
no dependents. Medical expenses of $16.60 and funeral expenses
of $150 were paid. Investigation was made to determine whether
an accident had occurred as stated, since there was no witness. The
employer and the doctors attending the injured agreed to the state
ment without any question.
A forewoman in the stripping department of a cigar-factory was
shot while endeavoring to protect another employee from the assaults
of a divorced husband. She was taken to a hospital, where she
died two months after the accident. Death was due to “exhaustion
following pulmonary and peritoneal tuberculosis with a lcoal septic
peritonitis, following multiple gunshot wounds in the abdomen
(small and large intestines) just below the umbilicus.” She left no
dependents. Medical expenses of $395.15 and funeral expenses of
$150 were paid. In an investigation to determine whether the
accident occurred in the course of employment it appeared that
the man who did the shooting had caused a commotion among the
employees, and the forewoman had tried to restore order. The com
mission ruled that the injury was one “arising out of, and what might
be considered as an extraordinary hazard of, her employment.”
A saleswoman in a department store, 41 years old and earning $15
a week, met with an accident when she attempted to open the door
and take some boxes from a dummy elevator which was a little
above the floor. The elevator was suddenly pulled upward, and in
trying to hold it the woman was lifted from the floor. As she at
tempted to remove merchandise, the automatic doors began to close,
and she was wrenched by the violent effort which she made. The
result was a severe strain of her back and left shoulder. Later it
developed that there was a chronic valvular heart disease, of the

INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OP DISABILITY

existence of which she was unaware, the organ being of an exception
ally large size. From clinical examination she was found to have so
little cardiac reserve that the accident was sufficient to throw her
into decompensation. The case was diagnosed as mitral stenosis
with consequent cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial degeneration.
The unusual feature of the case was that prior to the accident she
had no knowledge of any preexisting heart disease. She stopped
work four days after the accident. Her condition improved slowly
and she tried light work about nine months after the accident, but
a week later she became dizzy and showed signs of cardiac decom
pensation and was ordered to quit. She was totally disabled there
after until her death two years and nine months after the accident.
The cause of death was endocarditis, cardiac failure. Compensation
was paid to her for 148 weeks, amounting to SI,485.72. The mother
was found to be totally dependent. The commission voted that
compensation at the rate of $10 a week be paid to the mother for
eight years or as much thereof as she should live. Medical expenses
of $1,085.05 and funeral expenses of $150 were paid.
A worker, who was a marker in a laundry, was 37 years old and
received a wage of $14. There was a fire at the plant. She was in
the dressing room on the second floor at the rear when the fire was
discovered. She must have become frightened at the suddenness
of the fire and tried to make her escape through the flames. Her
body from the waist up was badly burned. She was taken to the
hospital and died the next day. Her foster father and mother were
found to be partially dependent on her, the commission ruling that
the injury arose out of employment and that the foster parents were
entitled to compensation as partial dependents although unable to
produce adoption papers. Compensation was allowed them for 89
weeks at $9.33 a week, the total amount being $832. Medical
expenses of $21.60 and funeral expenses of $150 were paid.
A 70-year-old seamstress, earning $11 a week in a hotel, caught
her foot in a step and fell headlong down a narrow unlighted stairway,
striking on the edge of a box at the bottom. She bumped her right
side, was severely bruised on the entire left side of her body and over
her liver, and was injured internally; left ribs were broken and her
back was bruised and sprained. About a year after the accident
application was made for the payment of medical bills in excess of
$200 (the amount allowed in usual cases). In this application the
doctor reported: “The present condition seems to be the effect of an
injury received in a fall last year. The liver and spleen are enlarged.
Some fluid is present in the abdomen. She has had osteopathic
treatment to relieve the soreness. She does not sleep well, is short
of breath.” About two years and three months after thfe accident
she was examined by the State medical division. The doctor re-

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

ported, “Examination of the heart shows that it is enlarged three
fingers’ breadth in all directions and fills practically one-half of the
chest cavity.” The report indicated conclusively that she was
permanently unable to work. “While the fall was in no probability
the cause of the enlarged heart, yet the present extreme condition
might nevertheless have been hastened by it * * *. If it was
severe enough to compel her to remain eight weeks in bed, it certainly
might have augmented her symptoms.” She was totally disabled
till her death three years and four months after the accident. Death
was duo to an enlarged heart, the contributory cause being a fall on
a stairway. Total disability had been allowed for 174 weeks. At
the time of her death total compensation of $1,267.27 had been paid
to her. There were no dependents. Medical expenses of $1,117.50
and funeral expenses of $150 were paid.
PERMANENT TOTAL DISABILITY CASES

Accidents causing total disability for life are of less frequent occur
rence than are accidents resulting fatally. No women were com
pensated as permanently and totally disabled in the three States
during the period studied. It is interesting, however, to note
the provisions for such cases in the laws on the chart opposite.
The enumeration of the physical loss which shall constitute perma
nent total disability is similar in each of the three States. There
is a modification in the Wisconsin law which operates to the benefit
of the injured worker, namely, that the commission is not to be limited
to those cases presenting disabilities enumerated in the law but may
decide that there is total and permanent disability in other cases if
the facts so warrant.
It is also interesting to note provisions for compensating a worker
who has previously lost a major member and who loses a second
member in an accident, so that the final condition is permanent
total disability according to the definition in each State. If such a
worker were compensated for total disability by the firm which
employed him when he received his second injury, this firm would
be obliged to pay more compensation than the accident, for which
it is responsible really demands. Such a requirement would make
it extremely difficult for a worker who had lost one major member
to find work. If the worker is compensated only for the second injury
he receives less than he is entitled to by reason of his disability. In
New Jersey, where this second system exists, compensation in any given
accident is allowed only for the specific injury resulting from that
accident. In Wisconsin and Ohio also the employer is charged only
for the segond injury, but in these States the amount sufficient to

INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OF DISABILITY

increase compensation to that allowed for permanent total disability
is paid from a special State fund.
The period for which compensation is paid for permanent total
disability varies in the three States from nearly eight years in New
Jersey to life in Ohio. In Wisconsin the period varies with age but
may not be more than 15 years nor less than 9.
Chart

II.—PERMANENT TOTAL DISABILITY CASES UNDER THE
LAW

NEW JERSEY

OHIO

WISCONSIN

A. WHAT CONSTITUTES PERMANENT TOTAL DISABILITY
Loss of both hands, or both arms,
or both feet, or both legs, or
both eyes, or any two of these
members as a result of one
accident.
Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch.
98, par. 11 (v).

The loss of both hands, or both
arms, or both feet, or both legs,
or both eyes, or any two of these
members.
General code of Ohio, Page's
compact edition, 1920, sec. 1465-81.

Total blindness of both eyes, or
loss of both arms at or near
shoulder, or both legs at or near
hip, or of one arm at shoulder
and one leg at hip. Permanent
and complete paralysis of a
member shall equal loss. This
enumeration shall not be exclu
sive, but in other cases the com
mission shall make the award
for total disability on the basis
of the facts presented.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec.
2394-9 (2) (d); (5) (c).

B. PERIOD COMPENSABLE
Period of such disability, but not
to exceed 400 weeks.
Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch.
93, par. 11 (6).

Life.
General code of Ohio, Page's
compact edition,1920, sec. 1465-81.

Life, but not to exceed the follow
ing: 15 years for all persons un
der 32; reduced by 3 months for
each succeeding age group to a
minimum of 9 years.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec.
2394-9 08) (d).

C. CAUSED BY SECOND INJURY
No provision.

Second injuries causing perma
nent total disability are com
pensated by means of a special
fund.
General code of Ohio, Page's
compact edition, 1920, sec. 1466-69.

A second injury may result in
permanent total disability as
above. In such case, the second
employer shall pay only what
is due because of the second
injury. Further compensation
making payment equal to that
for permanent total due to a
single accident to be paid from
a special State fund.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec.
2394-9 (6).

PERMANENT PARTIAL DISABILITY CASES

Classification according to State standards.

The application of the legal provisions in the three States for
classifying permanent partial disability as stated in Chart III had
an effect on the cases studied as follows: 70.7 per cent of the cases
in New Jersey were compensated on a temporary disability basis, as

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

were 85.2 per cent of those in Wisconsin and 91.1 per cent of those in
Ohio. (Appendix Table I.) In New Jersey 14.4 per cent of the cases
were compensated as loss-of-use cases; in Wisconsin the per cent for
those cases was 6.5 and in Ohig it was 1.3. A consideration of the
extent of disability according to nature of injury reveals that fractures
in Wisconsin resulted in permanent disability in 1 case in 4
in
New Jersey in 1 case in 4, and in Ohio in 1 case in 12 or 13. These
variations indicate the difficulties in the way of a comparative
analysis of the extent and degree of industrial disabilities. Differ
ences in the systems of reporting perhaps account in part for these
variations, in that in Ohio, where the employer reports directly to
the commission, which then pays the compensation, a larger propor
tion of temporary disabilities are compensated than in New Jersey,
where the employer reports to the insurance company, which investi
gates and pays the claimant and in turn reports to the commission;
also in Ohio the fact that under the law only those injuries which result
in dismemberment or in complete stiffness at a joint or in some injury
to a sense organ are compensated as permanent without further
evidence, lowers the proportion of loss-of-use cases which receive
compensation. If there is partial impairment—for example, 50 per
cent loss of use of the right hand at the wrist—the Ohio law provides
that if wage reports are submitted showing lower earning power on
account of the injury, compensation shall be paid at the rate of twothirds the loss of earning power during the time that the wage is so
affected. There were 19 cases which were compensated on a wage-loss
basis in Ohio.
Classification according to common standard.

New Jersey, Ohio, and Wisconsin have different methods of com
pensating permanent disabilities. For example, loss of the end of
thumb or finger is compensated as follows: In Ohio, loss of one-half
or more of the distal phalanx is compensated as permanent; in
Wisconsin, if the bone is involved the injury is compensated as
permanent; and in New Jersey, the loss of any portion is compensated
in the ratio of such loss to loss of the whole phalanx. Inasmuch as
the definition of permanent partial disability recommended by the
committee on statistics and compensation-insurance cost of the
International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Com
missions included the phrase “the loss of any member of the body
or part thereof" (italics by the Women’s Bureau), the loss of the end
of finger or thumb has been considered a permanent disability for
the common standard adopted here.

Chart

III.—PERMANENT PARTIAL DISABILITY CASES UNDER THE LAW

NEW JERSEY

OHIO

WISCONSIN

Loss of arm............................................................ .weeks.. 200
Loss of hand....................
do----- 150
Loss of thumb________________
-do----- 60
Loss of index finger............................
..do----- 35
Loss of middle finger....... .......................
do----- 30
Loss of ring finger______ ____ _____ —.............. do----- 20
Loss of little finger--------------------------- --------- -do----- 15
Loss of distal phalanx of thumb or any finger is equal to
loss of one-half such thumb or finger. Loss of any
portion of the thumb or any finger between distal joint
and end shall be compensated in the ratio of such loss
to loss of the whole phalanx. Loss of the distal phalanx
and any portion of the second phalanx shall be considered
as loss of the whole finger or thumb. In no case shall the
amount received for more than one finger exceed the
amount provided for one hand.
Loss of leg______________ ____ _weeks.. 175
Loss of foot----------do___ 125
Loss of great toe.................................................. ...do----- 30
Loss of any other toe................................
...do----- 10
Loss of distal phalanx of any toe shall be considered as loss
of half of such toe. Loss of the distal phalanx and any
portion of the second phalanx shall be considered as loss
of the whole toe.
Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 98, par. 11.
Amputation between the elbow and the wrist shall be
considered as the equivalent of the loss of a hand, and
amputation at the elbow shall be considered equivalent
to the loss of an arm. Amputation between the knee
and ankle shall be considered as the equivalent of the
loss of a foot, and amputation at the knee shall be con
sidered equivalent to the loss of the leg.
Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 98, par. 28 (d).
Loss of eye________ _____ _________________ weeks.. 100
Total loss of hearing in both ears by one accident
____________ ____ ____________ __________weeks.. 160

Loss of arm__________ _____ ______________ weeks.. 200
Loss of hand..______
-do----- 150
Loss of thumb___________________________ --do----- 60
Loss of index finger...............
do----- 35
Loss of middle finger....................
do----- 30
Loss of ring finger----- ------- ---------------------- —do----- 20
Loss of little fingerdo----- 15
Loss of distal phalanx of thumb shall equal loss of one-half
of thumb.
Loss of more than one-half of thumb shall equal loss of
whole thumb.
Loss of distal phalanx of a finger shall equal loss of onethird of finger.
Loss of one-half the distal phalanx of thumb or any finger
shall equal loss of the whole phalanx.
Loss of less than one-half is not compensated as perma
nent.
.
Loss of middle phalanx shall equal loss of two-thirds of
finger.
Loss of more than these two phalanges shall equal loss of
whole finger.
For loss of metacarpal bone 10 weeks is added to amount
allowed for loss of corresponding finger or thumb.
Loss of leg.................................. ................ ...........weeks.. 175
Loss of foot............................ ................... -............ do-----125
Loss of great toe..................................... .................. do----- 30
Loss of other toe___________ ________________ do----- 10
More than two-thirds loss of any toe shall equal total loss.
Loss of eye________ ______________________ weeks __ 100
For partial loss of sight of eye compensation shall be based
on percentage of vision actually lost by accident, but
no compensation shall be allowed for less than 25 per
cent of vision.
In cases in which ankylosis (total stiffness) or contractures
(due to scars of injuries) render a member more than
useless, the weeks allowed follow the schedule stated

Loss of arm at or near shoulder------------------- weeks.. 320
Loss of arm at elbow...................
do-----280
Loss of forearm at lower half--------- ---------------- do-----240
Loss of handdo-----240
Loss of palm, thumb remaining..............................do---- 140
Loss of thumb and metacarpal bone.................. do---- 86
Loss of thumb at proximal joint--------------------- do---- 70
Loss of thumb at distal joint-------------------------- do---- 30
Loss of index finger and metacarpal bone............do---- 45
Loss of index finger at proximal joint.................do----- 32
Loss of index finger at middle joint-----------------do---- 20
Loss of index finger at distal joint------------------ do----- 12
Loss of middle finger and metacarpal bone........do----- 30
Loss of middle finger at proximal joint------------ do---- 20
Loss of middle finger at middle joint.:.------------ do---- 12
Loss of middle finger at distal joint----------------do----8
Loss of ring finger and metacarpal bone........... --do---- 22
Loss of ring finger at proximal joint------- -------- do----- 12
Loss of ring finger at middle joint------- -----------do----8
Loss of ring finger at distal joint---------------------do---6
Loss of little finger and metacarpal bone--------- do---- 24
Loss of little finger at proximal joint--------------- do---- 14
Loss of little finger at middle joint........................do---- 10
Loss of little finger at distal joint. ................
do----6
Loss of four fingers of one hand, thumb and palm re
mainingweeks.. 90
Loss of leg at hip or so near as to preclude use of an
artificial limbweeks.. 300
Loss of leg at or above knee with stump sufficient for
an artificial limb________________________ weeks.. 220
Loss of foot at ankle____________
do----- 180
Loss of great toe with metatarsal bone-------------do---- 60
Loss of great toe at proximal joint-------------------do---- 25
Loss of great toe at middle joint.....................
do----- 15
Loss of second toe with metatarsal bone---------- do---- 25
Loss of second toe at proximal joint...... .............. do----- 10

INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OF DISABILITY

A. BENEFITS
The method of compensating permanent injuries in the three States is that of assigning a certain number of weeks during which compensation shall be paid, according to the extent
of the permanent disability. The schedule for the three States foDows:

fcO
OO

Chart

III.—PERMANENT PARTIAL DISABILITY CASES UNDER THE LAW—Continued

NEW JERSEY

OHIO

WISCONSIN

A. BENEFITS—Continued

above. Where a case involving partial disability is
not covered by the schedule, the only basis of compen
sation for such disability is the appraisement of the
man’s earning capacity.
General code of Ohio, Page’s compact edition, 1920, sec.
1465-80 .
That is, amputation or complete ankylosis of hand at
wrist would be compensated over a period of 150 weeks,
if the injury resulted in 50 per cent loss of strength and
motion, and if on returning to work there was a 50 per
cent impairment of wage, two-thirds of 50 per cent of his
old wage would be paid during the period of such wage
impairment. The healing period is compensated in all
cases of permanent disability.1

Loss of second toe at middle joint.................. ..weeks.. 7
Loss of second toe at distal jointdo___
5
Loss of third, fourth, or little toe with metatarsal
bone------------------------------------ ------ --------- weeks.. 20
Loss of third, fourth, or little toe at proximal...do___
8
Loss of third, fourth, or little toe at distal_____ do___ 5
Loss of all toes on one foot.......... ...............
do___ 70
Amputation of finger tip, thumb tip, or toe tip involving
bone compensated as though amputated at distal joint.
If bone is not involved, the injury is not compensated
as permanent.
Amputation between two joints except between knee and
hip is compensated according to the amount allowed at
nearest joint.
Loss of eye by enucleation or evisceration___ weeks.. 160
Total blindness, one eye...........................................do__ 140
Total deafness, both ears_________
do___ 160
Total deafness, one ear............. ..............................do___ 40
Total deafness, second ear__________
do___ 120
In cases in which permanent and complete paralysis
results from the injury, the weeks allowed follow the
schedule stated above. In compensating partial loss of
use of any member or faculty, payments cover a period
of 80 per cent of the time allowed for total loss.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-9 (5) (a, d, e).
That is, total loss of sight of one eye would be compensated
over a period of 140 weeks; if the injury resulted in 50 per
cent loss of vision, the compensated period would be
one-half of 80 per cent of 140 weeks or 56 weeks. The
extent of impairment is determined at the end of the
healing period, and compensation is paid during the
period of temporary total disability. When it is possible
to determine the extent of the permanent disability at
once, that is, in cases of amputation, etc., the healing
period is not compensated.1

«■

m
wCj
U1

H
M
b

g
g

ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Total loss of hearing in one ear_____________ weeks.. 40
Loss of natural tooth (for each tooth)_________do___
4
Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 93, par. 11.
In cases in which the usefulness of a member or any
physical function is permanently impaired, the weeks
allowed shall be in such relation to the time stated
above as the disability bears to those produced by the
injuries named above.
Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 93, par. 11 (w).
That is, complete stiffness of the hand at the wrist
would be compensated over a period of 150 weeks; if
the injury resulted in 50 per cent loss of strength and
motion the compensated period would be 75 weeks.
Note.—The extent of the impairment is determined at
the end of the healing period. The healing period is
compensated in all cases of permanent disability.1

4
B. MULTIPLE INJURIES
In ease an accident causes more than one permanent
injury to the hands or feet the allowance for each addi
tional injury in the order of severity of such injury from
minimum to maximum shall be increased as follows:
For the first additional injury allowance as specified plus
10 per cent, for the second and each additional injury
allowance as specified plus 20 per cent additional; but
compensation for more than one injury to members of
hand or foot resulting from one accident shall not exceed
compensation for amputation of hand or foot.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2894-9 (6) (em).

No provision.

C. DISFIGUREMENT
No provision.

No provision.

If an employee is so permanently disfigured about the
face, head, neck, hands, or arms as to occasion loss of
wage, the commission may allow such sum for compen
sation as it may deem just, not to exceed $760.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-9 (5) (0-

i For definition of “ healing period,” see p. 28.

INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OF DISABILITY

43094

No provision.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

To show clearly the extent to which the 3,285 women were disabled
it was necessary, first, to classify the injuries as they are grouped in
the first table in Appendix A (pp. 272-275)—that is, as they were
classified by the compensation bureau in each State to determine the
compensation due according to law—and, second, to classify them
according to the extent of physical disability incurred. The second
classification does not contradict the first; it shows the extent to which
women were disabled by accident according to a common standard.
In other words, in the interest of presenting a clear picture of the dis
abilities suffered by the 3,285 women it was deemed advisable to
classify them according to whether they merely lost time from their
work or suffered any permanent effect from their injury.
Table 2.—Extent

of disability according to State classification compared to extent
according to common classification, by location (cases of permanent disability)
New Jersey
Extent and location of disability

Classified
according
to State
law

Ohio

Wisconsin

Classified
Classified
Classified Classified
accord according
accord Classified accord
according
ing to
ing to
ing to
to State
to State
common
common
common
law
law
standard
standard
standard

All cases.............................................

315

332

132

372

Dismemberment................... ........................

146

157

107

200

One finger. _________ ______
Two fingers___________
_______
Thumb________________ _____ ___
Other dismemberment

99
25
9
13

109
25
10
iSn

74
14
3

26
4
5
7

29
4

143
27
14
16

Impairment............. ....................................

157

133

4
17
15

17
15

1
2
8
1

Hand................. ......................... . ..........
Thumb___________ ______ ______
One finger..... ..........................................
Two fingers.__________ ______ ___
Three fingers____ ____ ____________
Four fingers______ ____ _______
Thumb and four fingers....................
Leg above knee.......................................

86
6
2
2

Back___________________ ________
Genitals. ______ ________ ____
Body not otherwise classified........... .
Other impairment....................... .......
Central nervous system _____ __________
Disfigurement.................. ...............................
Bye..................................................................
Teeth............................................................. .

5
4
10
4

1
1
4

7
1

5
3

5
4

46
7

4
6
6
2

1
26

5
3

£
16

5
..................r................

1 Five cases of loss of less than 25 per cent of the total sight of an eye.

Classifying the cases according to the common standard here
described was found to present no difficulties in Wisconsin. The
6 fatal cases and the 89 cases which were compensated as perma
nent in that State have been classified in the same way according
to the common standard. Of the 549 cases compensated on a tempo
rary disability basis according to the State, 10 showed a permanent
disability not compensated as such by law. There was disfigurement

INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OP DISABILITY

in 4 cases, slight dismemberment in 5, and injury involving the
nervous system for which a money settlement was made in 1 case.
These 10 have been classified as permanent disability cases according
to the commpn standard.
In New Jersey also there was no difficulty in classifying according
to physical disability. The 3 fatal cases and the 315 cases com
pensated as permanent in that State have been classified in the same
way according to the common standard. There were 778 cases which
were compensated on a temporary disability basis, 17 of which showed
a permanent disability not compensated as such by law, there being
slight dismemberment in 11 cases and disfigurement in 6. These 17
have been classified as permanent disability cases according to the
common standard.
In Ohio the six fatal cases and the 132 cases which were com
pensated as permanent by the State have been classified in the same
way according to the common standard. The 132 permanent disa
bility cases involved dismemberment, complete ankylosis, or injury
to a sense organ. In addition, in 15 cases of loss of use the commission
found that there had been a loss of earning power due to the injuiy.
These 15 cases were classified as temporary partial according to the
State law and as permanent partial according to the common stand
ard. In four cases there was no loss of use; however, there was loss
of wage for a time, and compensation was paid for that loss. These
4 were classified as temporary partial according to the State law,
and in the same way according to the common standard. The
remaining cases, 1,388, were compensated as temporary total in
Ohio. Of these 1,388 records, 225 showed a permanent disability
not compensated as such by law, since the State had found no loss of
earning power. There was slight dismemberment in 93 cases, loss of
use in 98 cases, injury involving the nervous system in 25 cases, dis
figurement in 3 cases, and injury to the eye in 5 cases and to the
teeth in 1 case. These 225 cases have been classified as permanent
disability cases according to the common standard.
In Ohio the State paid the medical bills in 79.2 per cent of the
cases, and the doctors’ reports as to extent of disability were very
full, which made it possible to classify the cases secured from the
commission’s files according to the common standard. The classifi
cation was based on State record material.
With the exception of 11 loss-of-use cases, which did not lend
themselves to such classification, the degree of disability was coded
in the 112 cases of loss of use and 109 cases of dismemberment in
the three States, classified according to the common standard as
permanent disability cases. In cases of injury involving the nervous
system, in disfigurement cases, and in cases of injury to the eye or
teeth, no such attempt to code degree has been made.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

An attempt was made to locate all women left with a permanent
disability, whether it was compensated as such or not. Of these
permanent disability cases, 385, almost one-half of the total number
on the records, were found. For the cases interviewed, which had
been reclassified as permanent according to the common standard,
the interview schedule has been examined not as a source from which
to determine extent and degree of disability but as a check upon the
estimate determined by the study of the State record material.
It was found that in no case had there been an overestimate on the
part of the agent. A classification of extent of disability according
to the common standard reveals that 30.3 per cent of all cases in
New Jersey were permanent, 15.4 per cent of all in Wisconsin, and
24.1 per cent of all in Ohio.
It will be noted that changes in the classification of cases of dis
memberment were all cases of injury to fingers or thumb. These
injuries involved the loss of less than one-half of the distal phalanx
of such members. There were no changes in the classification of
impairment cases in either New Jersey or Wisconsin. In Ohio a
little more than six times as many such cases have been classified as
permanent according to the common standard as according to the
State law. None of the three States classified disfigurement as a
permanent injury, although the Wisconsin law provided additional
indemnity in such cases if the wage suffered thereby.
Severity of permanent disability.
In terms of cause of accident and healing period.—One measure of
the severity of an injury is the time required to recover as fully as
possible from its effects, this time being known as the healing period.
The following summary, compiled from Appendix Table II, shows
for cases of permanent disability the length of this healing period
according to the cause of accident.

INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OF DISABILITY
Table 3.

Length of healing 'period, by cause of accident (cases of permanent
disability)
A. PER CENT DISTRIBUTION BY CAUSE OP ACCIDENT
Length of healing period
4

Cause of accident

Total

All causes............................ .......

100.0

2.1
7.5
1.5
1.3
9. 8
1.1
.6

4.7
10.6

1.2
4.8
3.0

2.4
4.7
2.4
1.2

4.2

2.1
7.2
1.3
.8
4.8
.5
.8

2.1
9.1
.7
2.8
26.6
1.4
.7

12.5
4.2
4.2
45.8
12.5

74.1

2.4
84.5

Hand tools__________ __
Handling of objects. .......................
Falling objects........ .....................
Stepping on or striking against objects...........................
Falls of persons ___
Explosions, electricity, and hot substances...
Vehicles........... .......
Poisonous and corrosive substances and occupational
diseases.................................
Machinery_________
Miscellaneous causes............

1.8
74.0
.3

4 and
Under 2 and under
2 weeks 4under
12
weeks weeks

1.6
80.9

12 and
under
52
weeks

52
weeks
and
over

tit

2.8
52.4
1.4

20.8

B. PER CENT DISTRIBUTION BY LENGTH OF HEALING PERIOD
All causes...................................
Hand tools.........................................
Handling of objects.................. ...........
Falling objects _ _•______
Stepping on or striking against objects________
Falls of persons________________
Explosions, electricity, and hot substances___
Vehicles____ _______
Poisonous and corrosive substances and occupational
diseases___________ __ ...
Machinery____________________
Miscellaneous causes...... ........................

100.0

10.7

21.1

47.3

17.9

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

23.5
15.0

11.8

20.0

47.1
45.0
41.7
30.0
23.1
22.2
60.0

17.6
21.7
8.3
40.0
48.7
22.2

100.0
100.0
100.0

10.7

5.1

13.3
41.7
9.0

22.2
20.0
28.6
24.1

42.9
51.7

3. a
5.0
8.3

10.0
14.1
33.3

20.0
28.6

12.7
100.0

Almost three-fourths of the permanent disability cases were caused
by machinery, no other cause reaching 10 per cent. It is interest
ing to note that although 65 per cent of the machine accidents resulted
in a healing period of at least 4 weeks, the machine accidents show
their largest proportion as a cause in the 2-and-under-4-weeks group.
With two exceptions the other causes of accidents were responsible
for more lost time per injury. In only two groups—hand tools and
falling objects—was the per cent of accidents resulting in a healing
period of at least 4 weeks lower than that of the machine group, and
these were only slightly lower. Falls of persons were responsible for
almost 46 per cent of the cases requiring a healing period of 52 weeks
and over. This in connection with the fact that falls caused less than
10 per cent of all permanent injuries indicates that, in spite of their
relative infrequency as a cause, they are to be viewed with seriousness
when they do occur. Practically 86 per cent of the injuries due to
this cause required a healing period of at least 4 weeks, and for 62.8
per cent the healing period was at least 12 weeks. Roughly speaking,
one-tenth of the permanent disability cases required a healing period
of less than 2 weeks; one-fifth, 2 but under 4 weeks; one-half, 4 but
under 12 weeks; one-sixth, 12 weeks but less than 1 year; and onethirty-third, a year or longer.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

In terms of location, extent, and degree.—In addition to relating
time loss to cause of accident, it is interesting to consider this measure
of the seriousness of an accident in connection with the nature and
location of the injury. The largest group of injuries resulting in
permanent disabilities were in the nature of traumatic amputations;
the next largest group were cuts, lacerations, and punctures; and
the third consisted of bruises, contusions, and crushes. (Appendix
Table III.)
The healing period was less than 4 weeks in length in 43 per cent of
the amputations, in 33 per cent of the bruises, contusions, and
crushes, and in 29 per cent of the cuts, lacerations, and punctures.
Sprains and fractures were responsible for 14 per cent of the perma
nent disability cases, and they formed 36 per cent of the injuries
requiring^ weeks or more to heal. Two-thirds of the burns required
a healing period of at least 12 weeks.
Table 4 correlates with location the nature of the injury, and the
extent of the disability, in cases of permanent disability.

Table 4.—Nature of injury and extent of disability, by location of disability (cases of -permanent disability)

Nature of injury and extent of disability

Permanent partial cases—Num
ber___ ___________ _______
Per cent distribution

2
15
100.0 13.3
2 801 180
100.0 22.5

4
17
4321 104
14

1
9
56
11
8
3

3
8
48
3
3
2

21
2
8
17
19
31
13
25

1
3
4
1
4

21
2.6

1
5

1
3

6
2
1
4

1
1
1

5
1

2
13.3
27
3.4

190
23.7

10
24
108
10
3
8

I
•

1
4
6

192
23.5

1
1

i Other than dismemberment and loss of use.

248
30.4

119

1
7
35
2
1
2

_____

10
17
73
8
2
6

83
10.2

1
6.7
248
31.0

243

15
178

14
175
41
4
3
4
1

4
3
4
1

1
3
1

82
10.2
6
2
17
1
28
4
2

11
1
2

6
4
8

1
I
i

12
1
11

17
2.1

1
6.7 -T- ----

2
13.3

38
4.7

15
1.9

5
6

1
2

4
4

4
1
5
2

4
2

1
7
4
2

4
1
5

1
7
4
1

Other disability

Loss of use

Other disability
|

”3
o
EH

Loss of use

Dismemberment

a
JO

39
4.8

1
1
1

*3
c

6
2
17
1
17
3

Other

Sprain, strain

Other disability

Loss of use
|

Dismemberment

1
1
12
1
11

Other disability

243

27
3.3

1
3
4

2
4

119

'3
o

Loss of use

7
46.7

Dislocation, frac
ture

Amputation

Dismemberment

Loss of use

Dismemberment

Other disability

Loss of use

28
3.4

1
2
10

r5
o

Dism em berm ent

"3
o
EH

Con
cus
sion1

2 816 182
100.0 22.3

Other disability

All cases—Number---------

Loss of use

3
o
EH

Dism em berm ent

All
cases

Location of disability

Cut, laceration,
puncture

2
12

* Excludes 2 cases not reporting nature of injury.

INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OP DISABILITY

Burn, scald,
crush and burn

Bruise, contu
sion, crush

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

A little over one-half of the permanent injuries involved one finger.
In 24 per cent of these cases the original injury was a bruise, contusion,
or crush, which resulted ultimately in dismemberment in 56 cases and
in loss of use in 48. In 25 per cent of the cases of accident to one fin
ger the original injury was a cut, laceration, or puncture, and the
final result in 35 cases was dismemberment and in 73 loss of use.
In 41 per cent of the cases the original injury was traumatic amputa
tion, and naturally the permanent disability was dismemberment in
almost all of them; in 3 cases, however, because of a complicating
infection, the final and more serious result was loss of use of the
remaining portion of the member affected.
Although there was a preponderance of finger injuries, there were
also a considerable number of injuries involving other parts of the
body. Dislocations, fractures, and sprains or strains were the
original nature of injuries to the shoulder and upper arm, and the
result in these cases was loss of use. The injuries involving the hand,
and the arm at or below the elbow, were more varied in nature,
including bruises, contusions, crushes, burns, scalds, cuts, lacerations,
punctures, amputations, dislocations, fractures, and sprains or
strains, but the disability in all but 6 of the total of 46 cases of this
type was loss of use. The 40 hip, knee, and ankle injuries were
almost as varied in nature, excluding only burns, scalds, and amputa
tions, and all of them resulted in loss of use. There were 19 injuries
causing impaired vision. In 31 cases the central nervous system was
involved. There were injuries to the body, not otherwise classified,
which resulted from dislocations, fractures, sprains or strains,
bruises, contusions, crushes, burns, or scalds.
After linking in this way the nature of the injury with the location
and extent of the permanent disability, it is interesting to correlate
the location of disability with the exact degree of impairment of the
member involved.

INJUEIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OF DISABILITY

Ta.ble 5.—Degree of disability in terms of per cent of impairment of member, by
location of injury (cases of permanent disability)
Degree of disability in terms of per cent of impair
ment of member
Location of injury

Cases
having
All
50
16 H
33H
66% 83%
no per
and
and
and
cases Under and • and
cent as
16% under under under under under 100
per signed
50
100
per
33%
66% 83H
cent
cent
per
per
per
per
per
cent
cent
cent cent
cent

All injuries - -............. .

803

Head.................................... ................

Eye.........................................................
Scalp.......................................................
Teeth________________
Head not otherwise classified_____
Trunk............. ..............

Central nervous system....................
Back_____________ _________
Abdomen (internal).....................
Genitals______
_
Trunk not otherwise classified____
Upper extremities................................ .

20
11
4
2
49
30
10
1
6
2

280

198

............
3

•
1

1
1
1

253

197

10
4
34
9
62
245
129
38
18

1
1
4
1
4
12
9
4

1
1
1

17
5

100
43
14
4

4
82

1
18
2

7
1

3
2

22
29
10
7
7

2
16
1
2
2

1
2
2

5
6
5
1
1

Lower extremities......................................

Hip joint..................................
Knee joint..................................
Lower leg....... ....................... ..........
Ankle joint______
Leg not otherwise*classified.............
Foot________ _____ _____________
Lesser toe............................................

8
14

3
8
1
10
1
1

3
1
6

5
1

2
2

3
1

4
2
14

34
10

675

16
1
1
1

Shoulder joint.....................................
Elbow joint ______ ________ _
Wrist joint.......................................
Wrist and arm._________________
Thumb.....................................
Index finger................................ .......
Middle finger........................ _
King finger........................................
Little finger____________ _______ _
Thumb and index finger
Thumb and middle finger...........
Thumb, index, middle, ring, and
little fingers ...... ..........................
Index and middle fingers.................
Index, middle, and ring fingers___
Index, middle, ring, and little
fingers_______________________
Middle and ring fingers................. .
Middle, ring, and little fingers
Ring and little fingers.
Fingers not otherwise classified___

3
2

3
1

1
1

In 9 per cent of the cases the permanent disability did not lend
itself to the assignment of a definite per cent; that is, in injuries
involving the central nervous system, the back, or the genitals, dis
figuring injuries, and (since a common standard for measuring partial
loss of vision has not been accepted) injuries in which there was less
than total loss of vision in one eye.
As already noted, more than one-half (53.9 per cent) of the cases
of permanent disability involved one finger. In three-fourths of
these finger injuries the disability amounted to less than 50 per
cent of total impairment of member. Permanent disability of the

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

finger in all but very slight injuries constitutes a considerable handicap
to the manual worker. This is especially true when the thumb and
index finger, or two or more fingers, are involved. In one-fifth of
these injuries more than one member was permanently disabled.
A reduction of the usefulness of the shoulder, elbow, or wrist joint
is apt to constitute an exceedingly hampering disability. There was
such a condition in 57 cases, in 22 of which the disability at the
joint involved was at least 33 AA per cent. In 39 cases there resulted
a permanent disability of the hip, knee, or ankle joint, of which 7
measured at least 33 per cent loss of use of the member at the
joint involved.
In terms of estimated time lost.—In an attempt to express the loss
of earning power caused by permanent partial disabilities of varying
degree in terms of one common denominator, the International
Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions has
estimated the severity of each inj ury in terms of time lost.
The scale, which is here presented, is based on a study of the per
manent disability schedules available, including those adopted by
the Canadian Provinces, European countries, and the United States.

INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OF DISABILITY

Scale of time losses for weighting industrial accident disabilities so as to show
severity of accidents 1
Degree of
disability

in per cent

Nature of injury

of perma
nent total
disability

100
100
75
60
50
10
5
12 M
20
30
20
25

n.nri 1 finger, any permanent disability of _
Thumb and 2 fingers, any permanent disability of __

Thumb

33M

Great toe, or any 2 or more toes, any permanent disability of.
1 toe, other than great toe, any permanent disability of-----

Both ears, loss of hearing

-------

---------

—

40
75
50
40
5
0
30
100
10
50

Days lost

6,
6,
4,
3,
3,

000
000
500
600
000
600
300
750
1, 200
1, 800
1, 200
1, 500
2, 000
2, 400
4| 500
3; 000
2, 400
300
1, 800
6, 000
600
3, 000

1. Injuries not involving amputation should be rated as a proportion of the
weight assigned to the entire loss of the member involved in accordance with the
degree of impairment.
.
2. The weighting for impairment of function of any member should be such
percentage of the weighting for dismemberment as may be determined by the
adjudicating authority in fixing the compensation for such impairment—i. e., if
loss of an arm is compensated by 240 weeks’ indemnity, then an impairment of
the arm for which 160 weeks’ compensation was paid should rate as two-thirds
of the loss of the arm in the above scale.
3. ' Hernia should be included only as a temporary disability on the basis of the
actual time lost.
4. For the weighting of temporary disabilities the actual duration of disability
in calendar days less one-seventh should be used.
i tr. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Bulletin No. 276, p. 77.

Each of the 803 permanent disabilities encountered in the present
study (with the exception of the
per cent which did not lend
themselves to such rating) has been assigned a severity weight.
A compilation of the information on extent of disability according
to this measure of severity shows that there was a total of more than
500,000 days lost by the 758 women involved.

Table 6.

Extent of disability in terms of estimated days lost, by cause of accident (cases of permanent disability)

Estimated days lost due to—
All cases

Other permanent disability
Death
All classes

Cause of accident

Dismemberment

Ankylosis

Impairment

Other

All causes
Hand tools...............................
Handling of objects..............
Falling objects
Stepping on or striking
against objects______ ____
Falls of persons_____
Explosions, electricity, and
hot substances __...............
Vehicles............................
Poisonous and corrosive sub
stances and occupational
diseases..................... .
Machinery______
Miscellaneous causes. ............

i 758 521,594 100.0

402 203,000 100.0

47,100 100.0

265 155,802 100.0

25,692

100.0

13.3

8,112
36,936
3,060

1.9
8.6
.7

10
18

3,900
9,000

1.9
4.4

1
7

300
7,200

0.6
15.3

5
23
3

3,750
12,636
1,260

2.4
8.1
.8

1
5
1

162
8,100
1, 800

0.6
31.5
7. Q

12,000

13.3

10
64

4,200
56, 226

1.0
13.0

1
1

300
300

.1
.1

3,000

6.4

7
61

3,360
52,026

2.2
33.4

2
1

540
900

2.1
3.5

36,000

40.0

6
3

5, 910
2,850

1.4
.7

300

3
2

2,550
900

1.6
.6

2
1

3, 060
1,950

11.9
7.6

1
3
1

6,000
18,000
6,000

6.7
20.0
6.7

14
9,450
571 304,670
1
180

2.2
70.6

1
43

1,800
34, 500

3.8
73.2

9
152

6,000
73,320

3.9
47.1

1
7
1

450
8,550
180

1.8
33.3
.7

1.6
9.4
.6

12,000

10
66

4,200
68,226

.8
13.1

12
3

41, 910
2, 850

8.0
.5

15 15,450
574 322,670
2
6,180

3.0
61.9
1.2

743 431,594 100.0
17
53
4

8,112
48,936
|060

1 Excludes 60 cases not reporting complete data.

90,000 100.0

17
55
4

3
1,200
369 188,300

.6
92.8
i

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Num Days lost Num Days lost Num Days lost Num Days lost Num Days lost Num Days lost Num Days lost
ber
ber
ber
ber
ber
ber
ber
of
of
of
of
of
of
of
1
Num
Per
wom
wom Num Per wom Num Per wom Num Per wom Num- 1 Per wom Num Per wom Num Per
ber
ber
cent en
en
cent en
ber
cent en
ber
cent en
ber
cent en
ber
ber
cent
cent
en
1

INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OF DISABILITY

As before stated, machinery was the cause of 75 per cent of the
injuries resulting in permanent disability but of only 61.9 per cent
of the total time lost. Almost two-thirds of the machine accidents
resulted in dismemberment, and of the dismemberment cases 91.8
per cent, involving 92.8 per cent of the time lost by all dismember
ment cases, were caused by machinery. Falls of persons caused 8.7
per cent of all injuries and were responsible for 13 per cent of the
time lost. Over 90 per cent of the accidents due to falls of persons
resulted in impairment. Such falls were accountable for a little less
than one-fourth of all the impairment cases and for one-third of the
total time lost by these cases.
In averaging the time lost according to cause it is found that among
the three groups which were responsible for the largest number of
accidents, falls of persons ranked first with 1,033 days per case,
handling of objects next with 889 days per case, and machinery
third with 562 days per case.
The 574 accidents caused by machinery constituted three-fourths
of the total 758 permanent disability cases reporting cause of acci
dent and degree of disability. Consequently, it is of interest at
this point to consider in more detail the machine accidents. There
was a great variety of types of machines responsible for these injuries.
Certain types, however, appeared frequently on the records.
Power punch presses were responsible for 349 accidents. Of these,
61 per cent resulted in some permanent disability. One woman had
the left middle finger traumatically amputated at the middle joint,
and the thumb so injured as to cause complete loss of use; another
woman lost the entire thumb; another lost the distal phalanx of the
right index and middle fingers; another lost the entire middle and
ring fingers of the right hand. In each of these cases the woman was
operating the punch press and her finger or thumb was caught
under the die.
Drill presses caused injuries in 33 cases, 10 of which resulted in
some permanent disability. In two cases the woman's hair was
caught in the drill and some hair was torn from the scalp. One
woman was struck on the left index finger by the stock, which stuck
in the drill, and the injury necessitated amputation at the distal
joint.
Of 32 women injured on printing presses, 12 were left with a
permanent disability. One girl tried to straighten the paper while
feeding a job press. The right index and middle fingers were caught
in the press, crushed, and lacerated, and bones of the middle finger
were broken. The extent of disability was total loss of the middle
finger and two-thirds loss of the index finger due to ankylosis.
Corner stayers, the cause of accident in 22 cases, resulted in 6 cases
of permanent injury. A girl operating a corner stayer reached over

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

to pick up a box and her foot slipped and struck the pedal, causing
the machine to operate. The left index finger was caught, fractured,
and lacerated, and it was necessary to amputate the entire finger.
Of 17 injuries caused by heel-building machines, 9 resulted in
some permanent disability. One girl’s right middle and ring fingers
were caught under the plunger while operating a heel builder, and
the distal phalanx of the middle finger and the tip of the ring finger
were cut off. Another worker’s index finger was caught under the
die, and the tip was lacerated so badly as to necessitate amputation
of the distal phalanx; the left index finger of another, caught in the
same way, was cut off at the base of the nail.
Power sewing machines were the cause of injury in the case of
69 women, 11 being left with some permanent disability. One
woman’s right index and middle fingers were lacerated by the needle
while operating a machine. Infection set in, resulting in 66% per
cent loss of use of the index finger and 20 per cent loss of use of the
middle finger. Another woman while operating had the right
thumb pierced by the needle, the accident causing 50 per cent loss
of use of the thumb. A third woman’s right middle finger was
pierced by the needle; infection set in and resulted in 50 per cent
loss of use of the finger.
In 39 cases accidents were caused by looms, 4 of these injuries
being permanent. In one case a flying shuttle struck the woman,
bruising the abdomen and causing injury rated as 5 per cent of
permanent total incapacity. In another case, while a woman was
trying to put up filling thread her left hand was caught and squeezed
against the beam; 25 per cent loss of use of the palm of the hand
was the result.
■
Spinning frames were the cause of accident in 40 cases, 10 resulting
in permanent disability. One woman slipped while reaching for
the end of a broken roving and the right index finger was caught in the
small gear. The finger was badly crushed and had to be amputated
at the distal joint. The left index finger of another woman was
lacerated while operating a spinning frame, and the accident caused
60 per cent loss of use of the finger. The foot of a third woman, a
mule spinner, was caught on the carriage truck, severely spraining
the right knee. She was left with a disability rated as 50 per cent
loss of use of the right leg.
Of 19 women injured by saws in woodworking plants, 7 were left
with some permanent disability. One woman, while “taking away,”
brushed some sawdust from the machine, bringing her hand in con
tact with the saw, the accident causing compound fractures of the
distal and middle phalanges of the right index finger and resulting
in total loss of use of the finger. Another woman was operating a
miter saw; her hand slipped from the piece of lumber and came in

INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OP DISABILITY

contact with the saw, which inflicted an incised wound halfway
through the middle phalanx of the right index finger, causing
complete stiffness at the distal joint.
Of 16 women injured on flat-work ironers, 12 were left with some
permanent disability. In two cases a hand was drawn into the rolls
and crushed and burned so badly that it was necessary to amputate
it, at the wrist in one case and two inches below the elbow in the
other. A third woman whose hand was crushed in the rolls lost four
fingers by amputation.
The standard for rating severity of permanent disability in terms
of time lost as given in the scale presented on page 35 of this report
has been applied to the cases which were classified as permanent in
each State. (Appendix Table IV.) As in the case of the preceding
table, the total amount of time lost in dismemberment cases in the
three States was greater than that in the cases of impairment, but
the average time loss per case was greater in the latter group. In
New Jersey the average time loss ascribed in both dismemberment
and impairment cases was lower than in the other two States, which
is partly explained by the fact that the New Jersey law compensates
certain less severe disabilities as permanent which the other two
States do not recognize as such. In Ohio the average time loss
ascribed to impairment cases was nearly twice that of either of the
two other States, while the actual number of cases was much smaller.
In terms oj total incapacity.—The location of a disability and its
extent in terms of total incapacity constitute another measure of the
severity of permanent disabilities—that is, if one woman has lost an
arm and another an index finger it indicates to what extent the use
fulness of each has been reduced. Table 7 shows that nearly twothirds of the permanently disabled women whose degree of disabil
ity could be stated in terms of per cent had disablement rated as less
than 10 per cent of total incapacity.

Table 7.

INDUSTBIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN
Degree of disability in terms of per cent of permanent total incapacity,
by location of disability (cases of permanent disability)

Degree of disability in terms of per cent
Cases
Num
having
Location of disability ber ol Under 10 and 20 and 30 and 40 anc 50 anc 60 and 70 and
10
under under under under under under under 100 no per
wom
en
per 20 per 30 per 40 per 50 per 60 per 70 per 80 per per cent as
signed
cent
cent
cent
cent
cent
cent
cent
cent cent
All cases.....................

818

Fatal eases........................

Permanent partial cases.

803

Arm above elbow_____
Arm at or below elbow.
Hand___ ______
Thumb_______ _______
One finger......... ..............
Two fingers....................
Three fingers....................
Four fingers................ _
Thumb and one finger..
Thumb and three fingers
Thumb and four fingers.
Leg above knee
Leg at or below knee__
Foot______ _______
Lesser toe ...
One eye (loss of sight)..
Central nervous system.
Disfigurement
Body not otherwise
classified................. .

10
5
41
62
434
72
21
21
5
1
2
8
15
17
1
19
31
13
25

488

169

15
488

1G9

7
2
6
62

1
1
6

1
1

434
72
21
5

21
1

10
14
1
6

5
2
2

1
2
1

2
1

7
1

3
1

13
3

.......

.......... -

The scale on page 35 was used in making these estimates. There
were 90 cases in which the injured woman was left with a disability
amounting to at least 20 per cent of total incapacity. These con
stituted 12 per cent of the permanent partial disability cases to which
a per cent of impairment was assigned. Accidents involving the
hand and arm made up a considerable number of the most disabling
injuries.
The following cases are quoted from this group to illustrate the
correlation between the cause of accident and the extent and degree of
disability.
A girl of 17 working as a flat-work ironer in a laundry received a
severe burn when the four fingers and thumb of her left hand were
caught in the rolls of her machine. The treatment included ligation
of arteries, skin grafting on the palmar surface, an operation to
remove the webbed condition which developed between two fingers,
and an attempt to repair the tendons of the index and middle fingers.
The final disability was total loss of four fingers due to ankylosis.
This impairment amounts to 30 per cent of permanent total inca
pacity.
A woman street-car conductor in a collision of cars sustained a
“fractured spine” and was left with a permanent disability rated as
32J^ per cent of permanent total.
■
A girl of 17, operating a can-sealing machine, while trying to
remove a can suffered a severe laceration of her arm and a “wrist
bone cut.” The healing period required 32 weeks, and the final
disability was rated as 75 per cent loss of use at the wrist, which
amounts to 37 per cent of permanent total incapacity.

INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OE DISABILITY

A factory cleaner fell down three or four steps, landing on the left
shoulder. The humerus was fractured at the shoulder joint. She
lost 18 Yi weeks and was left with an impairment at the shoulder of
66% per cent, which in terms of permanent total incapacity amounts
to 50 per cent.
TEMPORARY DISABILITY CASES

If an industrial accident results in injury which prevents a person
from working for some days—at least one week in Wisconsin or Ohio
and at least 10 days in New Jersey—that person is eligible for com
pensation during the ensuing healing period, otherwise designated as
the period of temporary disability. Temporary disability may be
either total or partial in degree. If it is total, a fixed per cent of the
wage is paid during the period of such disability, the compensated
period beginning with the expiration of the waiting period. The
time over which such compensation may extend is limited in each of
the three States, as shown by Chart IV. In New Jersey the maximum
is 300 weeks, in Wisconsin it is 308 weeks, and in Ohio it is 6 years,
in the last named the total payments not to exceed $3,750. In New
Jersey if the temporary disability is partial, that is, if the person
returns to work after the accident, though unable to work full time
or to earn as much as he could previous to the accident, the disability
is not recognized as compensable. In Wisconsin and Ohio provision
for compensating such wage loss is made.
CHART IV.—1TEMPORARY DISABILITY CASES UNDER THE LAW

NEW JERSEY

OHIO

WISCONSIN

A. BENEFITS—TEMPORARY TOTAL DISABILITY
For injury producing temporary
disability, 66% per cent of wages
is paid during disability (except
for waiting period of 10 days)
for not over 300 weeks; weekly
maximum—$12; minimum— $6,
or actual wages if less than $6.

Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch.
98, par. 11 (a), 18.

For injuries producing temporary
total disability, 66% per cent of
average weekly wages is paid
during disability (except for a
waiting period of one week) for
not over six years; weekly maxi
mum—$15; minimum—$5, or
actual wages if less than $5;
total not to exceed $3,750.

General code of Ohio, Page's
compact edition, 1920, sec.
1465-78, 1466-79.

For injury producing temporary
total disability, 65 per cent of
wages is paid during disability
(except for waiting period of one
week, which also is compen
sated if the disability extends
for as much as 4 weeks), for a
maximum of 308 weeks; weekly
maximum—$14.63; minimum—
$6.83.

Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec.
2894-9 (2) (a) (d); 2894-10J.

B. BENEFITS—TEMPORARY "PARTIAL DISABILITY
No provision.

If injury results in partial disa
bility causing impairment of
earning capacity, injured shall
receive two-thirds of the wage
loss, not to exceed $12 a week,
as long as loss continues [no
weekly minimum]; maximum
total amount, $3,750. This
compensation is paid in addi
tion to compensation due for
temporary total disability.

General code of Ohio, Page's
compact edition, 1920, sec.
1465-80.
43094°—27----~4

If injury results in partial disa
bility, 65 per cent of weekly loss
in wages is paid during such
partial disability. This com
pensation is paid in addition to
compensation due for tempo
rary total disability.

Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec.
2894-9 (2) (6) (c).

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Length of healing period of temporary disability cases—common
standard.

In relation to cause of accident.—-The measure of severity in the
case of injuries resulting in temporary disability obviously is the
extent of the healing period—the duration of absence from work on
account of the accident. In studying the relative seriousness of
various causes of temporary disability it is found that whereas ma
chinery was responsible for 74 per cent of the permanent disability
cases, it caused only 37.5 per cent of those that were temporary.
(Appendix Table II.) In the machine group metal-working machin
ery caused a larger proportion of the permanent disability cases than
of the cases where only lost time was involved, and textile machinery
was responsible for a larger proportion of the temporary disability
cases than of those resulting in permanent disability. The handling
of objects caused 17.4 per cent of the injuries resulting in temporary
disability and only 7.5 per cent of those resulting in permanent dis
ability, while falls of persons, responsible for 24.7 per cent of the
temporary disability cases, were responsible for only 9.8 per cent of
the permanent ones.
The following table, compiled from Appendix Table II, shows in
terms of percentages the lost time in temporary disability cases,
according to cause.
Table 8.—Length

of healing period, by cause of accident (cases of temporary
disability)

A. PER CENT DISTRIBUTION BY CAUSE OF ACCIDENT
Length of healing period
Cause of accident

All causes.
Hand tools..........................................................
Handling of objects................ .........................
Falling objects...................................................
Stepping on or striking against objects___
Falls of persons_________________ ____
Explosions, electricity, and hot substances.
Vehicles...................... .................................... .
Poisonous and corrosive substances and occupational
Machinery.
Miscellaneous causes.

Total

4 and
Under 2 and under
2 weeks 4under
12
weeks weeks

100.0

4.0
17.4

7.0
18.6

2.2

5.1
24.7
4.1
1.3
3.2
37.5
.4

1.8
6.1

16.4
2.8

.9
2.6

43.5
.4

12 and
under
52
weeks

100.0

1.7
15.6

3.0
16.0

4.2
34.7
4.3
1.4

57.0

4.0
18.1
2.3
5.7
19.7
4.9
1.3
3.6
40.2
.3

3.0
32.3
.7

2.0

8.0
1.0

52
weeks
and
over
100.0

25.0
25.0

2.0
2.0

25.0

2.0

25.0

13.0
1.0

B. PER CENT DISTRIBUTION BY LENGTH OF HEALING PERIOD
All causes........ ...........................................................

100.0

22.1

45.3

28.3

4.1

Hand tools....................................................................
Handling of objects........................... ..................................
Falling objects.................................................
Stepping on or striking against objects...........................

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

39.2
23.7
18.5
26.2
14. 7
14.9
15.6

45.4
47.1
48.1
50.0
36.1
53.5
43.8

12. 4
25.3
25.9
23.0
39. 8
29.7
31.3

3.1
3.7
5.6
.8
9.4
2.0
6.3

100.0
100.0
100.0

17.9
25. 7
18.2

51.3
48. 6
27.3

26.9
24.3
45.5

2.6
1. 4
9.1

Explosions, electricity, and hot substances.......... ..........
Vehicles..................................... ................. .............................
Poisonous and corrosive substances and occupational
diseases.................................................................................

0.2
.2
1.9

3. 1
1.3

INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OF DISABILITY

Machinery, responsible for 37.5 per cent of all temporary disability
cases, was responsible for only 13 per cent of those requiring a healing
period of from 12 to 52 weeks. Falls of persons contributed heavily
to the group in which the healing period was long, for though less
than one-fourth of the temporary disability cases were caused in
this way, well over one-half of the injuries requiring from 12 to 52
weeks to heal were due to falls.
Of the injuries caused by hand tools, 39.2 per cent were healed in
less than two weeks and 84.5 per cent in less than four weeks. While
76.2 per cent of the injuries caused by stepping on or striking against
objects, 74.3 per cent of those caused by machinery, and 70.7 per
cent of those incurred in the handling of objects healed in less than
four weeks, on the other hand, 49.2 per cent of the injuries due to
persons falling, 40.6 per cent of those caused by vehicles, and 33.3
per cent of cases in which persons were struck by falling objects,
required a healing period of at least four weeks.
In relation to nature and location of injury.—Consideration of
severity in temporary disability cases in terms of nature and location
of injury shows that cuts, lacerations, or punctures made up more
than one-third (36.1 per cent) of these injuries, and bruises or con
tusions 29.2 per cent, but that in these groups the healing period was
comparatively short. (Appendix Table III.) Sprains or strains,
which made up only 14 per cent of the temporary disability cases,
formed 22.3 per cent of the cases requiring a healing period of 12
weeks or more; and fractures, which constituted only 8.9 per cent
of the temporary disability cases, formed 29.1 per cent of the cases
with a healing period of 12 weeks or more.
In relation to age.—A correlation of healing period and extent of
disability with the age of the injured woman reveals a very definite
curve in favor of the young person. (Table V in the appendix.)
In the group in which the healing period was less than two weeks
are found 23.7 per cent of those under 20 years of age, 19.6 per cent
of those 20 and under 40 years of age, 15.4 per cent of those 40 and
under 60 years of age, and 6.8 per cent of those 60 and over; while
in the group in which the healing period was 12 but less than 52
weeks are 3.8 per cent of those under 20, 7.2 per cent of those between
20 and 40, 11.3 per cent of those between 40 and 60, and 21.6 per
cent of those 60 and over. The median healing period for the women
under 40 is 2 and under 4 weeks, while for the women of 40 and over
it is 4 and under 6 weeks. In the serious permanent disability
cases the healing period was extensive regardless of age; but in the
minor permanent and the temporary total disability cases, there was
a difference in the healing period in favor of young persons.
The following cases of accidents offer further evidence of this
difference due to age.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

A 30-year-old seasoner in a leather tannery, earning $13 a week,
stumbled and fell downstairs while going from the sixth to the
fifth floor of the building. The right side of the forehead, the right
shoulder, the back, and both knees were seriously bruised. She lost
four weeks and four days. Medical expenses were paid. Her total
compensation was $27.42.
A 65-year-old bookkeeper in a florist’s shop, earning $15 a week,
slipped on ice and fell. Her left wrist was fractured and she lost
13 weeks. Medical expenses were paid. Her total compensation
was $115.
A 33-year-old woman who was private secretary in a hotel had a
weekly wage of $26. She walked into an open trapdoor on the first
floor and fell into the cellar. Both ankles were sprained, and her
back and one knee were bruised. She lost four and one-half weeks.
Medical expenses amounted to $12.95 and were paid. Her total
compensation was $36.
A cleaner in a textile mill, 65 years old, was earning $19.98 a week.
She tripped and fell over the scales used for weighing machinery.
The result was a fracture of the right wrist. She lost 12 weeks.
Medical expenses amounted to $31 and were paid. Her total com
pensation was $132.
A girl of 16, employed in a bakery at $8 a week, fell from a bench,
tearing the ligaments at the elbow and fracturing the ulna. She
lost two and one-third weeks. Medical expenses amounted to $25
and were paid. Her total compensation was $9.11.
A domestic servant, 62 years old, with weekly earnings of $20.82,
slipped on the floor and suffered a fracture of the hip. She lost 46
weeks and 4 days. Medical expenses amounted to $615.15 and
were paid. For four months following her return to work her earn
ings were reduced, because of the injury, to $13 a week. She received
partial compensation for this loss of wage, as well as full compensa
tion during the temporary total disability period. Her total com
pensation was $717.61.
,
A label inspector in the packing department of a food factory, 18
years old and earning $12.50 a week, fell from a conveyor table in
the workroom, the result being a Colles fracture of the left wrist.
An X ray was taken, showing the bones in good position. She lost
three and two-sevenths weeks. Medical expenses amounted to $30
and were paid. Her total compensation was $19.04.
A 63-year-old cleaner in a department store, whose wage was $12
a week, fell over a roll of carpet. The back, right knee, left side, left
shoulder, and left lumbar region were seriously bruised; there was
partial separation of cartilage and bone of the sixth and seventh
ribs, and bursitis involving the right knee joint developed. She
was treated over a period of three months and lost 142/7 weeks.

INJURIES ACCORDING TO EXTENT OF DISABILITY

Medical expenses amounted to $20 and were paid. Her total com
pensation was $106.29.
An office employee in a furniture factory, 18 years old and earning
$13.50 a week, stumbled over a truck in the packing room while on
her way to correct an order number and the left radius was dis
located at the elbow and the left ulna broken at upper third. The
fracture and dislocation were reduced, and the arm was put in a
plaster cast. She lost two and two-sevenths weeks. Medical expenses
amounted to $25 and were paid. Her total compensation was $11.57.
A woman of 26, employed in a varnish factory at $18.08 a week,
stepped into a manhole on her way out of the factory and fell back
wards against the sidewalk. The seventh and eighth right ribs were
fractured and there were extensive subcutaneous lacerations over
the entire left side of the body. She lost three and six-sevenths
weeks. Medical expenses amounted to $35.50 and were paid. Her
total compensation was $34.43.
A scrubwoman in a candy factory, 68 years of age, was earning
$10 a week. While going downstairs she tripped and fell from the
steps and landed in the engine room. The fall caused a severe bruise
of the scalp, a lacerated cut of the left forearm, sprains of the right
shoulder, of the left hip, and of the left knee, and general body
bruises. There was some infection. She received medical care
over a period of eight months. The attending physician reported
the progress of the case from time to time as follows: June 9, 1920
(seven weeks after the accident)—“Right shoulder painful and stiff;
patient consequently unable to work.” August 22, 1920—“Unable
to use right shoulder fully and without pain. Left knee and ankle
swollen and painful.” October 8, 1920—“Ankle and shoulder still
painful and stiff. Can not keep shoe on foot because of swelling.
Pain makes sleep difficult.”' November 9, 1920—“Still unable to
raise right arm without great pain in shoulder; left hip, knee, and
ankle joints stiff and painful. Greatly incapacitated.” December
11, 1920-^“ Still complains of pain in shoulder, knee, and hip, and of
inability to use parts satisfactorily.” January 1, 1921—“Able to
resume work.” She lost 362/7 weeks. Medical expenses amounted
to $106.50 and were paid. Her total compensation was $235.35.
A 28-year-old saleswoman in a retail store, earning $14 a week,
was standing on a chair removing merchandise from an upper shelf
when the chair slipped and she fell to the floor. The left foot and
ankle were badly sprained and bruised and the ligaments torn.
She was unable to put the foot to the ground and lost two and threesevenths weeks. Medical expenses amounted to $3 and were paid.
Her total compensation was $13.33.
A worker 66 years old was earning $20 a week as an operator on
calender rolls in a paper mill. While feeding paper into the rolls she

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

was seated on a chair which was placed on a board platform 4 feet high
but not provided with a guardrail. She fell, and the chair, a table,
a large stack of paper, and the platform fell with her. Her foot was
caught between the platform and a stack of paper. The right side
of her chest struck against a corner of the platform. The eighth rib
on her right side was fractured, the right ankle was badly sprained
and dislocated, and the ligaments were badly torn. The dislocation
was reduced and the ankle immobilized. Two and one-half months
after the accident the doctor reported that “she wears a brace on the
ankle, limps, and favors the foot in every way. The injured chest is
gradually regaining usefulness, but she can not reach up to anything.”
Ninety days after the accident she was reported as able to work.
“She limps, but time will improve the walking.” Three weeks later
she was reported with “no disability.” Medical expenses amounted
to $35 and were paid. Her total compensation was $146.63.
A telephone operator of 35 years, earning $18 a week, slipped and
fell on the stairs, the fall causing contusion of the left side of the head
and of the lower part of the back and left thigh. She lost three and
one-seventh weeks. Medical expenses amounted to $5 and were paid.
Her total compensation was $25.71.
A 27-year-old office worker in an automobile factory, earning $17.50
a week, was at work in a building which caught fire. She made for the
exit, taking her calculating machine with her. Blinded by smoke
she fell down the stairs, striking against them and the machine
she was carrying. The fall bruised the back and the region of the
coccyx and of the left hip. The region of the right hip was bruised
and swollen. She lost one and six-sevenths weeks. Medical bills
amounted to $10 and were paid. Her total compensation was $10.
INJURIES INCLUDED BY LAW

The injuries which are compensated without any opposition as
accidental and compensable are those fortuitous ones (see Chart V)
in the nature of bruises, bums, cuts, amputations, fractures, and
sprains which cause lost time or permanent impairment.
NATURE OF INJURIES RECORDED IN THE THREE STATES

In view of the specifications in the laws in the three States it is
interesting to analyze and to sum up the nature of the injuries as
shown in the records, in this way emphasizing the types of injury
considered compensable without dispute.

Chart

V.—INJURIES COMPENSABLE UNDER THE LAW
OHIO

NEW JERSEY

WISCONSIN

A. INJURIES INCLUDED

First supplement, compiled statutes of New Jersey, 1911
1915, p. 1641, Sec. II, 7.

Injuries sustained in the course of employment, unless pur
posely self-inflicted.

General code of Ohio, Page's compact edition, 1980, sec.
1465-68.

Personal injury proximately caused by accident, unless
intentionally self-inflicted.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 8394-8 (5).

B. OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE
No provision.

Occupational disease is specifically included.

No provision.

Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2894-88.
C. HERNIA

Hernia is a disease which ordinarily develops gradually,
being very rarely the result of accident. Where there is
real traumatic hernia resulting from the application of
force directly to the abdominal wall, either puncturing
or tearing the wall, compensation will be allowed. Con
clusive proof must be offered that, (1) the descent of the
hernia immediately followed the cause, (2) there was
severe pain in the hernial region, (3) there was such
prostration that the employee was compelled to cease
work immediately, (4) the condition was so acute as to
be noticed by the claimant and communicated to the
employer within 24 hours after the occurrence, (5) there
was such physical distress that the attendance of a
licensed physician was required within 24 hours after the
occurrence of the hernia. If an operation is required,
medical expenses (not to exceed $150) plus compensa
tion for temporary total disability shall be paid; if the
operation is refused by the claimant, temporary total
disability up to 20 weeks shall be paid.
Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 98, par. 11 (r).

Traumatic hernia is considered compensable. It is de
fined as hernia resulting from the application of force
directly to the abdominal wall, either puncturing or
tearing the wall. Conclusive proof must be offered
that, (1) the immediate cause which called attention to
the hernia was such as a sudden effort, severe strain, or
bruise, (2) the descent of the hernia immediately followed
the cause, (3) there was severe pain, and (4) the forego
ing facts were communicated immediately to one or
more persons.

Ohio Industrial Commission. Pules on hernia. Rule
III.

If injury is particularly violent, and followed by severe
pain, hernia is held to be traumatic.
"Except such incident was particularly violent or was
followed immediately by severe pain, it can not with
any degree of certainty be said to be a probable cause
[of hernia].”

Wisconsin Industrial Commission. Workmen's com
pensation. Fourth annual report, 1914-15, pp. 19-80.
(Award in case of Andrew Kozlowski v. Illinois Steel
Co.)

INJURIES INCLUDED BY LAW

Personal injuries by accident arising out of, and in course
of, employment, unless intentionally self-inflicted or due
to intoxication.

Tabi^e 9— Degree of disability in terms of per cent of permanent total incapacity in permanent disability cases and of time lost in temporary
. 00

disability cases, by nature and location of injury
Degree of disability in terms of per cent of permanent total incapacity in permanent disa
bility cases and of time lost in temporary disability cases

Nature and location of injury

All
women

Permanent disability cases

Fatal
cases

All cases...................
Bruise, contusion, crush- -Number.
Per cent..
Head____________
Face and neck____
Trunk___________
Upper extremities.
Lower extremities.
Burn, scald, crush and burn—Number.
Per cent.
Head_______ ____
Face and neck____
Trunk.................
Upper extremities.
Lower extremities.
Cut, laceration, puncture—Number.
Per cent.
Head......................
Face and neck____
Trunk___________
Upper extremities.
Lower extremities.
Amputation (traumatic), upper extremities—Number.
Per cent.

i 3,263
897
27.5

801
2

13.3

26
14
125
573
159
152
4.7

66%
50 and
and
No per Total Under weeks 3 weeks Time
under under
and
cent as
and
not rePer 100 per signed number weeks under
over ported
3
weeks
cent

180
22.5

170
23.5

8.3

9
16.1

4
6

155
9
7
46.7

3
154
9
14
1.9

12.5

5
41.7

1.8

59
12

17
921
66

250
7.7

546

672

1,227

715
29.2

182
33.3

191
28.4

341
27.8

20
10

6
2

117
418
150

25
118
31

5
4
28
121

9
4
64
178

124
5.1

3.7

5
5

5
29
80
32
1,075
32.9

2,447

61
32
2

13.3

190
23.7

175
24.2

161

16
756
64

25.0

8.3

164
2

248
31.0

21.4

883
36.1

246
34.0

12.5

8.3

2
.1

6.1

62
5.1
2
2

3
7
25

250
45.8

279
41.5

354
28.9

10
2

2
6

216

242
22

298
30

50.0

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

33X
and
Total Under
under
33%
per
number
50 per
cent
cent

Temporary disability

Dislocation, fracture—Number.
Per cent.

1
6.7

82
10.2

76
10.5

Face and neck...........
Trunk............. ...........
Upper extremities...
Lower extremities...

2
39
222
76

2
62
18

1
59
16

Sprain, strain—Number.
Per cent.

381
11.7

1
6.7

38
4.7

27
3.7

1
12.5

Trunk.....................
Upper extremities.
Lower extremities.

106
121
154

13
12
13

3
12
12

All other—Number...
Per cent...

169
5.2

2
13.3

42
5.2

16
2.2

1
12.5

Head......................
Trunk................... .
Upper extremities.
Lower extremities.

12
90
63
4

3
26
13

3
1
12

1 Excludes 22 cases not reporting nature of injury

2
25.0

3
25.0

1
1.8

256
10.5

12
2.2

30
4.5

214
17.4

2
36
160
58

1
9
2

1
5
19
5

1
30
132
51

1
8.3

9
16.1

342
14.0

66
12.1

91
13.5

185
15.1

92
109
141

10
32
24

19
33
39

63
44
78

1
100.0

24
42.9

125
5.1

16
2.9

39
5.8

70
5.7

9
62
50
4

2
4
10

4
17
18

3
41
22
4

INJURIES INCLUDED BY

339
10.4

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

According to Table 9, about one-third of the accidents in which
nature of injury was reported were due to cuts, lacerations, and punc
tures, and about 86 per cent of these involved the upper extremities.
A little over one-fourth of the total were due to bruises and con
tusions, and in almost a third of these cases the trunk or the lower
extremities were affected. The dislocations and fractures, which
formed 10 per cent of the total, involved the upper extremities in
about two-thirds of the cases and the lower extremities in a little
more than one-fifth of them. An analysis of the temporary dis
ability cases reveals that a large percentage of the lost time was
due to cuts, lacerations, and punctures, and to bruises and contu
sions; but the time loss per case was higher in the group due to dis
locations and fractures than in any other. In studying the nature
of the permanent disabilities it is found that of the 21 injuries
amounting to at least 33per cent of permanent total incapacity,
6 were due to burns and scalds, 5 to dislocations and fractures, and
3 to cuts, lacerations, and punctures.
The location of the injuries is shown in more detail in Appendix
Table VI. In more than two-fifths of the head injuries an eye was
affected and in nearly one-fifth of them the scalp. That the greater
number of injuries involved the upper extremities was to be expected,
since the arm, the hand, and the fingers are in constant use, and
the fingers especially are in close proximity to the work. Not far
from 1,300 of the 2,243 injuries to the upper extremities involved a
single finger. Among the 494 injuries to the lower extremities, the
ankle joint was involved in over one-fourth of all cases and the knee
and foot each in nearly one-fifth. In regard to trunk injuries, the
back was involved in about three-tenths of all cases and the central
nervous system in a little more than one-sixth.
HERNIA

There were 11 cases of hernia compensated in the three States.
The acceptance of hernia as a compensable injury has been open to
a good deal of costly dispute. The question in each individual case
as to whether its origin is congenital or industrial is the point at
issue. It would seem no more unreasonable to charge to industry
a strain resulting in hernia due to a preexisting weakness in the
abdominal wall than to charge to industry the electrocution of a
person with a defective heart who is electrocuted in handling tele
phone wiring, except that a cardiac disease can be diagnosed when
the person is first employed and the weakness of the abdominal wall
can not.
The following eight cases indicate the cause of accident and the
extent of disability in this type of injury. It will be noted that the
chief item of expense in these cases was the medical treatment.

INJURIES INCLUDED BY LAW

The industrial efficiency of the injured person was then restored, and,
with the exception of one case in which there were other complications
following the injury, so that a healing period of 1314/7 weeks was
allowed, the average time lost per case was 7.9 weeks. The average
cost for these seven cases was $253.33 for both compensation and
medical aid, the average for compensation being $75.57 and for
medical treatment $177.75.
A domestic servant in a private family, who was 42 years old, was
receiving a weekly wage of $15 and board. A fall over a suit case
resulted in a hernia. She lost five weeks and six days, during which
time medical expenses amounted to $150 and were paid. The
compensation was $54.
An 18-year-old girl was a silk weaver, earning $22 a week. Lifting
some heavy object caused a hernia. She was operated upon and was
completely cured. She lost nine and one-half weeks. Medical
expenses amounted to $150 and were paid. The total compensation
was $96.
A weaver in a carpet and rug manufacturing plant, 18 years of age,
was receiving a wage of $14.85, but as a minor she was compensated
at her prospective wage at 21, which was estimated at $15.50 a week.
In the process of operating her loom she received a right inguinal
hernia. She lost five weeks. Medical expenses amounted to $82
and were paid. Her compensation was $50.32.
A woman 54 years old was a ware gatherer in a pottery plant and
earned $15.30 a week. Dipping boards 6 feet by 12 inches were
piled 8 to 10 feet high by the kiln placers. This worker was ordered
to lift the boards from the pile to another place. She always carried
six or eight at once. On November 22, 1919, she reached on tiptoe
to get the boards, when a board holding ware started to slip; while
the woman was trying to stop it, several boards from the top of the
pile slid down, striking her a violent blow just above the hip. The
result was a right femoral hernia, with immediate swelling and extreme
pain. She became faint and sick, convulsions followed, and she had
to be taken in an ambulance to the hospital. Although regaining
consciousness that evening she stayed in the hospital four days.
She then went home, hoping an operation would not be necessary.
She had convulsions on December 2 and returned to the hospital,
remaining there 19 days. Herniotomy was performed the second
day. There was a continuous heavy discharge from the uterus. She
returned to the hospital January 6, 1920, and remained 15 days. She
was curetted January 7. On January 5 an affidavit was taken from
the injured woman which set forth the above account of the accident.
Affidavits also were taken of fellow workers, who stated that the
injured was “an extra good steady worker,” “never lost time on
account of illness,” “was stronger than the average woman,” “had

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

never complained of rupture,” “did not wear a truss.” No one saw
the accident, but fellow employees found her lying on a bench in
convulsions almost immediately. At this time the employer wrote,
“injured is weak mentally and the claim questionable,” and stated
that he had told her “before you shall have a dollar out of this, or
five cents, I’m going to see it through.” He added, “Why is she
supporting a lazy husband anyway?” (The husband had been ill
for some time.) “She was ruptured before the accident, and no
compensation is due.” The commission ordered an investigation.
Affidavits from fellow employees and the foreman affirmed, “carried
no boards that morning,” “fell from a box car two months before,”
“struck on abdomen by a bushel basket.” At an oral hearing
ordered, following the investigation, the employer refused to testify.
The attending doctor stated: “The femoral hernia and uterine condi
tion were caused by a violent blow, nothing else on which to base an
opinion.” Her own doctor stated that she had “a splendid physique,
wiry and strong, that there had been no complaint in regard to the
femoral region previous to the accident, and that the cause of the
hernia was traumatism.” Compensation for temporary total dis
ability was ordered and paid over a period of 131 weeks 4 days.
Medical aid, including the cost of the herniotomy, came to $212.20.
According to a medical examination during the compensated period,
she was unable to work, there was traumatic neurasthenia, she was
emaciated, had lost 30 pounds, and was sleeping badly. The total
compensation was $1,331.83.
A woman of 27 worked at the steam table of a restaurant, her
wage being $13. While carrying a large pan of meat, she slipped on
a wet floor which had been mopped with soap suds and fell on a scrub
bucket. The accident caused injury to back, right arm, and right
leg, and severe strain of the muscles of the abdomen. It caused
menstruation every two weeks. There was some bruising just below
the umbilicus in the median line. There resulted a ventral hernia in
the region of an incision made by an abdominal operation (appendi
citis) eight years before. She first noticed the hernia tumor three
months after the accident and stopped work the day following. She
entered a hospital on the fifth day and stayed five weeks. She was
at once operated on for the repair of the hernia and for liberation of
adhesions, which were very firm and extensive. Recovery was
delayed by an acute intestinal obstruction, for which an operation
was performed eight days after the herniotomy. The medical report
was as follows: “She complains only of weakness. There is a large
linear scar from the umbilicus to the pubes. She comphvins of a
slight tenderness in this region. She states that at the time of the
accident the abdomen was severely bruised and that there was an
abrasion of the scar of a former incision. She menstruated profusely

INJURIES INCLUDED BY LAW

and at frequent intervals up to the time of the operation for repair
of the hernia, since which time she has had no menstrual trouble.
She states that she had always been normal in this respect up to the
time of her fall. Whether the adhesions liberated at the time of this
operation were the result of the operation for appendicitis or of an
inflammation of peritonitis that followed the fall, her doctor was
unable to state.” The following statement of facts was made for the
commission: “The connection between this hernia and the fall has
not been definitely established * * * however, I believe that
the opinion as expressed by the State medical examiner after having
examined and interviewed the claimant, as well as of the doctor who
performed the operation, should be accepted, their statements in
dicating that the hernia resulted from the injury.” She lost 12 weeks.
Medical expenses came to $436 and were paid. Her compensation
was $95.37.
A woman of 23, a saleswoman in a department store at $12 a week,
was moving a model from one side of the room to the other. She
felt a sudden sharp pain and noticed a lump at that time. She did
not cease work right away, as she hoped that the pain would pass.
There was a shortage of help in the store, and she needed money.
She stopped work nine days after the accident, at which time her
injury was diagnosed as right inguinal hernia. She had never been
troubled with hernia prior to the accident. She was in a hospital
18 days and was operated on for repair of the hernia. She lost nine
weeks and one day. Medical expenses amounted to $124.40 and
were paid. Her compensation was $65.14.
A woman of 35, employed in a bakery at $18 a week, was carrying
a large basket of bread from the bakery to the front of the store when
she felt a pain which “seemed like cramps.” She stopped work at
once. A doctor was called the next morning. The effort had caused
a right inguinal hernia—unilateral, acute, strangulated, incarcerated,
and irreducible. The ring was small and tense. She was operated
on for the repair of the hernia and was in a hospital 15 days. Affi
davits of witnesses stated that injured ceased work at once after
carrying a heavy basket and that there was no previous rupture;
one witness stated that she had known the applicant 15 years and
knew that she never wore a truss. The legal department decided
that there had been “traumatic hernia.” She lost six weeks and
two days. Medical expenses amounted to $108.60 and were paid.
Her compensation was $63.43.
A woman of 20 was a core maker in a brass foundry. Her wage was
' $22 a week. Lifting and carrying a riddle of sand from the elevator
to the bench caused a pain in her abdomen. The doctor reported
“a left internal inguinal hernia, discoloration incident to hernia
undergoing strangulation, condition good with no evidence of con

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

genital impairment, inflamed and swollen, painful to pressure and in
breathing, protrusion of intestine through abdominal wall.” She
was in the hospital 17 days, and an operation was performed for
repair of the hernia. The affidavit of the injured woman stated that
six or seven months before the scheduled accident, while carrying a
tray of cores from the bench to the elevator, she had strained herself
and noticed severe pain. She had suffered no noticeable incon
venience from the injury but had discovered a small lump on the left
side of the abdomen. She did not report her condition to anyone
until on the day of the scheduled accident, when in lifting a box she
experienced pain and discovered that the lump had increased in
size. She noticed the hernial tumor the night following the accident.
She did not have a hernia prior to the accident. She had never worn
a truss. These statements were corroborated by affidavits of fellow
workers. She continued at lighter work, using extreme care for six
weeks after the accident until the claim was allowed by the com
mission. She lost eight weeks and one day. Medical expenses
amounted to $193.30 and were paid. Her compensation was $104.79.
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE

In the large group of fortuitous injuries mentioned earlier in this
section as being compensated without dispute, the fact that dis
ease or abnormality enters in to extend the temporary disability or
increase the permanent impairment does not prevent compensation
being paid to cover the total loss. At times cuts received at work sub
sequently become infected, even with the best of care; bone injuries
are very much complicated and their severity is increased by the
existence of syphilis; and injury to the ankle or knee joint in the
case of abnormally heavy persons is considerably aggravated. In
these cases compensation is paid for the existing disability. This
procedure is eminently equitable, yet when the disease which enters
in and produces a definite disability is caused by the occupation
itself, there is reluctance to consider the injury a compensable one.
The group of injuries in which the effects come on slowly as a
result of continued contact with some substance which is harmful
to human beings is named the occupational-disease group. If the
disabilities resulting from such cause were compensated in all cases,
it undoubtedly would promote careful analysis of the chemicals and
other harmful substances used in production, not merely in regard
to their usefulness to the industrial process but from the point of
view of their effect on human beings.

Table 10.—Compensation paid in cases of occupational disease, by nature of disease and by State

Occupational disease

New Jersey

Compensation paid

Total

Average
per case

Number
of
women

Total

Ohio

Average
per case

Number
of
women

Wisconsin

Compensation paid
Total

Average
per case

Number
of
women

Compensation paid
Total

Average
per case

193

$6, 648

72. 26

$2, 111

$100. 52

$3,116

$62.32

$1,421

$67. 67

41
6
1
1
6
1
1
1
5
1
1
1
1
1

3, 531
319
258
13
270
4
8
115
928
30
39
43
15
13

86.12
53.17
258. 00
13.00
45.00
4.00
8. 00
115. 00
185. 60
30.00
39. 00
43. 00
15. 00
13.00

9
2

556
67

61.78
33. 50

26
4
1
1
3
1
i
5
1
1
1
1
1

2,314
252
258
13
223
4

89.00
63. 00

661

110.17

115
928
30
39
43
15
13

115. 00

14
12
21
1
6
1
5
4
1
3
3
37
1

1,476
123

105. 43
123.00

5
1

381
123

76. 20
123. 00

661

110.17

123
131
7
124
486
16
470
45
2, 332
5

123.00
21.83
7.00
24. 80
121. 5Q
16. 00
156. 67
15.00
63.03
5. 00

123

123. 00
5

124

24.80

3
1

47 ... 15.. 67
8

8. 00

________

13. 00
74. 33

30. 00
39. 00
43. 00

3
21
*1

434

144. 67

1
1

7
7

7.00
7. 00

29.00

64.00

393

196. 50

1
1
9

29
9
1, 510

29. 00
9. 00
167.78

1
2
20

64
36
579

64. 00

377

377. 00

28. 95

243

30.38
5.00

135

33.75

881

67. 77

391

195. 50

387

48. 38

1,446

62. 87

1,119

159. 86

192

16.00

1 Includes a fatal case not compensated; no dependents.

* Death instantaneous. Not compensated; no dependents.

INJURIES INCLUDED BY LAW

All cases___________________ ____ ___ ______
Dandling or contact with poisonous or corrosive
substances ____________ . ............ .........................
Alkalis......................................................................
Anilin____________ ____ ___________ ____ _
Arsenic______________________ _
Brass and copper ____ _____________________
Creosote.............................. ................. .......................
Cyanids____________________________ _______
Hexamethylenetetramin _
Hydrochloric acid___ ____ ______ _____
__
Iodine.......... ........................................
______
Metol............ ..............................................................
Paraphenylendiamin............................ ....................
Sulphuric acid___________ ________________
Turpentine _ _______________
_________
Poisonous or corrosive substances not otherwise
classified—......................... ......................................
Inhaling fumes. ....................... .........................................
Carbon monoxid _ _________
Hydrocyanic and cyanogen chlorid
Irritant dusts and fibers................................................. .
Yarn particles__________ ________ __________
Other _ ____ ______ ______________________ .
Infectious disease.._____ _____________ _____ _____
Smallpox___________ ____ ___________________
Infectious disease not otherwise classified_____
Miscellaneous irritants—plants.....................................
Other harmful conditions................................................
Extremes of temperature _______ ________ ...
Continuous sprain or strain finally affecting
joint or tendon
..
Prolonged rubbing or chafing resulting in callouses, blisters, or bruises..................... ...............

Number
of
women

All States

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Of the injuries which were compensated in the three States, only
93 were occupational-disease cases. Of this number 1 resulted fatally,
14 resulted in some permanent disability, and the remaining 78 in
temporary total disability. In 88 cases enough evidence appeared
on the record to classify cause with certainty. In the remaining 5,
anilin (infection from handling dye in merchandise), metol (infec
tion from developing pictures), paraphenylendiamin (infection due
to dye from leather), arsenic (infection from filling paper bags; red
from sacks came off on the hands of the workers), and hexamethylenetctramin (infection from handling rubber) were indicated
as the causes. Two of the cases of brass poisoning were caused by
the handling of brass switch plugs in telephone operating and 3 by
the handling of brass in the process of manufacture. Three of the
women injured by alkali were cleaners. Of the injuries due to
irritant dusts or fibers, 5 occurred in textile manufacturing plants
and 1 in a shoe factory. Cases of continuous sprain or strain finally
affecting a joint or tendon ire included in this discussion because
the effects of the injury come on gradually, in contradistinction to
the accidental injury in which there is a definite time of occurrence.
An example is the case of e, trimmer in a millinery shop, who by
pushing and pulling a needle through heavy material gradually
developed a stretching of the ligaments and a severe dislocation of
the thumb. Cases of prolonged rubbing resulting in disabling injury
also are included here for the same reason as are continuous sprains or
strains. Such an injury occurred to a woman winding mica; the
handle of her machine cause 1 a blister to form, which later became
infected.
About 15 per cent of these 93 injuries, as compared with 24.5 per
cent of all injuries, resulted in permanent disability. The average
compensation cost was 172.26, as compared with $100.30 for all
injuries. The average cost of medical treatment was $34.64, which
is almost the same as the average cost for all injuries. One-half of
the permanent injuries due to occupational diseases followed con
tinuous sprain or strain or prolonged rubbing. One case which was
exceptionally expensive was that due to handling dye in merchandise,
in which a palmar abscess developed and was later followed by cellu
litis of the right forearm and by lymphangitis involving the entire
right arm. The injured woman received medical treatment over a
period of five months and was in the hospital seven weeks of that
time. Compensation was paid over a period of 174/7 weeks.

INJURIES INCLUDED BY LAW
Table

11.—Medical aid furnished in cases of occupational disease, by nature of
disease
Ca ses having medical aid

%
Occupational disease

All cases....................... ................................
Handling or contact with poisonous or corrosive
substances,............................... ...........
Alkalis,................................................ .........
Anilin,................................... .......................
Arsenic, _______ ______ ___ _____
Brass and copper_________ _______
Creosote. ______________________
Cyanids__________________________
nexamethylenetetramin__________________
Hydrochloric acid.............................. ..............
Iodine..... ................ ...................................
Metol__________ ______________
Paraphenylen diamin______ _____ _____
Sulphuric acid., _________________
Turpentine, _________________ __ _
Poisonous or corrosive substances not other-

Number
Amount furnished
of
Number
women report
ing
amount Total Average
per case

No med
ical aid
Number
fur
not re nished
porting
amount

$2, 217

$34. 64

41
6
1
1
6
1
1
1
5
1
1
1
1
1

1,338

44. 60

1
1
6
1

260
8

8.00
1

1
1
1

13.00
1

14
Inhaling fumes_______________________
Carbon monoxid........................ .
Hydrocyanic and cyanogen chlorid
Irritant dusts and fibers,...................................
Yarn particles................................
Other___________ __________ ____
Infectious disease..................... ....................
Smallpox________ __________ .
Infectious disease not otherwise classified___

1
il
1

57.00

123

20. 50

1
5

199

66.33

1
3

144

72! 00

481

21. 86

12.00

319

29.00

150

15.00

M iscellaneous irritants—plants...............
Other harmful conditions..................................
Extremes of temperature_____
Continuous sprain or strain finally affecting
joint or tendon________ ..._
Prolonged rubbing or chafing resulting in
callouses, blisters, or bruises_____

13
23

1 Death instantaneous; no medical aid.

There follow summaries of the information taken from State
records in a number of cases of occupational disease.
A girl of 18 was earning *10 a week as a telephone operator. Poison
from the brass terminals of the plugs used in operating was carried
to her eyes by her fingers. The conjunctiva became inflamed and
purulent conjunctivitis developed. The doctor stated that the case
was one of “occupational disease.” She lost two and five-sevenths
weeks. Medical treatment covered a period of practically two
weeks; the expenses amounted to $24 and were paid. Her total
compensation was $11.43. An investigation was made to determine
whether or not an accident had occurred. The injured made affidavit
that the cause as stated was the true one and that she had received
43094°—27-----5

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

no blow to the eye nor any foreign substance in the eye. The claim
was certified to by the employer and approved by the medical
division. The commission concluded “that claimant was injured
in the manner alleged.” The claim was allowed.
A press operator of 18, earning $14.30 a week in a factory making
electrical supplies, ran a sliver of brass into her arm at the elbow
while cleaning a brush. Infection set in. She lost three weeks and
four and a half days. Medical expenses amounted to $5 and were
paid. Her compensation was $21.66.
A woman of 33 was earning $12.38 a week in a factory making
registers. Her work involved the handling of brass. An eruption
appeared on the hands and also on the face near the eyes. She lost
two and three-sevenths weeks. Medical expenses amounted to $11
and were paid. Her total compensation was $11.79.
A woman of 30 was filling paper bags with coffee from an automatic
coffee hopper in the warehouse of a grocery company. She was
earning $15 a week. Some substance from the coffee bags spread
about the face and eyes, causing a burning sensation of the right
eyelid and also great pain as though something had struck the eye.
She was also troubled with watering of the eye. An investigation
was made to determine whether the injury was compensable. The
investigator observed the process and described it as follows: “The
bags were of rod paper, holding about 1 pound and filled very
rapidly. It was necessary for the filler to work quickly; in this
process it was noticed that some particles of substance were constantly
rising, whether from the bags or from the coffee could not be told.
The red from the bags rubbed off on the hands of the workers,
especially when the fingers were damp as they would be in moistening
stickers which were used to seal the bags.” The investigator inter
viewed the employer and took affidavits of the claimant. The
following facts were brought out: Injured had suffered a similar
accident 10 months before, when the left eye had been affected;
she had lost no time, but medical bills were paid; she had never had
trouble with her eyes except on these two occasions; at that time the
attending doctor stated that her eyes had been irritated by some
foreign substance and that her eyes were especially strong and good
and gave no evidence or suggestion of trachoma. The investigator
could find no other employees who had ever been similarly affected.
At the time of the inquiry there were two women suffering from
irritation of the eyes, but they were not willing to state that the
trouble came from their employment. The doctor on the case
reported, “Traumatic acute conjunctivitis, the ojiset of which was
rapid and acute, of mechanical origin indicating trauma.” The
State medical division stated, “While injury is quite different from
that usually considered traumatic conjunctivitis, it is quite possible

INJURIES INCLUDED BY LAW

that irritation of the eyes may have been produced in the manner
described.” The commission concluded that there was “no doubt
but what claimant did sustain injury to her eyes while engaged in
her regular employment.” The claim was allowed. She lost two
and two-sevenths weeks. Medical expenses amounted to $16.15
and were paid. Her total compensation was $12.86.
A girl of 19 was earning $16.94 in the finishing department of a shoe
factory, cutting strings and scratching heels. Acid from the polish
on the shoes came in contact with a scratch on the dorsal surface of
the middle finger. The result was an acid burn and a slow develop
ing infection. She did not call the attention of the foreman to the
injury until about a month later. Two months after the injury she
was obliged to stop work. At that time the left hand was badly
infected between the thumb and index finger and on the dorsal surface
of the middle finger. She lost two and two-sevenths weeks. Medical
expenses amounted to $13 and were paid. Her total compensation was
$14.52.
A woman of 54 was earning $12.50-a week fluxing spouts for tea
kettles in a plant manufacturing aluminum ware. In reaching into
a box to get spouts she scratched the left thumb and the right middle
finger. The flux came in contact with the scratches, causing an acid
burn. There was inflammation around the nail of the left thumb and
of the right index and middle fingers, followed by ulceration of the
index finger and loss of the nail. The woman lost four and foursevenths weeks. Medical expenses amounted to $9 and were paid.
Her total compensation was $29.75.
A can wiper in the varnish department of a can factory, 47 years
old, was earning $21 a week. Her fingers came in contact with solder
ing flux, and an infection developed between the ring and little fingers.
She lost three and four-sevenths weeks. Medical expenses were paid.
Her total compensation was $36.
A woman of 21 was earning $10 a week soldering in a plant manu
facturing jewelry. At the time of the accident she was placing work
to be soldered on a hot plate. She burned the thumb and index and
middle fingers of her right hand with acid (second degree burns).
She lost one and five-sevenths weeks. Medical expenses amounted
to $8 and were paid. Her total compensation was $4.76.
A tread builder in the stock-cutting department of an automobile
tire and tube factory, 29 years old and earning $22.80 a week, scratched
her finger on a nail. Following this the handling of rubber products
in the process of manufacture resulted in rubber poisoning. She
reported to the firm doctor with a typical case of poisoning all over the
limbs and trunk. A few days later she came to him with a crop of
small boils due to infection from scratching the rash. Nineteen days
after the accident she called a doctor to the house. She was in bed

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

with severe pain in the groin. There was lymphatic infection in groin,
adenitis of the deep inguinal and femoral glands producing severe pain
and flexion of the right thigh. The temperature ranged from 101 °
to 103°. The deep glands in the Scarpa’s triangle and in the deep
iliac region were swollen and painful. She had fever for five weeks
and was in bed for two weeks after that. The nature of the disease
was given as dermatitis. There was no' evidence of syphilis, gonor
rhea, or tuberculosis. She lost 104/7 weeks. The State medical
division wrote to the firm inquiring as to the connection between her
handling of rubber and the succeeding infection. The firm doctor
answered, “Few persons who work with raw rubber develop derma
titis. Some work at the same job for months and then get poisoned.
Perhaps poison is a foreign substance which occasionally gets into
crude rubber in gathering.” The claim was disallowed. The firm
later wrote the commission: “Employee says injury was sustained in
course of employment, will put matter in the hands of an attorney.
Please advise. We submit an article from India Rubber World,
November 1, 1918, on rubber poisoning, indicating that she is correct.
This states that organic accelerators of vulcanization have toxic
properties. It is necessary to study them not only from the stand
point of the accelerating action but also as regards poisonous proper
ties. Locally mildly irritant. Perspiration plays an important part
in the production of this rash. Becomes almost epidemic with rise
in temperature. Marked immunity observed among workers next
to virulent case. Formaldehyd produced under the influence of the
sweat acids. Bicarbonate of soda the antidote, preventive not cura
tive, arrests absorption.”—The commission reversed the order and
allowed the claim. Her total compensation was $114.86.
A shoe marker in the fitting department of a shoe factory was earn
ing $15 a week. The edge of a finger nail became torn loose while the
woman was at work, and dye from shoe leather entered the abrasion.
(Paraphenylendiamin may have been involved.) Septicemia devel
oped. She lost five and two-sevenths weeks. Medical expenses
amounted to $28.40 and were paid. Her compensation was $42.86.
A 20-year-old worker was earning $12 a week developing pictures
for a photograph company. She was following her usual routine,
handling (1) the developing agent (formula 40 oz. water, 15 gr. metol,
Yi oz. sodium sulphate, 60 gr. hydrochinon, % oz. sodium carbonate,
15 gr. potassium bromide), (2) the acetic acid solution (very dilute,
0.05 per cent), and (3) the hypo solution (soda ash). Her fingers and
thumbs became swollen and discolored, brownish, cracked, and fis
sured. There were water blisters followed by a toughening of the
outer skin, after which the toughened skin came off, leaving the
fingers raw. The State medical division wrote the employer as fol
lows: “Were the chemicals used mild or sufficiently strong to act as

INJURIES INCLUDED BY LAW

an irritant? Was there any accident or was she following her usual
routine?” The employer answered, "Following usual routine. It
may be that injured is more susceptible to the action of some chem
icals than other workers, for we have never had this difficulty with
anyone else. On return to work injured was instructed to wear
gloves. The first day’s work in the developing room caused per
ceptible blistering. She was then changed to other work.” The
State medical division approved the claim “on the grounds that
claimant appears to be inordinately susceptible to the action of the
chemical used (probably metol) and that the injury was one arising
out of, and in the course of, her employment.” She lost five and
six-sevenths weeks. Medical expenses amounted to $17 and were
paid. Her compensation was $38.86.
A woman, 41 years old, was earning $25.20 a week cleaning offices
in a factory which made electrical machinery. Her hands were
cracked through contact with the alkali in a washing powder. The
disability was not continuous, but covered 102/7 weeks in all. Her
medical treatment included hospital care. The trouble was pro
nounced "trade dermatitis.” An investigation to determine how
the injury was received found it “arose from the nature of the work.”
Medical expenses amounted to $24 and were paid. Her compensa
tion was $139.29.
A 25-year-old telephone operator was earning $10.95 a week.
Contact with the celluloid on the back of the transmitter resulted in
an eruption on the chest. She lost two and five-sevenths weeks.
Medical expenses were paid. Her compensation was $12.55.
A dipper in a candy factory, 18 years old and earning $14.50 a
week, was skinning peanuts and then dipping them in chocolate.
The peanut skins worked under the finger nails and infection set in
around the nails of the right thumb and index finger. An investigator
from the commission reported, “Doctor M. stated that he did not
remove any foreign particles from the abscesses on the fingers but
that the fingers were badly infected at the time the claimant came to
him He stated further that he had been called upon several times
to treat smaller abscesses caused from similar accidents; that the
small particles of peanut skin get under the cuticle and the sugar or
chocolate in which the girls work seals these particles in and helps to
bring on the infection, and that the work which the girls do at the
factory consists of scraping and rubbing the peanuts to remove the
skins, so it can be readily seen that the small skins could get under
the cuticle as described by the claimant.” The commission allowed
the claim as a “disease arising in the course of occupation.” The
woman lost four and two-sevenths weeks. Medical expenses
amounted to $11 and were paid. The compensation was $31.77.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

A carton folder in a rubber-goods factory, 46 years old and earning
$17 a week, was injured by continuous work on a new kind of carton.
Tenosynovitis of the wrist developed. She lost three and six-sevenths
weeks. Medical expenses amounted to $6 and were paid. Her com
pensation was $32.37.
A woman of 29 was earning $25 a week sewing bias strips in a
rubber-goods factory. Constant strain resulted in tenosynovitis of
the right wrist. She lost two and five-sevenths weeks. Medical
expenses were paid and her compensation was $25.71.
A winder in a woolen-goods factory, 22 years old, was earning
$14 a week. “Particles of yarn breathed through the nostrils caused
poisoning of the throat and eyes.” She lost two and one-sixth
weeks. Medical expenses amounted to $5 and were paid. Her
compensation was $6.80.
A girl of 17 was earning $12,10 a week in a knit-goods factory.
“Irritant dusts and fibers caused her hands, face, and body to swell.”
She lost one week and five days. Medical expenses amounted to
$29.90 and were paid. Her compensation was $6.55.
A pupil nurse in a hospital, 24 years old and earning $5 a week,
got an infected right arm from cleaning the operating room after an
operation for virulent peritonitis. She lost seven weeks and six
days. Medical expenses were paid, including hospital care during
the healing period. Her compensation was $29.29.
An 18-year-old assembler in a factory making electrical supplies
was earning $15 a week. While she was assembling brass in porce
lain, contact with a small piece of brass resulted in a festering of
her left index finger. It became necessary to lance the finger. She
lost two and two-thirds weeks. Medical expenses amounted to
$17 and were paid. Her compensation was $11.66.
A woman of 26 was earning $19.31 a week as service observer in
a telephone exchange. The wearing of a head-set receiver caused
inflammation of the external auditory meatus and ear drum, with
tenderness of the pinna and inflammation of the eustachian tube.
She lost two weeks. There were no medical expenses incurred.
Her total compensation was $12.87.
A woman of 23 was earning $25 a week as a laboratory worker..
She received infection while working with contaminated cultures in
the- pathological laboratory. She first contracted influenza in this
way, then measles, followed by otitis media (inflammation of the
middle ear). The commission had the case investigated to deter
mine how the infection occurred. The findings indicated that the
injured went off duty with influenza, unquestionably contracted in
the taking of routine throat cultures that were ordered in the hospital
at that time. She was in the hospital as a patient but a short period
of time and then returned to work. A few days later she contracted

INJURIES INCLUDED BY LAW

measles and was sent to the city hospital. There were three cases
of measles in the institution at that time, on all of which laboratory
material was handled by the laboratory. The influenza infection
had reduced her vitality, and in this state of lowered resistance she
contracted measles from the laboratory material. On account of
heavy pressure of work she had not left the hospital for practically
a month. The superintendent of the hospital wished a test case
made of this, as he felt that the rate charged hospitals was too high
unless it included cases of infection. The State legal division re
ported, “We doubt if measles and ‘flu’ are more likely to be con
tracted in a hospital where more unusual sanitary conditions prevail
than elsewhere, unless it can be shown that the employee’s work
itself involved specific exposure to such infection * * * the
danger of contracting infection from laboratory specimens would be
one of the chief hazards peculiar to such employment. This can
not be taken to mean that all infections contracted by hospital
employees necessarily arise out of that employment. Each case to
be compensable must show that it was the result of some definite
specific exposure to such infection or contagious disease. Proceeding
on this theory it would be our suggestion that the instant claim be
allowed, with the distinct understanding that it is not to serve as a
precedent for the payment of all cases of infection contracted by
hospital employees.” She lost five and two-sevenths weeks. Medi
cal expenses amounted to $138.53 and were paid. Her compensation
was $64.29.
A woman of 40 was earning $14 a week in the dry-house of a factory
making ink. There was a leak in the pipe conducting gas from
the laboratory, and a mixture of hydrocyanic and cyanogen chloride
gas was carried up to the floor where she was working. The case
was investigated by the commission, and an oral hearing held, at
which time the following facts were brought out: Injured was a new
employee and bad not been instructed as to the danger of inhaling
gas, the need for getting to a window immediately, and so forth.
The chemist smelled the gas in his laboratory downstairs. He knew
that the electric fan would carry it to the third floor and went
upstairs to see if any one were there. The second floor, the location
of the leak, was full of gas, and a good deal was on the third floor.
The chemist found the injured woman insensible on the third floor
and had difficulty in getting himself and her to the fire escape.
Inhaling this gas caused asphyxia, the results of which were that the
woman had headache and slight affection of sight, some hysteria,
with possibility of mild acute indigestion. At the oral hearing the
nature of the gas was explained, and the possibility of its accelerating
latent pathology, such as kidney or heart trouble, was brought out.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

The claim was allowed. The woman lost 141/7 weeks. Medical
expenses amounted to $56.75 and were paid. Her compensation was
$122.62.
A punch-press operator 35 years old was earning $18 a week in a
factory which made chains and sprockets. She claimed that in using
the handle of the punch press there was a bruising of her left hand
on the palmar side near the thumb, and a subsequent infection.
The resulting permanent disability was rated as 25 per cent loss of
use of the index finger. She lost two and one-half weeks. Medical
expenses were paid. Her total compensation was $116.58.
A 20-year-old coil tester was earning $20 a week. While she was
taping coils in a bench machine, the tape caused a blister to form at
the base of her right index finger, which became infected several
days later. She lost two weeks. Medical expenses were paid.
Her compensation was $8.
A woman employed in a factory making player rolls, 37 years old
and earning $12 a week, was picking up paper labels when the con
stant action of these labels on the thumb resulted in an abrasion
under the nail, which later became infected. It was necessary to
amputate the entire right thumb. She lost 23 weeks. Medical
expenses were paid. Her total compensation was $656.
A woman of 32, whose weekly wage was $19.50, was filling quart
cans with paint in a paint factory. These cans were heavy and tended
to slip, and the continual holding of them while filling, and lifting
them to a shelf, injured the left thumb at both joints, causing per
manent dislocation due to markedly relaxed capsule. There was no
bone pathology, but the stretched capsule resulted in abnormal
mobility of the thumb joint. She lost two and one-seventh weeks.
Medical expenses amounted to $20 and were paid. Her compensa
tion was $14.86. She stated that the doctor told her she could not
do the same work again on account of the injury.
A 29-year-old worker was earning $20 a week at soldering wire
connections for electrical appliances. A broken blister in the palm
of the right hand left a wound which was acted upon by soldering
acid (hydrochloric acid). It caused a burn about the size of a penny
and one-fourth of an inch deep. She lost three and six-sevenths
weeks. Medical expenses amounted to $4.50 and were paid. Her
total compensation was $38.09.

OCCUPATIONS INCLUDED BY LAW
ACT ELECTIVE OR COMPULSORY

Chart VI shows that the compensation law is elective in New Jer
sey and Wisconsin as far as private employers and employees are
concerned; that is, those private employers and employees who are
covered by the law may elect whether or not they will come under
the provisions of the act. Employers in these two States, as a rule,
choose to accept the act for two reasons. First, election is presumed
on the part of the employer covered unless by a written notice to
the commission and to his employees he states that he has elected
not to come under the act. In the same manner the employee may
choose not to be covered by the act by giving written notice to his
employer. Second, employers who choose not to be covered by the
act lose certain defenses which ordinarily are used in defending a
suit for damages. The defenses so lost are: (a) That the employee
had accepted the risk of hazard of his employment; (b) that the injury
was caused by the negligence of a fellow employee; (c) that the
injury was due to the negligence of the injured employee.1 In New
Jersey the employer covered by the act may bring as defense that
the accident was caused by willful act, intoxication, or reckless indif
ference of the employee;12 and in Wisconsin, that the injury was
intentionally self-inflicted or caused by willful want of care.3 The
employee who elects to come under the act forfeits the right to sue
for damages in case he believes his injury entitles him to more in
demnity than the law allows.4
1 First supplement, compiled statutes of New Jersey, 1911-1915, pp. 1639-1640, Sec. I, 1-2. Wisconsin
: tatutes, 1919, sec. 2394-1.
* First supplement, compiled statutes of New Jersey, 1911-1915, p. 1639, Sec. I, 1; p. 1641, Sec. II, 7.
3 Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-1. 1 (3); 2394-3 (3).
4 First supplement, compiled statutes of New Jersey, 1911-1915, p. 1642, Sec. II, 8. Wisconsin statutes
1919, sec. 23*1-3.

Chart

NEW JERSEY

VI.—OCCUPATIONS COVERED BY THE LAW
OHIO

OS
WISCONSIN

A. PRIVATE EMPLOYMENTS
Compulsory as to all employments except those employ
ing less than five employees, and casual employees not
in usual course of employer’s business.
General code oj Ohio, Page's compact edition, 1920, sec.
1466-60, 1465-61.
That is, “One who is employed solely to perform a par
ticular piece of work, the performance of which requires
but a very short period of time, the term of his employ
ment to cease upon the completion of such work, is a
casual employee ”
Ohio Industrial Commission Bulletin, v. 4, no. 5, Apr. 2,
1917, p. 19. (Ruling in re Pryor, Jan. 15, 1915.)
Voluntary as to employments having less than five em
ployees.
General code oj Ohio, Page's compact editioh, 1920, sec.
1465-71.

Elective as to all employments except those having less
than three employees, farm labor, and employees not
in the usual course of employer’s business, that is,
“Usual as here used is interpreted to modify course and
not to modify trade, business, profession, or occupa
tion.” Any person in the service of another, doing work
in the employer’s trade, business, profession or occupa
tion, is covered by the law, providing such work is in
the usual course of such trade, business, profession, or
occupation. Voluntary as to steam railroads.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-5.2; sec. 2394-7 (4);
sec. 2394-8 (4). Industrial Commission. Workmen’s com
pensation act (with 1919 amendments), p. 7, jootnote $2.

B. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENTS
Compulsory as to all employees except elective officials or
those receiving a salary over $1,200.
First supplement, compiled statutes oj New Jersey,
1911-1916, p. 1643, Sec. II, 10 c.

Compulsory as to all employees except officials or firemen
and policemen in cities having a pension fund.
General code oj Ohio, Page's compact edition, 1920, sec.
1465-61. 1.

Compulsory as to all employees except officials.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-7 (1).

INDUSTKIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Elective as to all employments except casual employment,
that is “employment the occasion for which arises by
chance or is purely accidental; or if not in connection
with any business of the employer, as employment not
regular, periodic, or recurring.”
Acts oj New Jersey, 1919, ch. 93, par. 23 c.

OCCUPATIONS INCLUDED BY LAW

OCCUPATIONS COVERED

The New Jersey law is the most inclusive of the three in respect to
occupations covered. The types of employment excluded are—
(a) Casual employees.5
(b) Minors illegally employed (a court decision).6
(c) Public employees receiving salaries of over $1,200, and elective
officials.7
Exclusions under the Wisconsin law are—
(а) Employers of less than three employees. Such employer may
choose to come under the act by filing a written notice with the
commission. When the employer thus elects to come under the act,
his employees are covered unless they withdraw by a written notice.
If such employer does not elect to come under the act and an employee
brings suit in case of injury, he loses as a defense that the employee
assumed the risk of the employment.8
(б) Employers of farm labor without regard to the number of
employees. Such employer may elect to come under the act but
loses none of the three usual defenses if he does not.9 Thus farm
laborers are left practically unprotected.
(c) Employees not in the usual course of the employer’s trade,
business, profession, or occupation.10 *
(d) Employees on steam railways, unless both employer and em
ployee elect to come under the act by a written notice to the com
mission.10 No defenses are lost if the law is not accepted.
(e) Public officials.
In Ohio those not covered by the law are—
(а) Domestic servants. A decision of the attorney general ex
cludes domestic or household servants in or about a private resi
dence, even though five or more are employed by one person, and
rules that the employer of such servants may not elect to come
under the act.11
(б) Employers of less than five employees. Such employer may
elect to come under the law, but since he loses no defenses if he
does not, there is little incentive to elect.12 This provision practically
excludes farm laborers.
(c) Casual employees of private employers, not in the usual course
of employer’s business.13
5 Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 93, par. 23 (c).
6 Iletzel v. Wasson Piston Ring Co. June 19, 1916. In New Jersey Law Reports, v. 89, pp. 201-205.
7 First supplement, compiled statutes of New Jersey, 1911-1915, p. 1643, Sec. II, 10c.
8 Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-1; 2394-5.
»Ibid, sec. 2304-1.3; 2394-5.2.
io Ibid, sec. 2394-7 (4); 2394-8 (4); 2394-7 (1).
“ Ohio Industrial Commission, Workmen's Compensation Law, with amendments and annotations,
1924, p. 86.
d General code of Ohio, Page’s compact edition, 1920, sec. 1465-71, 1465-73.

i» Ibid, sec. 1465-61.2.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

(d) Minors illegally employed.14
(e) Public officials, firemen, and policemen in cities having pen
sion funds.15
NUMERICAL EXCLUSION PROVISION

The provision excluding employers of less than three employees in
Wisconsin, and of less than five in Ohio, practically excludes from
the benefits of the law domestic servants in private homes in those
two States. In Ohio in addition there is a ruling from the attorney
general expressly excluding that group. This numerical provision
also rules out the workers in small workshops and retail stores, the
very smallness of which militates against proper inspection and
control by the State agency interested in the promotion of safety.
The fact that in Wisconsin the small employer may elect to come
under the act has not resulted in such acceptance by employers of
domestic servants in private homes to any appreciable extent, and
this fairly large group of wage earners is therefore excluded both in
that State and in Ohio from any compensation in cases of injury.
In New Jersey, whore the domestic-servant group is included in
the law, there appeared no evidence of difficulty in its administra
tion. Accidents had not occurred with any degree of frequency.
However, there were severe injuries.
During recent years there has been a decrease in the number of
women applicants for jobs as domestic workers, due largely to the
fact that conditions of employment have not been satisfactorily
standardized. There seems to be no valid reason for adding one
more unsatisfactory condition by excluding from benefits under the
compensation law persons injured while working in the capacity of
private domestic servants.
Cases of compensation to domestic servants.

Seventy-one domestic servants were compensated in New Jersey,
slightly over 6 per cent of all women compensated in that State.
There was one fatal case. (See details of fatal cases, p. 16.) Twelve
women were left with a permanent disability and 58 women had a
temporary disability. Case descriptions of typical accidents to
domestic servants follow:
Permanent disability cases.—A chambermaid, age not reported,
whose wage was said to be $7 a week, ran a needle into her wrist
while cleaning the floor of the bathroom. The needle broke, part of
it remaining in the wrist. The woman lost 11 weeks. After the
healing period she was left with a permanent disability, that is,
with 50 per cent loss of use of the right little finger. Medical ex
penses amounted to $50 and were paid. Her total compensation
was $103.
14 Acklin Stamping Co. v. Kutz. Apr. 2, 1918. In Ohio State Reports, v. 98, pp. 61-72.
w General code of Ohio, Page’s compact edition, 1920, sec. 1465-61.1.

OCCUPATIONS INCLUDED BY LAW

A domestic servant of 62, earning $9.63 a week, had climbed a ladder
to clean a bay window when the ladder toppled over and she fell,
causing a fracture of the right leg at the ankle. She lost 22J4 weeks.
The permanent disability amounted to 10 per cent loss of use of the
right foot. Medical expenses were paid, and her total compensation
was $215.07.
A 24-year-old cook in a private residence, whose wage was $14 a
week, was being transported in an automobile belonging to her em
ployer when an accident occurred, in which she was thrown forward
and two front teeth were knocked out and the gum was injured.
After the roots of the teeth were extracted, and the gums treated,
two false teeth were put in with bridge work to hold them. Medical
expenses amounted to $50 and were paid. She lost no time, but in
New Jersey the loss of natural teeth is considered a permanent
disability. Her total compensation was $74.56.
A cook in a private residence, 57 years old and earning $17.50
a week, suffered serious bruises of the thumb from the fall of an iron
ing table. The thumb became infected. She lost five weeks. The
permanent disability amounted to loss of thumb at distal joint by
amputation. Medical expenses amounted to $20 and were paid.
Her total compensation was $307.66.
A cook, 55 years old and earning $18 a week, fell down stairs and
broke and tore her arm. She lost 1234 weeks. The resulting per
manent disability was 50 per cent loss of use of the left hand. Med
ical expenses amounted to $14 and were paid. Her total compensation
was $1,032.
A domestic servant, 50 years old and receiving $11.25 a week,
slipped on the ice in front of the house and fractured her wrist. She
lost 2534 weeks. She was left with a permanent disability—25
per cent loss of use of the left hand. Medical expenses were paid.
Her total compensation was $461.25.
A laundress in a private residence, 32 years old, was earning $9
a week when her right middle finger was caught in the wringer while
doing the week y washing, the end of the finger being traumatically
amputated. She lost 10 }4 weeks. The permanent disability
amounted to amputation of this finger at the distal joint. Medical
expenses were paid. Her total compensation was $145.
A domestic servant, age not reported, with a wage of $9 a week,
was chopping wood and got a splinter in her finger. The splinter
could not be seen at the time. Infection set in. She lost five and
one-half weeks. She was left with a permanent disability of 50 per
cent loss of use of the right index finger. Medical expenses of $21
were paid. Her total compensation was $129.
A domestic servant, 50 years old and earning $17.58 a week,
slipped and fell on the floor, and her left hip was broken. She lost

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

44J/2 weeks. The resulting permanent disability amounted to
50 per cent loss of use of the left leg. Medical expenses amounted
to $50 and were paid. Her total compensation was $1,529.46.
A housekeeper in a private residence, 70 years old and earning
$13.84 a week, slipped and fell on the stairs, and the bone of the left
hip was cracked, without displacement. She lost OO^ weeks. In
this case there was permanent disability amounting to 15 per cent
loss of use of the left leg. Medical expenses amounted to $208.50 and
were paid. Total compensation was $1,063.76.
Temporary disability cases.—A domestic servant, age not reported,
was earning a wage of $8.08 a week at the time she ran a rusty nail
into her hand. Infection set in. She lost eight weeks. Medical
expenses amounted to $9 and were paid. Her total compensation
was $39.
A domestic servant, 70 years old and earning $15, was standing on
a chair adjusting pictures when she fell, both arms being broken
above the wrists. She lost nine weeks. Medical aid amounted to
$50 and was paid. Her total compensation was $75.
A laundress, 50 years old and earning $8.40 a week, was hanging
clothes in the yard when she fell, and her shoulder and back were
wrenched. She lost 11J/2 weeks. Medical expenses were paid.
Her total compensation was $60.
A woman of 46, earning $16 as housekeeper in a private home, in
some way slipped from the top step of a stairway, falling from the
second to the first floor. Her right shoulder was dislocated and the
ligaments wore torn. She was bruised over the entire body. She lost
17j/9 weeks. Medical expenses amounted to $30 and were paid.
Her total compensation was $172.25.
A domestic servant aged 48, with a wage of $15, while cutting bread
received a slight cut between the thumb and index finger. Two days
later she cleaned a copper utensil and the wound became infected.
She lost two weeks and live days. Medical expenses amounted to
$30 and were paid. Her total compensation was $13.34.
A woman of 50, whose wage was $20 a week as a domestic servant,
was operating an electric wringer in connection with an electric
washing machine. Her hand was drawn into the wringer, and the
fingers and hand were bruised. She lost eight and one-half weeks.
Medical expenses were paid. Her total compensation was $84.
A domestic servant of 45, earning $13 a week, was injured when a
pan of baking fat fell from the kitchen stove, badly burning her left
leg. She lost one week and five days. Medical expenses were paid.
Her total compensation was $1.71.
A cook, 26 years old and earning $17.49, dropped a pan of hot milk
and burned her left leg and foot. She lost three and a half weeks.
Medical expenses were paid. Her total compensation was $23.32.

OCCUPATIONS INCLUDED BY LAW

A domestic servant aged 40 was receiving a wage of $18. One foot
slipped through a hole in the flooring of the back porch, and the
left knee and thigh were severely bruised and lacerated. She lost
two weeks. Medical expenses amounted to $21 and were paid. Her
total compensation was $8.
A woman 65 years old was employed as a domestic servant at a
wage of $10.08 a week. The railing on a porch gave way, and she fell
to the ground, bruising head, face, and arms. She lost five weeks
and one day. Medical expenses were paid. Her total compensation
was $24.96.
Summary.—In summing up the recorded accidents to domestics in
private residences in New Jersey in regard to cause, it is found that
1 was the result of carbon monoxid poisoning, 1 of copper poisoning,
1 of ivy poisoning, and 1 of an infection, cause unknown. Falls were
responsible for 48, of which 19 occurred on stairs, 8 on ice, 4 from
ladders, and 3 from chairs or tables. Five accidents were due to the
worker’s coming in contact with hot substances, 5 to handling sharp
or rough objects (under this classification being included injury from
slivers or wire), 1 to being struck by a falling object, and 2 to stepping
on or striking against a rusty nail. Fingers caught in the rollers of
clothes wringers resulted in 4 injuries. Two accidents were caused
by automobiles. Of the remaining 14 domestic workers injured, 10
slipped or stumbled on floors or in yards, 2 fell from a porch when the
railing gave way, 1 stepped through a hole on a porch, and 1 stepped
into a drain gully in the yard.
There is no way of ascertaining from the State record whether the
injured persons returned to work, but it is interesting to sum up the
length of time compensated as the healing period, or the period of
total temporary disability, in connection with these accidents to
domestic servants. One woman lost no time. About one-third lost
less than 4 weeks, one-third 4 and under 8 weeks, and one-third 8
weeks and over. In the group losing most time, 6 lost between 12
and 18 weeks, and 4 lost 5 months or more.
Data on age recorded for 61 women indicate that these injured
domestic servants were found among the older groups. Only 6 were
under 30; 32 were 50 or more, and of these 10 were at least 60.
The wage on which compensation is based in the case of domestic
and personal servants is not the cash wage in every case. When
room and board are furnished to an employee, the New Jersey law
provides that a value of $5 shall be placed on such accommodation,
this amount to be added to the cash wage,16 and two-thirds of the
total thus arrived at to constitute the weekly compensation. In
some cases in New Jersey the report showed that room and board had
been furnished during the disability period. In such cases compenw Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 93, par. 23 (g).

~ 72

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

sation was based on the cash wage. As already stated, domestic
servants in Ohio were excluded from the workmen’s compensation
law. In Wisconsin the commission directed that "the fair value of
these benefits should he added to the money wage in computing com
pensation due.” 17 The median of the wages on which the compen
sation of the 71 domestic servants was based was $14.85; that is, onehalf were compensated as earning less than $14.85 a week, and onehalf as earning more than this. The highest wage recorded was $22,
for only one woman. For 17 women a wage of less than $10 was
reported.
Cases of compensation to farm laborers.

The other occupational group left unprotected, on the whole, in
the three States was that of farm laborers. However, New Jersey
compensation board records show that three women agricultural
workers were compensated in that State during the period studied.
One woman doing farm work in Wisconsin who was injured in an
accident also was compensated, her employer having elected to come
under the act. The cases are as follows:
A 17-year-old servant on a farm received a wage of $10 a week.
She was in a tree, picking cherries, when a limb broke and she fell
to the ground. The left ankle was sprained. She lost 343^ weeks.
There was permanent disability amounting to 40 per cent loss of
use of the ankle. Medical expenses amounted to $34 and were paid.
Her total compensation was $553.61.
A farm laborer, 50 years old and earning $10.50 a week, was being
transported from one of her employer’s farms to another and was
sitting on a basket in the vehicle when, on turning a corner, she was
thrown to the ground. The collar bone was broken, and she also
received minor bruises. She lost 19 weeks and 2 days. There was
no permanent disability. Medical expenses were paid, and total
compensation amounted to $125.
A cherry picker, 16 years old and earning $6.88 a week, while
picking cherries fell out of the tree, and the left arm was broken at
the wrist. She lost eight and one-half weeks. There was no per
manent disability. Medical expenses amounted to $20 and were
paid, and her total compensation was $42.55.
An agricultural laborer of 34 years, receiving a wage of $9 a week,
fell into a pit or bin. There were multiple bruises made on her
♦ head, back, shoulders, both legs, and chest. She lost two weeks.
There was no permanent disability. Medical expenses amounted to
$36 and were paid, and her total compensation was $7.97.1
17 Wisconsin Industrial Commission.
footnote 56.

Workmen's compensation act (with 1919 amendments), p. 21,

METHOD OF PAYMENT

The methods of payment of compensation in the three States
differ in regard to the proportion of wage allowed, the maximum and
minimum amounts paid, the time which must elapse before com
pensation begins (the waiting period), the method of determining
weekly wage, the adjustment of wage in relation to age, and the
plan for paying the actual money. These points are brought out
in the accompanying chart.
RATIO BETWEEN COMPENSATION AND WAGE LOSS

If industry is to bear the economic cost of industrial injury, changes
will have to be made in the method of estimating wage loss on account
of accident and in the method of repayment therefor. In theory, in
the three States at the time of this survey two-thirds of the burden
was to be handled by industry during the period of impairment.
However, the uncompensated waiting period and the setting of a
maximum weekly compensation rate both militated to reduce the
percentage of wage loss borne by industry. If the actual weeks lost
during the healing period are added to the estimated weeks lost
according to extent of permanent disability, and if the total of the
estimated earnings lost for this whole period is compared with the
compensation actually paid, the ratio between compensation and
wage loss is arrived at. (Table 12.) The same information, by
State, may be found in Appendix Table X.
Table 12.—Ratio of compensation to wage loss, by degree of disability
Estimated weeks lost

Degree of disability 1

Num
ber of
wom
Total
en

(1)

(2)

Ratio
of
Aver
Weekly
age
Extent
Amount coin
Estimated
wage
pencom
of dis
(arith amount of of com
sapensa
ability Ileal- metical
pensa
earnings
tion
tion
in terms ing
tion
lost (5X2)
paid
to
of esti period aver
paid
age)
wage
per
case
mated
loss
(7-5-1)
weeks
(7-5-6)
lost
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)

All cases.....................
17,542
3, 225 104,674% 87, 132%
Fatal cases______ ________
15 15,360 15,000
360

Permanent disability cases.
"Under 33^ per cent__
33and under 50 per
cent..............................
50 and under 66% per
cent_______________
66% and under 100 per
cent.

746 79,967% 72, 13234
725 69,020 62,024

8
12
1

Temporary disability cases 2,464
547
2 and under 3 weeks...
678
3 and under 4 weeks. _ _
436
4 weeks and over..........
803

7,835
6,996

$14. 79 $1,548,133.39 $315,847
16. 33 250,828. 80
21,124
14.74 1,178, 713. 58
14. 72 1,015, 974.40

214,451
179, 710

3 20.8.42
40 3 $97. 94
1,408. 27
18.19
17. 69

287. 47
247.88

3,334^ 3,033M

301

16. 94

56, 477. 96

11, 531

6,813

6, 325

488

14.71

100, 219. 23

19, 722

19. 68 1,643.50

800

750

15.00

3,488

29.07 3,488. 00

9,347
547
1,356
1,308
6,136

14. 79
14.61
14.88
14. 83
14. 80

9, 347
547
1, 356
1, 308
6,136

,000.00
138, 242.13
7,991. 67
20,177. 28
19,397. 64
90,812.80

80, 272
2,982
9’, 239

57,, 28£
762

20. 42 1,441. 38

58.07
37. 31
45.79
53.04
63. 61

32.58
5.45
13. 63
23.60
71.93

1
2 Excludes 60 cases not reporting complete data.
3 The
provision for ato
maximum
compensation
in eachwage
Stateotherwise
obviously
operates to reduce the
ratio
of compensation
wage lossweekly
below the
two-thirds rate
of weekly
prescribed.
In termsdisability
of per cent
of permanent total incapacity in permanent disability eases and of time lost in
temporary
cases.

43094°—27------6

Chart

VII.—METHOD OF PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION

NEW JERSEY

OHIO

-<I
WISCONSIN

A. PER CENT OF WAGE ALLOWED; MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM AMOUNTS

To dependents in case of death of injured—300 weeks.
Permanent total disability—400 weeks.

Permanent partial disability—healing period plus sched
uled number of weeks for permanent disability, in all
not to exceed 400 weeks. Temporary total disability300 weeks.

Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 98, par. 11, par. 12 (ft).

6626 per cent of wage.
Maximum—fatal, $15; permanent, $12; temporary partial,
$15.
Minimum—$5 a week or actual wage if less than $5.
To dependents in case of death of injured—416 weeks.
Permanent total disability—life.
Permanent partial disability—healing period plus the
scheduled number of weeks for permanent disability.
Temporary total disability—312 weeks.
Maximum benefits—Total benefits shall not exceed $3,750
except in cases of death, for which the maximum is
$5,000.

General code of Ohio, Page’s compact edition, 1920, sec.
1465-79, sec. 1465-80, sec. 1465-81, sec. 1465-82.

65 per cent of the average weekly wage.
Maximum—$14.63 a week.
Minimum—$6.83 a week. If earnings are $6.83 or less,
compensation is paid at minimum rate.
To dependents in case of death of injured—308 weeks.
Permanent total disability—15 years.
Permanent partial disability in cases of amputation or
enucleation shall run from the time of occurrence through
the scheduled number of weeks, but in cases of loss of
use, from end of healing period.
Temporary total disability cases shall be compensated
up to approximately 308 weeks.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2894-9 (2) (a-d); 2894-9

(3); 2894-9 (5) (a, e).

B. WAITING PERIOD

10not.
days

in length, whether disability is consecutive or

Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 98, par. 13.

1 week
in length.
General
code of Ohio,
1465-78.

Page’s compact edition, 1920, sec.

1 week
in length,
this week
to be compensated if disabilitv
continues
four weeks
or more.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2894-9 (2) (d).

C. WEEKLY WAGE, HOW DETERMINED
force at time of accident exclusive of gratuities. Board
and lodging when furnished shall be included and
valued at $5 per week unless the money value is other
wise fixed at time of hiring. If wage is fixed by output,
the daily wage shall be calculated by dividing the
number of days actually employed into the total amount
actually earned during the preceding 6 months, or such
part of it as injured was actually employed by same
employer. If wages are fixed by the hour, the hourly
rate shall be multiplied by the customary number of
working hours. The daily wage shall be multiplied by
526, 6, 626, or 7 according to the customary number of
working days.
Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 98, par. 23 (g).

-------

of the injury.

it >.ev

‘ im.v .ujuLuu j.-*

juu ait itut uiuci

General code of Ohio, Page’s compact edition, 1920, sec.
1465-84.

Average weekly wage shall be one-fiftieth of the average
annual earnings.
Average annual earnings shall equal 300 times average
daily earnings if employee has worked a full year at
the same employment. If not, it shall be based on earn
ings of workers in same or similar employment in same
or neighboring place.
Average daily wage—no day of less than 8 hours shall be
used unless by agreement or custom a shorter day is
considered a full day.
Average annual earnings shall in no case be set at less
than actual annual earnings.

Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2894-10.1: sec. 2894-10.1
(a-d).

IN D U S T R IA L A C C ID E N T S TO W O M E N

6626 per cent of wage.
Maximum—$12 a week.
Minimum—$6 a week, or actual wage if less than $6.

D. ADJUSTMENT OF BASIC WAGE BECAUSE OF AGE OF INJURED
No provision.

If it is established that the injured employee was of such
age and experience when injured as that under natural
conditions his wages would be expected to increase,
the fact may be considered in arriving at his average
weekly wage.

General code of Ohio, Page’s compact edition, 1920, sec
1465-85.

If employee is a minor and is permanently disabled, his
weekly earnings shall be determined on the basis of
the earnings that such a minor, if not disabled, probably
would earn after attaining age of 21.
In cases of permanent injury to employees over 55, com
pensation shall be reduced by 5 per cent; if over 60, by
10 per cent; and if over 65, by 15 per cent.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-10.1 (e); 2394-9 (5) (<?).

E. HOW COMPENSATION SHALL BE PAID

Biweekly, unless a lump sum payment is deemed advis
able by the commission.
The commission, under special circumstances and when
the same is deemed advisable, may commute payments
of compensation or benefits to one or more lump sum
payments.

General code of Ohio, Page’s compact edition, 1920, sec.
1465-87.

Weekly payments.
After 6 months from the date of injury, commission may
order payment of compensation in gross or in such
manner as it may determine tn the best interests of the
parties. Present worth based on 3 per cent annual
interest.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-9 (2), (5) (Z).

M E T H O D OF P A Y M E N T

In the same manner in which wage shall be paid.
Lump sum payment may be commuted at a discount of
5 per cent simple interest upon the application of either
party, that is, of the injured or his dependents, upon
due notice to the other if it appears to be to the best
interests of either party, or will avoid undue expense
or hardship to either party, or if either party has re
moved, or is about to remove from the United States,
or if employer has disposed of the greater part of his
business or assets.
Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 98, par. 21 (b, d).

Cr»

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

In Table 12 the estimated number of weeks lost in the permanent
cases is arbitrary, but the figures were assigned according to the
scale of the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards
and Commissions (see p. 35), a scale based on a very inclusive study
of accident statistics and as nearly accurate an expression of such
loss as has yet been formulated.
The average compensation received by the 803 women included in
the present study who were left with a temporary total disability of
at least four weeks’ duration was 63.61 per cent of their weekly wage.
In this group the uncompensated waiting period had least effect in
lowering the ratio between compensation and wage loss. In the
case of the temporary total disability group losing less than two
weeks, the waiting period consumed more than half the lost time
and the ratio of compensation to wage loss was reduced to 37.31
per cent.
In the permanent disability group the ratio of compensation to
wage loss is much lower. It is difficult to allocate the influence of
various factors which tend to effect this result. In 97.2 per cent of
these cases the permanent disability amounted to less than 33^ per
cent of permanent total incapacity. The remaining cases are too
few to discuss statistically. For the 97.2 per cent the uncompen
sated waiting period and the arbitrary maximum-compensation rate
both tended to lower the ratio between compensation and wage loss.
Another factor in this lowering process is that relating to the
importance assigned to finger injuries in the scale of the International
Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions. Any
permanent disability to a finger is rated at 5 per cent of permanent
total incapacity, that per cent being considered a fair average of the
result of finger injuries. Then the fact that in Ohio certain permanent
partial disability cases were not compensated without proof of wage
loss also resulted in a lowered ratio. The inclusion of these permanent
cases in the tabulation makes a ratio of 15.06, while excluding them
raises Ohio’s ratio to 19.43. In Wisconsin the elimination of com
pensation during the healing period following amputation or enuclea
tion has a similar result. Among all disability cases the ratio of
compensation to wage loss was 20.40 per cent.
Compensation in relation to age.

The trend of wages according to age has been of interest from
the point of view that, in the case of permanent disability, rates
which are to be paid over a considerable period of time should be
fixed with some regard for this trend. The wage information in the
3,106 cases in which age and wage were reported indicates a low
median throughout, no age group rating as high as $16.

METHOD OF PAYMENT
Table 13.—Wage on which compensation was based, by age of injured
Age of injured

Num
60
40
50
Weekly wages on which com ber of
18
25
30
70
and
and
and
and
and
and
pensation was based
wom Under and
years
under
under
under
under under under under
en
and
18
70
50
GO
25
30
40
years years years years years years years years over

67
378
217
646
552
All cases............................... 13,106
303
550
385
Median wage................................. $14. Do $12.80 $14.05 $15.60 $15. 80 $15. 70 $15. 20 $13.95 $12. 50

$9 and under $10-.......................

$10 and under $11.............. ..........
$11 and
and under
under $12.........................
$12
$13
$13 and under $14.........................
$15 and under $16_____ ____ _

$21 and under $22_________

_.
Over $18, amount not specified.
Over $22.50, amount not speci
fted

S
29
27

4
7

2129

128
209
185
379
296
234
363
205
138
195
94
127
61
80
17
259

1
2

3
3

32
23
44
42
25
24
13

25
43
41
94
52
50
60
35
23

5
5

■1114

9
7

11
1

1
2
24

9
15
31
36

1
2
24
13
18
19
34
34
31
44
33

2
2
1
156

2138

29
14
23
9

6
8

27
11
24
318

113

22
39
22
23

17
27

40
87
41
32
46

56
57
40
60
45
27
44
19
25
9
13
3

6862

28
31
45
25

17
13
31

2017
1219
8
114

12
10
12
63
24
2

1
23
3
9
9
13
3
4

10
1
1
23
1
2

8
1
1
1
1
2

1 Excludes 179 cases not reporting complete data.
2 Not computed, owing to small number involved.

In five of the nine age groups, if that of 70 years be included, the
median for which does not appear on the table, the medians are
lower than that for all ages. One-half of the women reporting age
as under 18 years were compensated at a wage of less than $12.80
a week, and one-half of those 18 and under 20 years of age at a wage
of less than $14.05 a week. One-half of the group between 50 and
60 years were compensated at a wage of less than $13.95 a week,
and for the group 60 and under 70 the middle point in wages was
$12.50. Four of the women aged 70 or more were compensated on
the basis of a wage of less than $12 a week. The median wage for
the groups between 20 and 50 varies only slightly, the highest point
being reached for the age group 25 and under 30 years, with one-half
of the group compensated as earning over $15.80. The upward
adjustment of the wage of minors permanently disabled, since they
would normally earn an increasing amount for a few years, has been
put into practice in Wisconsin, as well as the necessary corollary to
this procedure—that is, the reduction of the rate of older persons on
the basis of an expected normal decrease in their earning power.
Payment by employers of compensation n excess of legal rates.

The difficult situation which an injured wage earner has to face
during the week following the accident is recognized in some cases
by the payment by employers of a rate in excess of that required by

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

law. This practice is not often reported to the State compensation
board or commission, and therefore the State records do not give
full information in this regard. Such procedure on the part of
employers, of going a step beyond the legal requirements, by making
payments during the waiting period or by paying more than the legal
two-thirds later, is not to be confused with insurance plans by which
employees pay directly from their wages toward possible incapacity
from accidents. There was no information in regard to this latter
plan to be obtained from State records.
Compensation rates paid in the three States.

According to the State records, in 91 cases a rate higher than that
required by law was paid, 33 of these receiving the full wage during
the entire disability period, 10 receiving the full wage during part of
the disability period, and 48 being paid more than the legal rate but
less than the full wage. (Appendix Table IX.) In 3,169 cases the
compensation rate paid was that set by law. There were 16 cases in
which a lump-sum payment was ordered. This small number indi
cates the reluctance on the part of compensation boards and com
missions to depart from the consideration of compensation as money
to be paid at short regular intervals to take care of the wage loss
during the compensated period.
MEDICAL AID

The accompanying chart shows the legal provisions for medical aid.
Regulations providing for medical aid up to certain limits, either of
time or of money, mean in general that after these limits have been
reached medical aid must be paid for, if received at all, by the patient.
Since in some instances this procedure might keep the injured women
from getting further treatment when needed, and result therefore in
increasing the final extent of permanent disability, provision has
been made in the laws for additional treatment in exceptional cases.
Under this plan the patient who needs more treatment than can be
included in the customary allowance must know her legal rights in
order to petition in the proper manner. In Ohio, with a corps of
doctors on the commission’s pay roll, there is an excellent oppor
tunity for the commission to follow effectively the actual extent of
disability in permanent disability cases and the amount of medical
treatment accorded to each.

Chart

OHIO

NEW JERSEY
,
On day of accident and during the next following 27
consecutive days reasonable medical and hospital serv
ices and medicine as needed, not to exceed $50 in value,
unless the employee refuses to allow them to be fur
nished by the employer.

Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 98, par. 14.

VIII.—MEDICAL AID
WISCONSIN

A. EXTENT

Such amounts for medical, nurse, and hospital services
and medicine as the commission may deem proper, not
to exceed the sum of $200.

General code 0} Ohio, Page's compact edition, 1920,
sec. 1465-72.

Payments by self-insured employers shall in no case be
less than that paid by the State fund.

Such medical, surgical, and hospital treatment, medi
cines, medical and surgical supplies, crutches and
apparatus as may be reasonably required for 90 days
immediately following the accident to cure and relieve
from the effects of the injury.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-9 (7)

B. ADDITIONAL AMOUNT
In severe cases requiring unusual medical or surgical
treatment, the employee or his representative shall
be authorized to present a petition to the Workmen’s
Compensation Bureau, and the commission is hereby
empowered when warranted by the evidence pro
duced to order additional services not to exceed $200
or to extend over a period not to exceed in total 17 weeks.
This shall apply only to nonfatal cases.

Acts oj New Jersey, 1919, ch. 98, par. 14.
Acts 0) New Jersey, 1919, ch. 98, par. 11 (x).

In unusual cases, wherein it is clearly shown that the
actually necessary medical, nurse, and hospital
services and medicines exceed the amount of $200,
the commission shall have the authority to pay such
additional amounts upon a satisfactory finding of
facts.

General code 0] Ohio, Page's compact edition, 1920,
sec. 1465-89.

Such treatment and supplies as described above for
more than 90 days if in the judgment of the commission
it will lessen the period of compensation disability, or
in cases of permanent total disability for such period
as the commission may deem advisable.
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2894-9 (7).

MEDICAL AID

General code oj Ohio, Page's compact edition, 1920,
sec. 1465-89.

Special operation fee of $150 in case of hernia.

C. REFUSAL BY EMPLOYEE
No medical aid allowed if employee refuses that offered
by the employer. Where an employer’s interests are
affected by an employee’s refusal to accept proffered
medical aid, the employer can petition the compensation
bureau to order proper treatment at the employer’s
Expense, refusal of which by the employee shall modify
the awards to which he is entitled.
Acts oj New Jersey, 1919, ch. 98, par. 20 (e).

Employee may choose his own physician.

No compensation shall be payable for death or disability
of an employee if his death is caused by (or in so far
as his disability may be aggravated, caused, or con
tinued by) an unreasonable refusal or neglect to submit
to, or follow, any competent and reasonable surgical
treatment.

Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2894-9 (1).

-1

Table 14.—Medical aid furnished in cases of accident, by nature and location of injury and by State

A. NUMBER

Average
per case

N um ber not re
porting am ount

No medical aid furnished

1
All cases.................................. i 3,263 2,384 $84, 832 $35. 58
Bruise, contusion, crush...... .........
897 651 15, 842 24. 33
Burn, scald, crush and burn___
152 112! 4,578 40. 88
Concussion (other than dismem72
65 3,850 59. 23
Cut, laceration, puncture
1,075 787 24, 080 30.60

22 1,544 1,387 $47, 450 $34. 21
8 431 383 9,152 23. 90
2
71
66 2, 730 41. 36

126
37
3

3J
11
2

48 3 237
435 12; 754 29.32

1
6

2,056 21. 42

2,056 21.42

2,451 87. 541
1,318 13.18L.
1,133 41.96

Dislocation........ ..............................

47
12
5
3
3
3
7
14

717 29.88

Elbow_______ ____________
Wrist _____________ ______
Hip__________________ ____
Knee.............................. ............

1
1

85 17.00.
48 24.00:.

Fracture......... ...................................
Humerus_____________ ____
Ulna, radius, or both...........
Fingers, thumb
Tibia, fibula...................... .......
Foot........... ................................
Other....... ........... .....................

292
4
46
11
64
14
4
149

N um ber report
ing am ount

222 24. 67
3,431 23. 03

4
208

51
481

1,103 25.07
______1_____
44 1,103 25. 07

107

107
25

6
272

1
16

13
362

5,610 33.39
1,318 13.18
4, 292 25. 70

108

40 1,284 32.10
10
331 33.10
4!
159 39.75
35 11.67
3
62 20. 87
3
2
125 62. 50
91 19. 20
5
13
481 37. 00
I
217! 15, 513 71.49
4
269 67. 25
43 1,964 45. 67
11
229 20. 82
43: 1,635 38. 02
S 1,154 L28. 22
197 49. 25
4
103 10,065 97. 72,

6
1
1

1
1

17
5
4

11
4
3

43. 82
155 38. 75
llOl 36. 67

6
1
1

2
3

1
r

iiiiiii.no
34
721 36. 00

168
1
167

1
2
1
69

■ 1

19
5

9
149
44

250
1
249

617
164
27

70 1,077
23 278
5
47

Amputation.................................. .
Arm___ ____________ _____
Fingers, thumb........... .............

438 $14, 772 $33. 73
106 3,232 30. 49
899 49. 94
18

809
223
35

Amount
furnished

75
0

3
2

Cases having medical
aid

Amount
furnished

eg
si

flS
LS.g
Ba-eo

£3

642 559 $22,610 $40.45'
188 162 3,458 21.35
34, 28
919 33.89

66
22
5

8!
8
232; 203

35!

391 48.
7,895 38.89,

15 15.00!.
14 14.00.

47 23.50

101
1
8
2
22
6

40
1
6
2
6
1

1, 673
15
180
86
106
50

41.83
15. 00
30.00
43.00
17. 67
50. 00

138

128

8,570 66. 95

1
1;

1, 570 50. 65

1,236 51.50

34
3
3
56

30
3
3
50

1,365 45.50
75 25.00
42. 67
5,044 100. 88

14
5

Wisconsin

Cases having medical
aid

N um ber of women

per case
N um ber not re
porting am ount

Average

Amount
furnished

Total

N um ber report
ing am ount

N um ber of women

Cases having medical
aid

N um ber not re
porting am ount

Average
per case

Total

N um ber report
ing am ount

Amount
furnished

Ohio

8.00'.

]]

49!

4
5

1
8
5
311

5, 270 107. 55
214 35.67 .
9 9. 00 .
164 23.43
1,029 205. 80'.
69 69.001 .
3,785130.521

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Nature and location of injury

N um ber of women

Cases having medical
aid

No medical aid furnished

New Jersey

No medical aid furnished

All States

Sprain, strain....... ...........................

381

276 11, 427 41. 40

2. 609 59. 30
1 Rfifi 1
fi4
], 034 51. 70

12l
4

128

511
5'
3

21.16
28. 88
32. 93
18. 90
75. 81

5
2
20
3
8
25
15

3
2

78
27

1,058
231
922
1, 552
2,047

19
3
5
4
24
3
15
39
16

2,648 38. 94

73
13

50
8

Other........................................

105
43

All other............................................

2
2‘

8
18
3
H

3,514] 68.90

188

168

6,455 38.42

1,458 25.58

1,764 352.80
360 120. 00.
207 103.50
19| 9.50
391 39.10.

34
5
19
6
31
7
16
47
23

31
5
17
6
24
7
15
42
21

691 22. 29
1.074 214. 80
824 48. 47
64 10. 67
416 17. 33
221 31.57
505 33. 67
855 20. 36
1, 805 85. 95

8
3
1
2
16
1
5
18
3

154 19. 25
432 144.00
3 3.00
25 12.50
251 15.69
10 10.00
122 24.40
332 18. 44
129 43.00

1, 779 45.62

653 34. 37

295 36.88
365 20.28
113i 37.67,
216 21.60
|
1

3
2
14
2
7
21
13

1
3
1

2
1

10
3
1
2
18
3
5
19
4

5
2

2
1

1
1
3

........

B. PER CENT
100. 0^100.0

_____!ioo. olioo.o

All cases.......................... .

7.7

as n
7.0

8.9 9.1
11. 7 11.6
3.0 2.9

——
27. 6 32.9 25.8 24.2
4.4 4.1
4 3 7.1
1.4 1.2 2.1
3376 22.9 33.6 34.0
9.9 2.9 10.0 10.0
. 7 1.4
1. 6 2. 5
8.5 8.6 9.4 9.1
11.5 17.1 11.9 11.6
3.1 5.7 2.1 2.3

100.0 100.0 100.0

100. o!______

26.6 36.4 27.9 27.6]______
4.6 4. 8_____
4.4 9.1
3.3 3.5!______
.6
33.7 22.7 31.2 31.4!_____
10.2 4.5 6.9 6.9______
1.6 1.7______
1.0
9.4 13.6 8.9 9. 2______
12.2 9.1 12.2 12.1............
1.9 4.5 3.4 2.8;............
1

100.0 100.0
29~ 4 35.5
2.4 6.5
1.6 3.2
31.7 19.4
7.9 3.2
3.2
7.1 3.2
11.9 16.1
7.9 9.7

100.0 100.0
29.3 29.0
5.3 5.0
1.2 1.4
36.1 36.3
5.5 5.0
.8 • .9
8.3 8.8
10.1 10.2
3.4 3.4

I
I
_____!ioo. o|ioo.o
_____ 33.3 23.5
_____ 1 7.6 5.9
.......... 36.4 29.4
.......... j 10.6
_____

3.0 11.8

4.5 29.4
4.5

MEDICAL AID

2.2

9 7

100.0 100.0

1 Excludes 22 cases not reporting nature of injury.

INDUSTBIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

MEDICAL AID GIVEN IN THE THREE STATES, IN RELATION TO
NATURE OF INJURY

The average cost of medical treatment provided came to $35.58.
The average for fractures came to twice this amount, and concussions
had a high figure. The average for sprains or strains exceeded the
general average by almost $6, and burns or scalds exceeded it by
about $5.
In Ohio the amount of medical aid supplied was reported in 91.8
per cent of the total 1,544 cases. In that State—since accident
reporting is thorough, information on the State records in regard to
medical treatment is complete, and the employee may choose her
own physician—although medical aid in excess of $200 may be
allowed on petition it seems safe to assume that the average cost of
medical aid per case, $34.21, is fairly indicative of the trend which
such cost follows when little hampered by overrestrictive legislation.
In 166 cases in Ohio the cost was higher than $50, and in 32 of these
cases the need for the expenditure of more than $200 was recognized.
The following excerpts from three cases in which medical treatment
was expensive will indicate briefly the nature of the injury and the
extent of the disability: In one, fracture of the scaphoid bone of the
foot was complicated by subsequent periostitis. The woman was
still totally disabled four years after the accident. Medical treatment
extended over a period of two years, at a cost of $648.75. In another,
a stellate comminuted fracture of the distal phalanx of the great toe
was followed by infection and required a healing period of 137 weeks
and medical treatment over a period of 14 months, at an expense of
$1,215.02. In a third case, severe strain of back and left shoulder,
complicated by a preexisting heart condition not discovered until
after the injury, resulted in death 149 weeks after the accident. Medi
cal treatment was required over the greater part of this time, including
a night nurse for 14 days and a day nurse for 9 days prior to death, at
an expense of $1,085.05.
In Wisconsin accident reporting and information on State records
in regard to medical treatment left little to be desired. The average
cost of medical aid per case was 18 per cent higher than in Ohio.
On the other hand, although the 90-day medical-aid period can not
be spoken of in terms of a money limit, the 35 cases in Wisconsin in
which the healing period was longer than 12 weeks would seem to
challenge the system of setting a definite time limit to medical treat
ment. Sixty of the cases in Wisconsin received medical aid of
between $50 and $200, and 16 received aid in excess of $200. Ref
erence to two of the cases in which an exceptional amount was paid
reveals that in one a compound fracture of the tibia and a simple
fracture of the fibula required a healing period of 36 weeks and medical
aid amounting to $828.42, and in the other an amputation of the arm
2 inches below the elbow required a healing period of 32 weeks with
medical aid amounting to $1,317.50.

MEDICAL AID

In New Jersey the amount of medical aid was not reported in
57.3 per cent of the cases. This omission was due in large measure
to the fact that companies employing doctors on contract reported
that fact rather than a computed rate per case. It is difficult to
judge on the basis of the 438 cases reporting, which averaged $33.73,
the extent of the medical aid given in this State. In 38 cases more
than $50 was paid, and in 6 of these the amount was over $200. The
average for the 51 cases of sprain or strain was $68.90. In one case
in New Jersey, in which the injury involved the back and the final
disability amounted to 20 per cent of permanent total, the medical
aid came to $1,647.35.
MEDICAL AID AND EXTENT OF DISABILITY

An analysis of the cost of medical aid acccording to the extent of
disability reveals that the average in cases of permanent disability
was almost three times that in temporary disability cases (Appen
dix Table VII). The average for cases of permanent partial loss of
use was higher than that for dismemberment or ankylosis.
Use of X ray.

It is not necessary to compile figures showing the results of the
use of the X ray for diagnosis in terms of a lowered degree of per
manent, disability. When from the nature of the injury there is any
possibility of bone injury through fracture or misplacement, the fact
that there is need for an X ray, both before and after treatment, is
thoroughly accepted. In Ohio, where such work is provided for by
the State, it was possible to determine the extent to which it was
performed. In 847 cases the nature of the injury was such as to
indicate possible bone injury; 146 of these were X-rayed, nearly
one-half of all cases of fracture being so treated, as were more than'
one-fourth of all cases of dislocation, one-sixth of all cases of sprain
or strain, and about one-thirteenth of all cases of bruise or contusion
(Appendix Table VIII). Seven-tenths of the X-rayed cases-resulted
in temporary disability. The time for X ray, if the most effective
result in terms of reducing permanent impairment is to be realized,
is immediately after the injury rather than when complications have
set in. The fact that X-ray work was paid for without question in
Ohio tended to promote its use: The following excerpts from State
records indicate the manner of reporting this method of diagnosis:
A worker aged 45 stepped on top of a sewing machine to reach
for a box, and in stepping down her skirt caught and threw her to
the floor. The right and left knee joints were sprained and hemor
rhagic spots appeared over the surface of the back and limbs. An
X ray taken the day after the accident showed “no evidence of bone
change in femur, apparently an incomplete fracture of the articular

Industrial

accidents to women

surface of the tibia without displacement.” A second X ray two
weeks after the accident showed no bone change. The healing period
was four and three-sevenths weeks.
A worker aged 52 slipped on the floor and fell on her left arm.
An X ray taken the day of the accident showed a Colies fracture, and
a plaster cast was applied for one week, followed by manipulation
for three weeks. An X ray taken at the end of the healing period
showed “an unusually fine adjustment.”
A 40-year-old woman slipped on a wet floor and fell on her right
arm. An X ray taken the day of the injury showed a comminuted
fracture of the radius and a fracture of the styloid process of the ulna.
A second X ray taken after reduction showed bones in perfect position.
The length of the healing period was six and four-sevenths weeks.
A 25-year-old saleswoman received a wrist fracture when the stool
on wdiich she had climbed to reach stock tipped and threw her to
the floor. An X ray taken the day after the injury showed a fracture
of the left radius about one-half inch above the wrist joint, with
incomplete dislocation of the head of the radius and fracture of the
styloid process of the ulna. The reduction was made under a
fiuoroscope, and an X ray taken three days after the injury showed
the bones in very good position. The disability required a healing
period of five and four-sevenths weeks.
Infection.

The need for immediate and competent attention to small injuries
in order to prevent infection has been emphasized since the beginning
of the organized safety movement. When an injury is complicated
by infection, the healing period may be prolonged, permanent
disability may result in cases which otherwise might have made
a complete recovery, or the degree of impairment may be increased in
permanent disability cases. The State records in Ohio included a
question on the presence or absence of infection, which was seldom
left unanswered, but in the other two States, though infection was
mentioned when it was an important factor in the disability, when
it was not mentioned its absence could not be assumed. The in
formation given here, therefore, is an underestimate, since it is based
only on cases in which there was a positive report. Over one-fifth of
all cases reporting nature of injury were complicated by infection
(Appendix Table XI). Three, resulted fatally and 148—about 22
per cent—in permanent disability. Well over one-third of all the
infections followed cuts or lacerations, and more than one-fifth fol
lowed punctures. Over three-fifths of the injuries caused by punc
tures, practically three-tenths of the cuts and lacerations, and over
one-fourth of the cases of crush and burn were complicated by infec
tion. Of the infected permanent disability cases, the final extent
of disability was dismemberment in 45 per cent of the cases, impair

MEDICAL AID

ment in 37 per cent, and ankylosis in 14 per cent. There was a con
siderable number of cases in which the original injury was slight—
consisting of injury by pin or needle pricks or splinters of wood, or
pieces of straw, by scratches on metal, by slight knife cuts or cuts
caused by thread—in which a subsequent infection resulted in serious
consequences. In these cases, adequate first aid might have lessened
disability. Excerpts from State records in 15 such cases follow:
A glove inspector, 45 years old and earning $10 a week, while
picking up a pile of gloves from a wooden table in the factory ran a
splinter into her right middle finger. She did not stop work until the
second day after the accident and did not consult a doctor until the
sixth day. The right middle finger was infected when first seen.
Periostitis and osteomyelitis developed. She lost 145/7 weeks. The
permanent disability was loss of the middle finger to the metacarpal
bone by surgical amputation. Medical aid amounted to $104.90 and
was paid. Compensation was $291.57.
An 18-year-old worker was earning $25 a week picking patches
from skids in a tire-manufacturing plant, when a sliver pierced her
right index finger. She reported to her own doctor the day after the
accident, but did not report at the plant hospital until the fifth day.
At that time the entire finger was infected. She lost four and oneseventh weeks. The finger was amputated at the proximal joint.
Medical aid amounted to $31.16 and was paid. Compensation was
$467.14.
A buttonhole operator, 19 years old, was earning $18 a week
when a piece of broken needle pierced her right thumb. She stopped
work on the second day, and at that time she saw a doctor, who
treated the finger and dismissed her as well on the sixth day. The
day after that she continued to have trouble and visited a second
doctor, who found “cellulitis and severe streptococcic infection of
right hand and arm.” She was sent immediately to a hospital, where
she stayed two weeks. She received medical treatment for 10 weeks
after her release from the hospital. She lost 43a/7 weeks. The
thumb was markedly deformed, completely ankylosed at the distal
joint, and there was considerable atrophy of the tissue. The median
nerve was injured but recovered. The final result amounted to total
loss of use of the thumb. Medical aid amounted to $168.75 and was
paid. Compensation was $1,229.14.
A 27-year-old saleswoman, earning $12 a week, was injured by a
piece of straw lodging in the end of a finger of the right hand. Infec
tion set in, and the final result was loss of use of the hand at the wrist.
The healing period required 56 weeks. Medical expenses amounted
to $64 and were paid. Her total compensation was $1,640.
A saleswoman, 18 years old and earning $10 a week, scratched her
left index finger in opening a pasteboard box with tin corners in order

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

to remove goods therefrom. Infection set in. She did not stop
work until the ninth day after the accident, and medical treatment
began the eleventh day. Cellulitis involved the axillary glands,
which became swollen and tender. The patient had a good deal of
fever. She lost 156/j weeks. The permanent disability was rated
as complete stiffness of the index finger at the middle joint. Medical
expenses amounted to $63.36 and were paid. Her total compensation
was $254.73.
While a woman 60 years old and earning $18 a week was sewing
buttons on cards in a pearl-button factory, her right thumb was cut
by the thread with which she was sewing. Infection set in and spread
through the hand and arm. She lost 13 weeks and 6 days. The
resulting permanent injury was rated as 25 per cent loss of use of the
right hand at the wrist. Medical expenses were paid. Her total
compensatioii was $600.
A machine operator in a cigar factory was 19 years old and earning
$16 a week when her right thumb was pricked by a needle. Infection
set in and she lost 8% weeks. The resulting permanent injury was
rated as 5 per cent loss of use of the thumb. Medical expenses
amounted to $41 and were paid. Her total compensation was
$108.41.
A machine operator in a cigar factory was earning $18 a week.
While working on her machine her left index finger was pricked by a
needle. Infection set in. She lost 4% weeks. The resulting per
manent disability was rated as 10 per cent loss of use of the index
finger. Medical expenses were paid. Her total compensation was
$80.
A trained nurse in a hospital was earning $18.46 a week, when her
right middle finger was scratched on the springs while making beds.
Infection set in and eventually involved the whole hand. She lost
11J4 weeks. Permanent injury resulted to all four fingers and was
rated as 15 per cent loss of use of the index finger, total loss of use of
the middle finger, 15 per cent loss of use of the ring finger, and 10 per
cent loss of use of the little finger. Medical expenses were paid.
Her total compensation was $597.
A 19-year-old topping-machine operator was earning $15.75 in a
factory making electrical supplies. As she was working on her
machine, a steel sliver became embedded in her right index finger.
She did not report for treatment until five days later. Infection set
in, and she lost 4 weeks and 2 days. She was left with a permanent
disability rated as 75 per cent loss of use of the index finger at the
middle joint. Medical expenses were paid. Her total compensa
tion was $219.96. She was a minor and was compensated for the
permanent disability on the basis of the wage she would be earning
at the age of 21, which was set at the maximum of $22.50 a week.

MEDICAL AID

A 50-year-old forewoman was earning $15 in the ring-rolling depart
ment of a factory making rubber novelties. While ring rolling a
sliver of wood ran into the left middle finger. There was intense
swelling and pain in the finger. She was taken to a hospital the same
day. In 48 hours from the primary injury there was extensive cellu
litis of the entire hand and forearm. The epitrochlear and axillary
glands were enormously enlarged. Her temperature ran as high as
102.5°. The pain was very severe, requiring morphine frequently.
The entire hand, forearm, elbow, and upper arm to the shoulder were
swollen. It seemed doubtful if the arm could be saved. She had
repeated severe chills and every evidence of severe septic infection.
Vaccines were given as well as anodynes. There were four opera
tions for drainage. Seventy-five days after the accident the middle
finger was amputated at the proximal joint, the flexor tendon of the
middle finger removed, and a palmar abscess evacuated. She was
discharged from the hospital six days later. A month later the
doctor reported, “Partial ankylosis of ring and little fingers at proxi
mal joints, and weakness of hand and arm.” The healing period was
2P/7 weeks.
Medical expenses amounted to $515.24 and were paid.
The total compensation was $506.66.
A twister in a woolen-yarn mill, 21 years old and earning $23 a
week, got a splinter in her left thumb while pushing bobbin boxes.
She stopped work the day after the accident and consulted a doctor.
A week later, severe infection having developed, she was sent to a
hospital. The infection involved the thumb, index, and little fingers
and the palm of the hand, and had also spread to the arm, with
streaks running to the shoulder. Her temperature ranged from 100°
to 103°. There was swelling above the wrist, and abscesses developed
on the forearm and at the elbow. There was deep-seated infection
of bone and tendon sheaths. Four operations were performed for
through-and-through drainage. Following these, two X rays were
taken of the hand, wrist, and forearm to see if there was any bone
lesion keeping up the infection. The woman received hospital care
for two months and further medical treatment for the following two
months. The healing period was 481/, weeks. About 7Yi months
after the accident the doctor’s report showed considerable contracture
affecting thumb and all four fingers, atrophy of muscles in forearm,
and thenar eminence abolished. After final examination the State
medical division rated the permanent disability as total loss of left
thumb and ring and little fingers, and two-thirds loss of left index
and middle fingers by ankylosis. Medical expenses amounted to
$505.80 and were paid. The total compensation was $2,367.14.
In the foregoing cases the primary injury was slight and the dis
ability was largely due to subsequent infection. The following cases
illustrate the influence of infection on more serious injuries.

INJTUSTBIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

An employee-in a hotel laundry was 24 years old and earning $10
a week. While feeding a flat-work ironer, her right hand was caught
in the rolls. The palmar surface of the distal phalanges of the index,
middle, ring, and little fingers of the right hand was lacerated, and
she received second-degree steam burns of the entire hand. Severe
infection set in with sloughing. After treatment for seven weeks,
including removal of the slough, lancing, and drainage, she went to
a hospital and the index and middle fingers were amputated at the
middle joint. She was in the hospital four weeks and received
medical treatment for three weeks after leaving the hospital. The
healing period required 192A weeks. The final permanent disability
was rated as loss of index and middle fingers at middle joint. Medi
cal expenses amounted to $152.50 and were paid. The total
compensation was $410.99.
An employee in a meat-packing plant, 39 years old and earning
$22.50 a week, was tying sausage casings when the string broke and
her hand plunged onto the blade of a knife, causing a lacerated
wound on the dorsum of the right hand between the index and middle
metacarpals, the point of the blade entering in the region of the
proximal joint. She consulted a doctor on the third day. At that
time there was systemic infection as well as that present in the hand
and arm. Her temperature was 104°, pulse 120; there were red
streaks toward the axilla, and the glands were enlarged. The next
day she was sent to a hospital, where she remained for five weeks.
Incisions for drainage were made on three occasions. Two doctors
treated the case throughout. The healing period was 12% weeks.
She was left with slight stiffness of the middle and ring fingers.
Medical expenses amounted to $226.25 and were paid. The total
compensation was $177.86.
An 18-year-old machine operator was receiving .$11.50 a week for
nailing wooden heels in a shoe factory. Her hand was caught in
the machine while operating, and the left index finger was badly
crushed. A wound extended from the distal joint on the inner side
of the finger up into the palm of the hand. Medical treatment began
at once. There was some sloughing, and a sudden and severe infec
tion developed 23 days after the accident, accompanied by a severe
chill and a temperature of 104°. An acute septic condition devel
oped—streptococcic infection and cellulitis of the entire hand.
Antistreptococcic serum was given twice, numerous openings were
made, and the hand and fingers were drained. Treatment continued
for two months. The healing period was 20’/7 weeks. She was left
with the index finger completely ankylosed in a partly flexed position
and with atrophy of the musculature of the hand and arm and a
marked reduction of power in the hand. Medical expenses amounted
to $205 and were paid. The total compensation was $415.27.

Table: 15.—Nature of injury and whether or not medical treatment began with date of accident, cases complicated by infection compared to
cases not so complicated (Ohio)

43094

Cases complicated by infection

Cases re
porting

Medical
treatment
at date of
accident

Total

Nature of injury

Medical
treatment
later

Medical
treatment
date not
reported

Cases not complicated by infection

No medi
cal treat
ment

Not re
ported
whether
medical
treatment
received

Total

Medical
Medical
treatment treatment
at date of
later
accident

Medical
treatment
date not
reported

Not re
ported
No medi whether
cal treat
medical
ment
treatment
received

Num- Per Num- Per Num- Per Num- Per Num- Per Num- Per Num- Per Num- Per Num- Per Num- Per Num- Per Num- Per Num- Per
ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent
11,266 100.0

467 100.0

200 100.0

209 100.0

112 8.8
47 3. 7
16 1.3
220 17.4

42 9.0
18 3.9
7 1.5
60 12.8

12 6.0
8 4.0
6 3.0
41 20. 5

24 11. 5
7 3.3
1
16 7.7

41 3.2
300 23.7
113 8.9

2
.4
154 33.0
98 21.0

.5
1
65 32.5
22 11.0

1
.5
65 31.1
69 33.0

90 7.1
22 1.7
117 9.2
141 11.1
46 3.6
1
.1

4.3

9.0

20
10
35
1

4.3
2.1
7.5
.2

16
4
6
1

8.6
2.0
3.0
.5

4
6
14

53 100.0
5
3

9.4
5. 7

5. 7

1 100.0

23 43.4
6 11. 3

4 100.0

799 100.0

591 100.0

171 100.0

30 100.0

4 100.0

1 25.0

70 8.8
29 3.6
9 1.1
160 20.0

40 6.8
21 3.6
8 1.4
133 22. 5

25 14. 6
6 3. 5
1
.6
17 9. 9

4 13.3
1 3.3

1 25.0
1 25.0

g 26.7

1 25.0

1 25.0
1 25.0

39 4.9
146 18.3
15 1.9

25 4.2
127 21. 5
12 2.0

9
14
3

4 13. 3
4 13. 3-

1 25.0

70 8.8
22 2.S
97 12.1
131 16.4
11 1.4

66 11.2
16 2. 7
77 13.0
62 10. 5
4

1.0
1.9 ..........
2.9
6.7
13 24.5

1 100.0

5. 3
8. 2
1.8

2 1. 2
6 3. 5
19 11.1
62 36. 3
7 4.1

3 100.0

33.3

1 33.3

MEDICAL AID

All injuries
Bruise, contusion..........
Burn, scald
Crush and bum_____
Crush _____________
Concussion (other than
dismemberment and
loss of use).................
Cut, laceration.......... .
Puncture
Amputation
(traumatic)..........................
Dislocation
Fracture________ ____
Sprain, strain................
Occupational disease...
All other

6.7
33.3

7 23. 3

1 Excludes 1 case for which nature of injury was not reported.

c©

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

A correlation of the presence of infection and the date of the first
medical treatment is possible with Ohio material, since in 1,171 cases
of a total of 1,545 in that State date of medical treatment was
reported. Of these, 791 reported treatment on the date of the acci
dent and 380 on a later date. Fifty-five per cent of the cases report
ing delayed medical treatment were complicated by infection, com
pared with 25 per cent of those reporting treatment on date of acci
dent. Of the 467 infected injuries, nearly three-fifths (57.2 per cent)
received no treatment on the date of the injury.
The fact that employees of foreign birth, not able to speak English,
needed special training if they were to manage their work compe
tently, was met during the war by the use of instructive motion pic
tures and in other ways. It is desirable to effect a similar under
standing of the need for competent first aid which the foreign-born
employee faces when she receives an injury. Such knowledge might
be imparted by means of instruction by an interpreter or by signs in
various languages and undoubtedly would have a good effect in re
ducing infection and its attendant dangers. On the Ohio records
the question of nativity and ability to speak English was included,
and the data are presented in Table 16.

Table 16.—General nativity and ability to speak English and whether or not medical treatment began with date of accident, cases complicated
by infection compared to cases not so complicated (Ohio)
Cases not complicated by infection

Cases complicated by infection

Cases
reporting

Total

Nativity and ability
to speak English

Medical
Medical
treatment treatment
at date of
later
accident

Medical
treatment
date not
reported

No
medical
treatment

Not
reported
whether
medical
treatment
received

Total

Medical
treatment
at date of
accident

Medical
No
Medical I treatment
medical
treatment date not
later
j reported treatment

Not
reported
whether
medical
treatment
received

£
B

Speaks English--------Speaks no English___
Not reported.............. .

1,267 100.0
959 75.7
35 2.8
273 21.5

Native born
Speaks English__
Not reported.........

Nativity not reported..
Speaks English__
Speaks no English
Not reported____

346 73.9
17 3.6
105 22.4

200 100.0
1 75.5
2.5
22.0

301 64.3

66.5

290 .
11L

806.
20.

45:__
16!
5........

121
34 .
61 ..
280 22.1
32*I
1
247:
1

: t

101; 21.6
11........
1____
89
..
1

100.0

151 72.2
7 3.3
51 24.4

41 75.9
5 9.3 .
8 14.8 .

138 66.0
1301..

100.0

17! 31. 5 .

17
5
1

18 ...

10____ L

44 22.0

45j 21. 5

6‘

2:..

41.

4-100.0

799 100.0

100. 0

171 100. 0

30 100.0

2 50.0

613 76. 7
18 2.3
168 21.0

452 76.5
13 2.2
126 21.3
i
390 66.0

138 80. 7|

63.3

31 18.1
I 119 69.6

385 .
5.

115 _
4_

"2 50.0
21 50.0

525 65.7
616.

261 12.4

661 14.1

Foreign born................
Speaks English___
Speaks no English
Not reported........ .

468 100. 0

181.
1.

10 18. 5_

2 50.0

179 22. 4
21

1.58!

1.2

10. 0

26. 7;

3 75.0

33.3

If&'o

66.’ 7

1 25.0

20 11.7

95 11.9

5____L
2____L

4 100.0

MEDICAL AID

All women_____

54 .
13 .
13 4 22. 7

18 _
2.

9 30. 0

13 .

121

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Infection was reported in 41 per cent of the cases among foreignborn women and in 36 per cent of the cases among women native
born. Only 35 of the 994 giving information on the subject spoke no
English. Seventeen of these 35 cases reported infection. Among
the 959 who spoke English, infection was reported for 36 per cent.
REHABILITATION

As legislation providing for rehabilitation, including surgical treat
ment, vocational training, and placement, was very new in 1919 and
1920, it was not possible to evaluate the work being done in terms of
its effectiveness to the women permanently disabled during the period
studied.
Many enlargements and improvements are being made in the legis
lative and administrative plans for “rendering disabled persons fit for
employment.” In this section of the report which deals with legisla
tion affecting women injured between July 1, 1919, and July 1, 1920,
only a brief mention of the trend which these plans are taking is
pertinent. New Jersey passed a rehabilitation law in 1919.18 A
Federal act granting financial assistance to States electing to under
take vocational reeducation and providing for joint supervision by a
Federal Board for Vocational Education and by the States was
passed June 2, 1920.19 New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Ohio at once ac
cepted the provisions of the act, legislating to that effect within the
year following.20 Proper medical and surgical treatment of injuries,
prosthetic appliances, reeducation with provision for maintenance,
and finally placement at work suited to the person’s ability and
strength are encouraged by the Federal board, although the Federal
appropriations are available only for vocational reeducation.
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE IN THE THREE STATES

Figures showing the numbers of persons in the three States assisted
by reason of the Federal act are available for the period July 1, 1922,
to June 30, 1923.21 The following tabulation indicates that of the
8,841 cases of disability which'were registered during the year, 1,057
were cases of disabled women:
Registration of cases during the year ended June 30, 1923
Sex

Ago

State
All
cases

Total

Male

21 and
Indus
Female Under 21 under 51 51 years Age not
and over reported trial
years
accident
years

8, 841 7, 784 1, 057 1, 369 5, 217

New Jersey___ 0, 787 5, 972
Ohio
. .
_ 1, 107
951
Wisconsin947
861

Origin of disability

815
156
86

868 3, 986
292
619
209
612

Other

988 1, 267 6, 017

2, 824

791 1, 142 5, 081
107
89
530
90
36
406

1, 706
577
541

18 Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 74.
i® Statutes at Large of the United States, v. 41, pt. 1, 1919-1921, pp. 735-737, ch. 219.
20 Acts of New Jersey, 1920, ch. 359. Approved Sept. 17, 1920. Session laws of Wisconsin, 1921, ch. 534.
Approved July 12, 1921. Laws of Ohio, 1921, v. 109, pp. 310-311. Approved May 14, 1921.
21 Statistical reports of the State boards to the Federal Board for Vocational Education for the year
ended June 30, 1923.

REHABILITATION

In 6,017 cases industrial accident was the cause of the disability.
These cases are not divided according to sex, but if women injured in
industrial accidents constituted of the total number of employees so
injured the same proportion which women constituted of the total
number of registrants, it may be estimated that about 719 women
injured by industrial accidents registered for rehabilitation in the
three States during the fiscal year.
During the same 12 months a total of 1,686 cases were rehabilitated,
according to the following tabulation:
Closure of registered cases for year ended June 30,1923
Rehabilitated

Sex
State

Total

All
cases

Male

8, 288 7, 307

New Jersey_______ _ 6, 566 5. 762
Ohio__ .
_
852
977
Wisconsin
745
693

Female

All
cases

Other
After
After employ
closures
By place school
ment
ment training
training

981 1, 686 1, 333

318

6, 602

804
125
52

33
254
31

8
9
18

5, 637
421
544

929
556
201

888
293
152

The rehabilitated cases are not divided according to sex nor by
origin of disability, but if it is assumed that the proportions of men
and women among the rehabilitated and of industrial disabilities and
those originating otherwise are the same as among all cases, it may
be estimated that about 135 22 women disabled by industrial acci
dents were discharged as rehabilitated during the period included,
by placement, after training in a vocational-education school, or after
training while on the job. The figures of placement in New Jersey
show placements made and not persons placed, so they are not entirely
comparable with those of the other States.
Since provision for medical or surgical treatment is considered as
one of the functions of a workmen’s compensation board, cases in
which persons applied for that treatment only and were then able to
place themselves are listed under “other closures.” That group also
includes persons not eligible, not susceptible, or rejecting the service,
and those who died.
STATE EFFORTS AND RESULTS

By the terms of the Federal rehabilitation act, the responsible
administration agency in a State is the State board for vocational
education. In Wisconsin, Ohio, and New Jersey this board is respon
sible for administrative procedure in rehabilitation in cooperation
with the Federal Board for Vocational Education.
22 This figure is obtained as follows: The 981 disabled women registrants whose cases were closed formed
11.8 per cent of the total number of closed cases. The assumption that the women who were rehabilitated
constituted the same proportion of the total number of rehabilitations gives 199 women. The 719 women
in the first summary estimated as injured in industrial accidents constitute 68 per cent of the total number
(1,057) of disabled women registered. If it is assumed that the same proportion holds good among the 199
rehabilitated women, 135 women of those rehabilitated had been injured in industrial accidents.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

In Wisconsin and Ohio the State hoard for vocational education
delegates the administrative responsibility to the director of voca
tional education. The program is managed in these two States by a
State supervisor of rehabilitation responsible to the State director
and for a staff of field agents engaged in case supervision.
In New Jersey the State board for vocational education has dele
gated the responsibility of the rehabilitation program to a rehabilita
tion commission created prior to passage of the Federal act to
administer a program of physical rehabilitation. The New Jersey
Rehabilitation Commission is an independent State department, but
coordinated with the State department of labor by its acting director,
who is the labor commissioner, and by the establishment of its
physical restoration clinics in connection with the several offices of
the State department of labor. The program in New Jersey is
managed by a supervisor of rehabilitation responsible to the acting
director of the rehabilitation commission and for a staff of vocational
advisers engaged in case supervision.
The Ohio records gave some data on the industrial status of the
injured person on her return to work after the accident. This
information was not obtained in all cases, as a change had been made
in the form of the State reports toward the end of the period studied.
As a result the report indicated the situation at the end of the healing
period hut did not show subsequent work history, that is, how long
the job was held and what was the wage trend of the 871 disabled
women who were reported as having returned to work. A com
parison in regard to age with the total number of injured women in
Ohio is possible from data not published in this report. The pro
portion of women reporting return to work decreased from 73 per
cent of those under 18 years of age and 61 per cent of those 18 and
under 20, to 41 per cent of those 50 and under 60 years of age and
39 per cent of those 60 years and over.
Return to the preaccident work with no loss of wage was re
ported in the case of 89 per cent of the Ohio women who returned to
work. As appears in Table 17, about 1 per cent returned to the same
work at a lower wage and 6.9 per cent to different work at a lower
wage. Women under 18 suffered no reduction in wage, but the
number involved is small. From 20 to 50 years of age there is little
variation from the average in respect to earnings on return to work.
The groups 18 and under 20 years and 50 and under 60 years show
higher per cents not completely adjusted than are true for the
average.

REHABILITATION

Table 17.—Wage after accident of injured who returned to work, by age (Ohio)

Age of injured

All ages...............__........................ ............... ..........
18 and under 20 years._____________
__________
20 and under 25 years............................ .........................
30 and under 40 years__________________ _________
50 and under GO years_____ ____ _____ _____ _______

Number
of
women
reporting

Same
work,
same
wage

Different
work,
same
wage

871

777

38
183
198
107
147
116
42
15
25

36
159
178
98
131
104
36
14
21

2
6
5
3
3
5
1

Different
work,
lower
wage

Same
work,
lower
wage
9

2
2

16
13

10
7
3
1

The following Ohio cases are quoted to show the type of physicalrehabilitation service rendered, the records in that State indicating
the medical or surgical rehabilitative treatment provided.
A woman of 21 was earning $9.50 in a candle factory. When leav
ing work one day she stumbled and fell, the weight of her whole
body being thrown onto her left shoulder, which became dislocated.
The dislocation was reduced the day after the accident. The next
day an X ray was taken, which showed no bone or joint injury. The
doctor reported treatment as follows: “Dislocation caused traumatic
neuritis; also a few adhesions about the joint have made the shoulder
a little painful on motion. The treatment was immobilization the
first week, passive motion after the first week, then active motion,
also massage and application of electric current.” She was disabled
—dive and three-sevenths weeks. There was no permanent disability.
Medical expenses amounted to $32 and were paid. Her total com
pensation was $28.03.
A hand assembler in a factory making machine parts was 30 years
old and earning $20 a week. A pointed three-cornered file ran
through the left hand between the index and middle metacarpals,
making exit along the proximal phalanx of the left thumb and gouging
this bone. Medical treatment began on the day of the accident.
Two weeks later an osteomyelitis developed in the bone of the
proximal phalanx of the left thumb, and the whole hand and wrist
became infected, necessitating a curettage of the bone. She was
sent to a hospital, where she remained six weeks. After leaving the
hospital she was given 26 massage treatments in a period of one
month to regain motion. She was disabled 165/7 weeks. There was
no permanent disability. Medical expenses amounted to $175.75
and were paid. Her total compensation was $209.47.
A telephone operator who was 22 years old was earning $20 a
week. Her heel caught on a step while descending to the basement of
the office, and she was thrown headlong to the floor of the basement.
There resulted fracture and dislocation of the nasal bone, a laceration

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

of the cartilage, abrasion over nose and upper lip and sprain of the
right wrist. Beginning on the day of the accident, she received
medical treatment for eight days. At that time there was a perma
nent partial obstruction of the right nasal orifice, as the cartilaginous
septum of the nose was deflected to the right and in contact with
the turbinated bones. Ten weeks later a submucous resection was
performed on the deflected septum. She lost two and five-sevenths
weeks. Medical expenses amounted to $79.60 and were paid. Her
total compensation was $22.86.
A woman of 20, earning $21.50 a week in a knitting mill, was
injured while repairing her jersey-knitting machine. The power was
not turned off so completely as she thought, and the right index
finger was caught in a cogwheel. The finger was severely lacerated,
and the flesh torn completely away from the bone. She received
medical treatment for 17 days, beginning on the day of the accident.
She returned to work after one and four-sevenths weeks. The finger
was left bent and contracted from a scar on the palmar surface.
Although she had returned to work, she had not been able to work
efficiently on account oh the deformity, and a plastic operation was
advised about two months after the accident. An X ray was taken
to determine whether the ankylosis was bony or fibrous. It was
found to be fibrous. The attending doctor reported, “The deformity
consisted of a right angle flexion contracture of the right index finger.
The ankylosis was so firm as to arouse a suspicion that the joint had
been involved (hence the X ray). The operation consisted in ex
cision of the scar tissue on the palmar surface of the finger, and mo
bilization of the skin for relief of a flexion contracture.” She was in
the hospital six days for the operation. Later over a period of two
months she received massage and manipulation in the orthopedic
department of the hospital as an out-patient. Ten weeks after this
treatment had ceased, she was sent by her employer to her surgeon
for a final examination. He reported, “I find that the joints of the
operated finger are all straight and motion is free and normal in
extent and that she has been back to work at full wages with perfect
functional result for a long time.” Medical expenses amounted to
$157.90 and were paid, as was the compensation, amounting to only
$8.19.
A woman of 65, earning $11 a week at stemming tobacco, slipped
and fell, sustaining a Colles fracture of the left wrist. After the
splints were removed she received treatment at the hospital to
restore function. The healing period covered 12 weeks. Medical
expenses amounted to $35 and were paid. Her total compensation
was $202.54.

PART III
ADMINISTRATION
The subject of administration of compensation laws can not be
included under the general heading of legislation, for, although
certain administrative methods are provided for in the law, other
regulations are drawn up by the commissions empowered by law to
take such steps. The administrative methods in use in the three
States are shown in Chart IX, which specifies the regulations covered
by the laws.
Since in many cases claimants are inexperienced in legal matters
and ignorant of their legal rights, administrative procedure must be
so planned as to handle their claims promptly and equitably, if the
ideas which prompted compensation legislation are to be carried out
and the need, too often pressing, for immediate and adequate relief
is to be met.
The idea that employees should be instructed to send in the first
report of accident was established in Ohio. In regard to the reports
themselves, from the present analysis there seemed to be a tendency
to reduce the number of inquiries to those necessary to the adminis
tration of the law, to an understanding of a need for change in
legislation, and to the work of prevention. The procedure in con
nection with the office supervision of undisputed claims, with the
adjudication of death and permanent disability claims, and with the
settlement of disputed claims was fairly uniform. The chief differ
ence in the legal procedure in the threo States appeared in the pro
portion of permanent disability cases heard by a member or mem
bers of the compensation commission or board. The plan in practice
in New York State, where each person who has received a permanent
disability as a result of industrial accident appears in person before
the commission or a representative of the commission, in order that
the extent of impairment may be properly adjudicated, was not fol
lowed in any of the three States included in this study. In Ohio,
although the per cent of permanent disability cases in which there
was an oral hearing before the commission was found to be low as
compared with that in Wisconsin, medical representatives of the com
mission examined a considerable number of claimants, thus pro
viding the commission with an unbiased report of the impairment.
The compilation of statistics had not been developed to any extent
except in Wisconsin. In that State the statistical division was well
equipped to tabulate the facts in such a way as to permit analysis
of the work of the administrative staff, careful study of possible
legislative changes, and promotion of prevention by an expert inquiry
into the cause of accident.

Chart

IX.—ADMINISTRATION

WISCONSIN

OHIO

NEW JERSEY

. •

A. REPORTS
1. TYPE OF REPORT
State-fund employer:
First report of injury sent to commission by injured
workman, containing first statement of physician,
signed by employer. If employer refuses to sign,
statements must be sworn to.
Supplemental reports including physician’s supple
mental report in cases in which disability is greater
than shown in first report (total disability longer or
permanent partial greater, or shown for first time to
exist), submitted to commission.
Self-insured employer:
First report of injury is signed by employer and
employee and contains physician’s report.
In all cases of temporary total disability exceeding
one month’s duration a monthly report is submitted.
In cases of permanent disability an agreement as
to compensation to be paid for such disability is
signed by employer and employee.
In all cases a final report of all compensation paid,
signed by employee and employer.

First report sent to commission by employer.
Supplemental reports showing compensation and medical
benefits paid by insurer or self-insured employer, sub
mitted to commission.
Physician’s report in all cases of permanent disability,
occupational disease, and temporary disability lasting
more than three weeks, submitted.
Final report when final payment has been made, accom
panied by final receipt signed by injured employee, sub
mitted .

2. TIME OF FILING FIRST REPORT
First report required within 2 weeks.

First report required within 4 weeks.

| First report required within first 5 days of each month.

3. PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO REPORT
Fifty dollars.
All disputed cases must be assigned for a hearing and the
compensation bureau has the authority to assess the
court charges and fee of the legal adviser against the
delinquent employer.

Acts of New Jersey, 1918, ch. 149, sec. 17.

None.

IN D U S T R IA L A C C ID E N T S TO W O M EN

First report of accident sent to commission by employer
or insurance company.
Agreement as to rate of compensation and payment of
medical aid, signed by employer or insurer and by
employee, accompanies first report.
Agreement as to extent of disability and total compensa
tion is signed by employer or insurer and employee.

B. STAFF
Workmen’s compensation bureau composed of the com
missioner of labor, who shall act as chairman and receive
$1,500 for this work, and 3 deputy commissioners (one
of whom shall be secretary), such referees, and other
employees as may, in the judgment of the commissioner,
be necessary. Deputy commissioners, referees, and
other employees appointed by the commissioner.

Acts of New Jersey, 1918, ch. 149, sec. 1, 2.

Industrial commission of 3 appointed by the governor
Industrial commission composed of 3 members appointed
with the consent of the senate. Salary of commissioners
by the governor with the advice and consent of the
$5,000.
.
senate for a term of six years. Not more than one shall, ;
The
commission appoints its own eiiiployees subject to
because of previous vocation, employment, or affilia
civil service laws (deputies, inspectors, clerks, stenog
tion, be classed as a representative of employers and not
raphers, etc.).
„ .
more than one as a representative of employees. Not
Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. £394-42; 2394-14; 20, 57.
more than two shall belong to the same political party.
Salary of commissioners, $5,000.

General code of Ohio, Page’s compact edition, 1920, sec.
871-1, 871-4.

C. PROCEDURE IN SETTLING CLAIMS
1. UNDISPUTED CLAIMS
Agreements examined and approved.
Discrepancies or incomplete reports checked by corre
spondence.

State fund:
.
Reports examined, completed by correspondence if
necessary. Checked by medical department.
Payments made for period stated by medical depart
ment.
. .
Supplementary reports showing further disability
passed on in the same way.
Incomplete cases gone over once a month.
Self-insured employer:
Reports examined and approved. Discrepancies or
incomplete reports checked by correspondence.
Incomplete cases examined every three months.

Agreements examined and approved. Agreement filed
by insurer checked with employer’s first report. Dis
crepancies or incomplete reports checked by corre
spondence.
Fatal and permanent disability cases sent to the secretary
and manager of claims department.

ADMINISTBATION

The commission may employ, subject to approval of the
governor and to the civil service laws, a secretary, actu
aries, accountants, inspectors, examiners, experts,
clerks, physicians, stenographers, and other assistants
and fix their compensation. Ibid., sec. 1465-43.
Medical department consists of chief medical adviser and
7 assistant doctors.

2. DISPUTED CLAIMS
Settled by department, deputy commissioner, or referee.
Appeal to court of common pleas. Also, appeal to su
preme court on questions of law.
Either party may refer to department or appeal to court.

Acts of New Jersey, 1918, ch. 149, sec. 19; First supplement |
compiled statutes of New Jersey, 1911-1915, Sec. II, 20,
p. 1648.

Settled by commission after hearing.
Either party may file application with commission for a
hearing and appeal to courts in certain prescribed cases.

Settled by commission after hearing. Appeal to courts.

Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-16; 2394-18.

Either party may refer to commission or appeal to courts.

General code of Ohio, Page’s compact edition, 1920, sec.
1465-90.

Chart

IX.—ADMINISTRATION—Continued

NEW JERSEY

OHIO

WISCONSIN

C. PROCEDURE IN SETTLING CLAIMS—Continued
3. PENALTIES ATTACHED TO REFUSAL OR FAILURE TO MAKE PAYMENTS ORDERED

First supplement, compiled statutes of New Jersey,
1911-1915, Sec. II, 22a p. 1651.

Commission shall have the power to add 50 per cent of
award after 10 days.

Commission shall have the power to add amounts not to
exceed 25 per cent of award.

General code of Ohio, Page's compact edition, 1920, sec.
1465-71

Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-17.

4. PENALTIES ATTACHED TO DELAY
Whenever lawful compensation shall have been withheld
for a term of three months or more simple interest on
each weekly payment at 5 per cent per annum, for the
period of delay of each payment, may, at the discretion
of the bureau, be added to the amount due at the time of
settlement.
Acts of New Jersey, 1919, ch. 93, sec. 21 (g).

No provision.

If the sum awarded by the commission shall not be paid
when due, such sum shall bear interest at 6 per cent.
When employer or his insurer is guilty of inexcusable
delay in making compensation payments, such pay
ments shall be increased by 10 per cent.

Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-18 m.
STATISTICAL WORK

No regular statistical department. Statistics compiled by
officer who receives first report of accidents.

No regular statistical department. Statistics compiled
by actuarial department of State fund.

.
Statistician with a salary of $3,000 at head of full-time
statistical department of State fund.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Upon failure to comply with the original order for com
pensation the court may order that the entire amount
of compensation shall become due immediately, without
discount or commutation.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

101

DETERMINATION OF EXTENT OF PERMANENT DISABILITY

The following excerpts from State records illustrate certain points
in administrative procedure.
A worker in Ohio, 35 years old, was a punch-press operator in a
factory making electrical supplies. While she was operating the press
her hand was caught, the left middle finger being lacerated and the
profundus tendon and nerve injured. She received medical treat
ment over a period of three weeks and was compensated for the
healing period, but as neither ankylosis nor wage loss was reported
no further compensation was paid. Then, seven months after the
accident, a representative of the commission reported, “The claim
ant has a stiff finger, which handicaps her in her work. ” Two months
later the State medical division made an examination and reported:
“There was evidence of a divided tendon, which had not been united.
Laceration occurred at. the middle joint, and it is doubtful if a cor
rective operation to unite the tendon would be successful. The
finger is not ankylosed, but claimant is unable voluntarily to flex the
middle and distal phalanges.” Compensation amounting to $250.71
was allowed for loss of two-thirds of the left middle finger. Medical
expenses were $14.
A worker in a glass factory in Ohio, 29 years old and earning
$11.25 a week, broke a lantern globe while grinding it and her right
hand was lacerated from the center of the palm to the proximal
joint of the little finger. Tendons and arteries were severed. She
received medical treatment over a period of 40 days, but at the end
of that time there was considerable stiffness of the little finger. The
healing period was compensated, but as neither ankylosis nor wage
loss was reported no further compensation was paid. Two years
later the woman wrote the commission to see if she could get any
thing for her disabled finger. An examination was made by the
State medical division, which reported: “An irregular scar in the
palm of the right hand over the head of the little metacarpal. There
is contracture of the little finger which prevents extension of the
digit. The finger is in the way and interferes with the function of
the hand.” Compensation of $154.29 allowed covered total loss of
use of the little finger. Medical expenses amounted to $29.50.
An Ohio woman was learning to operate a folding machine in an
envelope factory and earning $12 a week. While she was changing
the material in her machine, another employee turned on the power
and the compression block came down on her left hand. The middle
finger was badly lacerated and fractured, and the ring finger was
crushed. Following the accident she received medical treatment
for a period of 103/7 weeks. The attending doctor reported shorten
ing and stiffening of the ring linger at the middle joint, due to the
removal of crushed bone. As there was not complete ankylosis of
either finger, compensation was allowed for the healing period only.

102

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

After she had worked for a time, however, infection developed and
she had to stop work and secure further medical treatment. Ampu
tation of the ring finger at the proximal joint finally was necessaiy.
Two months after her discharge from treatment an examination
was made by the State medical department, which showed amputa
tion of the ring finger at the proximal joint and loss of use of the
little finger at the middle joint by ankylosis. Medical expenses
came to $69 and were paid. The compensation allowed was $366.85.
In Wisconsin a punch-press operator in a factory making auto
mobile accessories was 21 years old and earning $10.56 a week. Her
left index finger was caught under the die and smashed. The
insurance company tried to induce her to sign a final release from
payment of further compensation after she had been compensated
for a healing period of 10 weeks and 1 day, thus recognizing no
permanent disability. She applied to the commission for a hearing,
stating that she could not work, as the finger was always in the way
and ached constantly. At the hearing it was determined that an
operation might reduce the disability. This operation was per
formed but was unsuccessful. At a second hearing the permanent
disability was rated as 12J^ per cent loss of use of the index finger at
the proximal joint. Regarding the cause of the accident, an in
spector from the safety department reported, “Punching split washers
three-eighths inch in diameter, using scrap stock. Die on tool not
guarded.” A penalty of 15 per cent of the compensation due was
levied against the employer for this violation of a safety order.
Medical expenses came to $47 and were paid, and the compensation,
including the 15 per cent penalty, amounted to $159.09.
ADJUSTMENT OF CLAIM

An assembler in an Ohio factory making automobile parts, 17
years old and earning $13.25 a week, struck her right thumb against
a wire, receiving a puncture wound. She was compensated for the
healing period. Eight months after the _ accident the company
doctor reported: “Her complaint at present is because of the pain
in the tip of the thumb and the unsightliness of the injured member.
Inspection shows clubbing of the end of the right thumb, and a
healed scar on the end of the thumb just below the center of the nail.
There is a dimpling of this scar. On palpation the soft parts are not
indurated, but on deep palpation one can feel a thickening which is,
in all probability, a bony thickening of the distal phalanx. There is
normal motion of the distal and proximal joints. The scarring over
the tip is in all probability tender when bumped. She will always
have a clubbing of the distal portion, but we feel some of this will
disappear. Functionally it is our opinion that the thumb will be a
100 per cent result when the scarred portion at the tip becomes
hardened.” After this examination it was agreed to wait five
months longer before any action was taken. At the end of five

ADJUSTMENT OP CLAIM

103

months the company doctor reported: “The claimant realizes the
thumb is in very good condition, but apparently feels she should have
some compensation for the trouble she has undergone as well as for
the appearance of the thumb as it is to-day and probably always
will be.” The claimant made application for adjustment of claim,
stating: “The end of the right thumb was amputated due to injury,
but the employer refuses to pay for the loss of the thumb * * *
The amputation left a bad scar. A new nail has grown out which
has rounded over the end of the thumb and makes it sensitive to
touch; sewing or other work in which the thumb is needed is almost
impossible. It is not only unsightly, causing claimant great embar
rassment, a minor consideration, but is amputated to a degree that
makes the thumb shorter, causing one-half loss of the phalanx.
Wherefore the claimant prays that under the statute she be awarded
for the loss of one-half of said thumb.” The State medical division
made an examination and reported: “Great asymmetry of the
distal phalanx of the right thumb due to deformity of pulp and nail.
The joints are O. K., the functional value slightly reduced. How
ever, in ordinary work there would not result any particular loss
in industrial value, but claimant holds that needlework, in which
she indulges very much, is seriously and materially impaired.”
Following this the State legal division stated: “The claimant says
the finger is ugly, and it is difficult to do needlework. * * *
There is no compensable permanent partial disability, as under the
present act there is no way in which disfigurement can be compen
sated.” The conclusion of the commission was that “claimant has
been fully compensated for the period of temporary total disability
resulting from the injury and has not sustained a permanent partial
disability as contemplated by the law.” Medical expenses amounted
to $42 and were paid. Total compensation was $44.15.
ADJUSTMENT OF CASES INVOLVING WAGE LOSS

A worker in an Ohio shoe factory, 39 years old and earning $16.50,
while going out to lunch from the factory tripped on the stairs and
fell flat, throwing out her right arm to save her glasses. There was a
contused and lacerated wound of the right hand, the hand being
badly swollen. An X ray showed that there was no bone injury.
She lost two and two-thirds weeks from work and was compensated
for this healing period. Eighteen days after her return to work she
made application for a modification of the award. The scissors which
she used at work rubbed the palm of her hand and reopened the sore,
a condition which made it impossible for her to earn as much as she
formerly had earned. Medical expenses came to $25 and were
allowed. Compensation was paid for four weeks of temporary par
tial disability in addition to the healing period, and amounted in all
to $31.61.

104

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

In Ohio a 20-year-old worker was employed in the starch room of a
laundry at $11 a week. The workroom floor near the starch tank
was slippery with starch, and while carrying a bucket of starch to
the tank she slipped and fell, throwing hot starch on her arm. The
right arm was severely burned (third degree). She received medical
treatment for a period of 25 days. An examination by the State
medical division four months after the accident revealed a dense
fibrous irregular scar. The rotation and flexion of the arm were not
impaired, although the extension was limited. It was thought that
the greatest improvement would come from exercise and from a
softening of the scar. The claimant was doing her own housework,
but if her arm had been entirely well would have returned to her
former occupation. At a second examination, a month later, it was
decided that the scar should be removed. This scar was on the
flexor surface of the elbow joint and limited the extension of the arm.
She went to a hospital, the scar was removed, and skin grafting and
X-ray treatment were used. The treatment was successful, and at
a final examination it was found that there was no disability remain
ing. She was compensated for a healing period of 202/7 weeks.
This covered the first healing period, the time spent in the hospital,
and the necessary healing period which followed the operations. In
addition compensation was paid for temporary partial disability for
23 weeks, which covered the time between the two healing periods.
During these 23 weeks she was able to do her own housework, and
since this would have cost her $1.50 a day it was considered that she
was earning the equivalent of $9 a week, making a wage loss of $2 a
week. Medical expenses amounted to $122.50 and were paid. Her
total compensation was $179.28.
PAYMENT OF PENALTY

A spinner in a woolen mill in Wisconsin was 19 years old and earn
ing $17.33 a week. An inspector from the State safety department
made the following report on her accident: “Operating spinning
machine, and while reaching for broken end of roving slipped and
caught right index finger between gears which drive the roller bar.
If the facts in this case are as indicated it seems to me that this
accident'occurred because of the failure of the employer to comply
with the order of the industrial commission that all gears shall be
covered.” The finger was badly crushed and later surgically ampu
tated at the middle joint. The employer .objected to the paying of a
penalty, contending that “100 per cent fulfillment of this order was
humanly impossible and would prevent use and operation of the
machine.” At a hearing it was decided that the penalty was due, and
it was ordered paid. As the girl was a minor, the question of wage
also was^discussed at the hearing, and it was decided that no increase
in her compensation rate should be made on the basis of her pro
spective wage at 21 years.

PART IV
PREVENTION
The development of proper legislative and administrative procedure
has been of continued interest to employers, employees, State com
pensation commissions, and other interested groups, because, in spite
of intensive safety campaigns, accidents continue to occur, their
frequency and severity being predictable by expert insurance men.
Along with this development, the effort to reduce the number of
accidents to as near zero as possible has continued as an essential
feature of the program. A discussion of the causes of accident, a
comparison between the number of women injured in the various
industries and the number of women employed, an analysis of the age
element in causation, and an investigation of the work of the State
organization in the interest of safety are necessary steps in a con
sideration of industrial accidents from the point of view of prevention.
CAUSE OF ACCIDENT
IN UELATION TO NATURE OF INJURY

In presenting a general picture of the ways in which women are
being injured, it is of interest to show the nature of the injury according
to the cause of the accident. Machinery, which was the cause in
46.4 per cent of the cases, was responsible for 60.6 per cent of the cuts
and lacerations, for 26.3 per cent of the bruises and contusions, for
85.3 per cent of the crushing injuries, for 10.6 per cent of the sprains
and strains, for 95.6 per cent of the amputations, and for 37.8 per
cent of the punctures. (Appendix Table XII.) Metal-working
machinery, which caused 40.3 per cent of the machine accidents,
caused over one-half of the total traumatic amputations and almost
one-fourth of the cuts and lacerations. Textile machinery, second in
the machine group in responsibility for accidents, was an important
factor in injuries in the nature of cuts, lacerations, and punctures;
and paper machinery, which was third, gave rise to accidents resulting
largely in crushing injuries. Falls of persons were numerically second
in seriousness to machine accidents, causing 20.8 per cent of the cases.
Besides being the most frequent cause of dislocations and concussions,
they were responsible for 61.7 per cent of the sprains and strains, for
61.5 per cent of the fractures, and for 37.6 per cent of the bruises and
contusions. The handling of objects, the third large cause of acci
dents, 15 per cent of the total number being incurred in this way,
caused 37.8 per cent of the punctures, 21.9 per cent of the sprains and
strains, and 21 per cent of the cuts and lacerations.
43094°—27----- 8

105

Table 18.-—Location of injury, by cause of accident

O
03

Cause of accident

Location of injury

A lachiner y

Power- Powertrans work
Eleva mission
Other
ing ma
tors
appa chines
ratus

Miscel
laneous
causes

All injuries---------------------- ------------------------- i 3,268

114

489

136

686

117

1,516

1 3S2

136

7
1

19
1
2

1
7

19
1
2
1
23

8
1

1
14

410

76
120

5
22

11
5
1

6
1

6
3

3
2

i
1
1

Head_____________ ______ -............ -...............-.............

Trunk.................................... ................................................

16
9

Upper extremities.......................... ................ .................

2,229

349

203

2
1
4
2
1

3
2

1
4

18
6

1
23

3
2
1
2
1
3

1,389

1
1

2
1
3
3

1
2
2
6

3
2
4
19
38
14

209

4
. 7
4
5

2
6
32
9
22
13
96
13

2
47
18
Forearm_____________________ _____ _________
Arm not otherwise classified_________ ________

70
177
50

119

1
3

34
79
25
5
6
1
6
2
45

8
17

3
1

8
2

12
26
4

3
1
1

9
1
4

i
i

o
1
2
59

1,309

2
2
4
13

3
5

1
20

1
2

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

All
causes

Poison
ous and
Explo
Step
corro
sive
ping on
sions,
Han Falling or strik Falls of electric Vehi
sub
Hand dling
of objects
ing persons ity, and cles
stances
tools
objects
and oc Total
against
hot sub
objects
stances
cupa
tional
diseases

*4.

216
272
1,011
326

12
25
35
13

51
67
135
44

Lower extremities.............................................................

493

Upper leg..... .................................................- -----Knee joint------------------------------------- -------------

27
16
91
136

------ --------------------------------------------

12
C
14
6

7
1

17
1
4
2

257

22
7

1
1

7
5
1

28
114
15

1
1
1
9

8
13

1
3
3
1

16
11
20
4

69
160
794
256

I
______
!..............
;
11

9
5
28
8

88
150
759
244

2
5
7

3 |
2
1 _______
7
7
2
3 ______
13
5
10
2

1
1
3
2
3

4
2
1
6
5

CA U SE OE A C C ID EN T

i Excludes 17 cases not reporting cause of accident.

1
1
10
5
6
3

2_i
1
1

108

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN
IN RELATION TO LOCATION OF INJURY

Of equal interest with the correlation of nature of injury and cause
of accident is the analysis of the location of injury according to cause.
Table 18 reveals, as might be expected, that the injuries most
frequently involved the hands and arms, the most important members
in performing manual work. In fact, 68.2 per cent of all injuries
involved the upper extremities, 55.8 per cent of all injuries involved
the hand below the wrist, and 39.3 per cent involved the thumb or
one finger. The shoulder, elbow, or wrist was affected in 8 per cent
of the cases. Without information as to the number of women
exposed to various causes of accident it is not possible to arrive at
an exact frequency rate showing the responsibility of power-working
machinery for finger accidents, of falls of persons for wrist, hip, and
knee accidents, etc. There is significance, however, in examining
the location according to individual causes as it varies from the
location in the case of all injuries. Power-working machin
ery, responsible for 1,382, or about 40 per cent of all injuries, caused .
58.7 per cent of those involving the upper extremities and 71.7 per
cent of those involving the thumb or fingers. Hand tools, respon
sible for 114 injuries in all, only 3.5 per cent of the total, were
responsible for 11.5 per cent of the eye injuries. Falls of persons,
responsible for 686 accidents, or 21 per cent of all injuries, caused
49.5 per cent of the trunk injuries, 58.3 per cent of the injuries to
shoulder, elbow, and wrist, and 78 per cent of the injuries to the hip,
knee, and ankle.
IN RELATION TO SEVERITY

Extent of disability.

If it were feasible to correlate cause of accident and extent of
disability in terms of numbers exposed to certain hazards, the result
ing severity rates would be exceedingly valuable. It is not possible
to make such computation, but certain conclusions may be drawn
as to the relative importance of various causes. Table 19 on page
110 shows that machine accidents made up 46.4 per cent of the
total number of injuries, but they caused 74.1 per cent of the per
manent disability cases, and metal-working machinery, responsible
for 18.7 per cent of the total number of accidents, caused 38.3 per
cent of the permanent disability cases. Falls of persons resulted in
only 9.8 per cent of the injuries which were permanent in extent,
but about one-fourth of the impairment cases were caused by falls.
The handling of objects, responsible for 7.5 per cent of the permanent
cases, caused 9.8 per cent of the impairment cases and 13 per cent of
those resulting in ankylosis.

109

CAUSE OF ACCIDENT

Elevator accidents.—Elevator accidents, though few in number, are
apt to be serious in their results. Of the 25 injuries ascribed to that
cause, 8 resulted in permanent disability. The following classification
shows the cause of these accidents in detail.
Permanent disability cases

Cause of elevator accident

All elevator accidents............. .....................

Tem
Resulting in
Affect porary
dis
impairment of— ing the ability
central
Total
cases
nervous
Ankle system
Hip

All
cases

Fatal
cases

3
3

11
1
1
2
3

4
3

15
7
4
1
1
1
1

The two fatal injuries have been described fully in the section on
fatal cases. One of them was caused when the injured person was
caught between the floor and the platform of a passenger elevator
and her chest crushed. The other occurred on a dummy elevator,
from which the woman was removing goods when it was suddenly
jerked upward, lifting her from the floor and causing severe strain of
her back and shoulder and affecting her heart.
Of the accidents resulting in permanent impairment at the hip
joint, in one case the woman fell when stepping from the elevator,
and her legs were bruised and her hip was injured. In the second,
the woman was caught by the elevator at the first floor and dragged
to the third, seriously injuring one leg. There were two perma
nent disability injuries involving the ankle. In one of these the
foot of the injured woman was caught between the floor and the car
and mashed and tom. In the other, the woman was stepping from
the elevator when it was run up, catching her foot between the
floor of the car and the wall; her back and right leg were lacerated
and her right ankle was seriously injured. There were four cases
resulting in permanent injury to the central nervous system. In one
the injured woman was going through the hall when the rope of a
dummy elevator broke, causing the dummy to fall, striking her on
the head. In the second the woman was riding on a freight elevator.
The elevator gate was not securely fastened, and the iron gate caught
on the fire doors and was thrown open, striking the woman forcibly
in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. In the third the
woman was standing waiting for an elevator and was struck vio
lently on the head by the elevator door, which opened outward as it
reached her floor. In the fourth the woman was leaving a freight
elevator and the gate fell, striking her a severe blow on the head.

Table 19.—Extent of disability, by cause of accident

All women

Fatal cases

Cause of accident

AH classes
Number Per cent Number Per cent

In hands of injured worker.
In hands of fellow worker..
Handling of objects.
Heavy objects........................
Sharp or rough objects_____
Hand trucks, wheelbarrows.
Falling objects.
From elevations..
Other.....................

i 3, 268

100.0

114

3.5

489

22
114

Falls of persons...........................................

686

26
4
87

IGG.0

402

276

2.1

2L1

13
14

13.3

7.5

6. 7
6.7

24
34
2

3.0
4.3
.3

4.2

Anky Impair Disfig- Central
ure- nervour Other Number Per cent
losis
ment
ment system

799

1
1
2.0

L.5

11
1

1.4
a

1.3

13 :
___________

!___________

4
—

___________ ___________

3
1

2,454

100.0

4.0

87
10 i

3.5
-4

427

17.4

1 :
3

174
225
28.

9.2
1.1

2.2

43.
11

1.8.
.4

126'

Sul

22
104

4.2

|■
21.0

293
368
25
117

berNumber Per cent ment

64
136

Explosions____
Electricity_____
Hot substances..

15.0

199
260
30

Stepping on objects______________
Striking against objects.......... .........

Explosions, electricity, and hot substances.

100.0

104
10

Stepping on or striking against objects.

From elevations..
On level_______
Into excavations.

Dis-

3.6

1.3

13.3

9.8

6.7
6.7

32
43
3

4.0
5. 4
.4

40.0

1.1

33.3

6.7

4
2
3

.5
.3
a

606

24.7

24
40
a

260
325
21

10.6
13.2

102

4.2

i
i ~
i !

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

All causes.
Hand tools_____

Temporary dis
ability cases

Permanent disability cases

Vehicles.

Steam and electric railways-----------------------—
Auto and other power...... .................. ......................
Other..............................................................................

14
19
4

Poisonous and corrosive substances and occupa
tional diseases.............................
-..........

93
1, 516

Elevators.......................................... .................. ..........
Power-transmission apparatus.................. ............
Power-working machines......... ..............................

25
79
1, 382

Chemical products..............-...........-............
Clay and glass........ ............................. ..............
Food products......................
—
Laundry...... .............
—
Leather-working...... ...........
-.........
Metal-working.............................. -....................
Paper................
-.........
Printing and bookbinding----- -----------------Rubber, celluloid, and composition-----------Textile...... ................ .................................. .........
W ood-working.........................
Miscellaneous_________________ _________

5
32
96
58
63
610
109
63
36
249
59
2

Machines other than power-working..................
Conveyers ....................——-............ -.................
Prime movers........ .....................................................

3
25

Miscellaneous causes............................................... .........

6.7

2.8
46.4

1
4

.1
.5

1.8

9
369

152

4
11
134

4
8

4
2
1

20.0

592

74.1

2
1

13.3
6.7

8
26
548

1. 0
3.3
68.6

359

3
41
24
20
306
41
16
9
52
21

.4
1.9
5.1
3.0
2.5
38# *1
5. 1
2. 0
1.1
6.5
2. 6

3
9
27
8
16
220
32
5
5
24
10

1
9

.1
1.1

42.3

................ ................ -.............
1

6.7

1
5
6
2
13
2
1
5
3

5
8
10
2
60
8
9
3
21
8
1

1.3

13
15
4

.5
.6
.2

3.2

921

37.5

15
52
834

.6
2.1
34.0

2
17
55
34
43
304
68
47
27
197
38
2

.1
.7
2.2
1.4
1.8
12. 4
2.8
1.9
1.1
8. 0
1.5
.1

2
16
2

.1
.7
.1

1
6
1
1

1
1

CAUSE OF ACCIDENT

Machinery.........................................................-................ .

1.1 M-----------

* Excludes 17 cases not reporting cause of accident.

112

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Operators are not the only persons exposed to the hazards of
improperly constructed elevators. In fact, only 5 of the 25 injured
women were employed in that capacity. The remaining 20 women
were 8 factory workers, 3 employees in alteration rooms in department
stores, 2 chambermaids in a hotel, 2 charwomen, 1 janitress, 1 wait
ress, 1 linen-room assistant, 1 stock clerk in a store, and 1 saleswoman.
Conveyors. Accidents on conveyors also were serious in result,
though few in number. There were 25 such accidents in all, threefifths of them occurring in food factories. Three were caused by
objects falling from overhead conveyors, and 22 by direct contact
with the conveyor, the latter those resulting from the catching of
the thumb, finger, hand, or clothing in the moving part of the machine.
Nine of the injuries resulted in permanent disability. In one of
these cases the central nervous system was involved, and in eight the
thumb or fingers. One woman was scraping corn into a worm con
veyor with a paddle. The paddle slipped from her hand, and when
she reached for it the right middle finger was caught in the conveyor
and smashed off at the distal joint. Another worker, while taking
catsup bottles off the conveyor, caught her left hand in the conveyor
belt, lacerating it severely and fracturing bones, so that it was neces
sary to have the ring finger amputated at the proximal joint and the
index finger at the distal joint. A third woman, while inspecting
soup cans on the filling machine, dropped a sponger on the can worm
and jammed her thumb, crushing off about one-half of the distal
phalanx. In a fourth case, while the woman was attempting to pull
patches off a belt conveyor, her left thumb, fingers, wrist, and forearm
were caught under the belt and severely crushed. A fifth worker
was cleaning a husking machine, and her right hand was caught in
the chain that drags husks under the machine. The index and
middle fingers were mashed off to the middle joint, and the ring and
little fingers severely lacerated. And in a sixth case, an operator on
a bottle washer and soaker conveyor, in putting bottles into the
soaker, caught her ring finger and amputated the distal phalanx
when the “compartment came up too quickly.”
Degree of impairment—Lost time.

The foregoing descriptions of extent of injury in terms of cause
give a rather general impression of the severity of accidents to women.
A further correlation of cause of accident with location of disability
and degree of impairment of member in permanent disability cases,
and of time lost in temporary cases, gives the details necessary for a
more accurate estimate of the relative severity of various causes of
accident. I able 20 shows that by far the largest per cent of the
serious injuries involving the forearm, hand, thumb, and fingers were
caused by machinery, while the more serious injuries involving the

CAUSE OF ACCIDENT

113

arm above the elbow, the upper and lower leg, and the foot were
caused by falls of persons. Among the temporary disability cases
such falls caused 32.1 per cent of the injuries requiring a healing period
of three weeks or over, while they were responsible for only 24.7 per
cent of the total number of temporary disability cases. Among the
less serious disabilities there were more varied causes. Hand tools
caused 2 per cent of all permanent disabilities, but 8 per cent of the
minor injuries to the thumb; the handling of objects caused 7.5 per
cent of all permanent disabilities, but 21.1 per cent of the eye injuries
and 25 per cent of the injuries to the thumb rating 33^ but less than
50 per cent impairment of that member. Falling objects and stepping
on or striking against objects caused an inappreciable per cent of all
permanent disabilities, but this per cent is increased fourfold for each
of these causes in the case of minor injuries to the leg at or below the
knee, and is increased to threefold for falling objects in the case of
minor foot injuries. Among the minor temporary disability cases,
machine accidents caused 43.5 per cent of those requiring a healing
period of less than two weeks, although they caused only 37.5 per
cent of all temporary disability cases; and hand tools caused 7 per
cent of those requiring less than two weeks for healing although only
4 per cent of all temporary disability cases.

Table 20.—Degree of disability in terms of per cent of impairment of member in permanent disability cases and of time lost in temporary
disability cases, by location of disability and cause of accident
Per cent of each disability due to accident from

All cases.......................... .......................................... 2 3,268
Fatal cases______________________ _____ _________
15
Permanent disability cases........................ ...................
799
Arm above elbow.......................................................
10
7
1
2
Arm at or below elbow___________ ____

Hand
tools

3.5
2.1

2.0

4.2

1.5

1.3

21.0
13.3
9.8
70.0
57.1
100.0
100.0

3.6
1.1
40.0 ______
1.1
■6

2.8
6.7
1.8

40.0
100.0
50.0

41
26
15

Thumb....... .......................................................

61
36
4
21

6.6
8.3

431
191
151
89

2.3
4.2
1.3

15.0
13.3
7.5
20.0
28.6

5
1
2
2

Hand.............................................................................

50 per cent and over..........................................

Poison
ous and
Explo
Step
corro
sions,
ping
sive
Han
elec
Falls
sub
on or
dling Falling strik
tric
Vehi
of
per
stances
objects
ity, and cles
of
ing
and
sons
Total
objects
hot
against
occupa
sub
objects
tional
stances
dis
eases

7.3
7.7
6.7

4.8

2.4
3.8

14.8 ______
13.9
25.0
14.3

1.6
2.8

6.0
6.3
4.0
9.0

48.8
53.8
40. 0

8.2
11.1
4.8

.5
.5
.7

.7
1. 0
1.1

.2
1. i ..............

1.4
.5
5.6

Power- Powertrans work
Eleva mission
ing ma Other
tors
appara chines
tus

0.8
13.3
1.0

2.4
6.7
3.3
10.0
14.3

42.3

0.9

68.6

1.3

60.0

20.0

40.0

50.0
100.0

50.0

36.6
26. 9
53.3

2.4
3.8
1.6
2.8

46.4
20.0
74.1
10.0
14.3

Machinery

67.2
61.1
75. 0
76.2
88.9
87. 4
94.0
83.1

100.0
36.6
26.9
53.3

1.6

4.9
5.6

4.8

60.7
55.6
75.0
66.7

3.2
3.1
2.0
5.6

84.7
84.3
90.1
76.4

4.8

2.0
i.i

Miscel
laneous
causes

0.4
6.7
.3

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Location and degree 1 of disability

Total,
all
causes

*
Thumb and one or more fingers_____
33}i and under 50 per cent-._____
50 per cent and over............ ............
Two or more fingers.

8 !______ _______ _______

12.5

............. L..........
..............1..............

1
7

_____________

114

1.8

Under 33H per cent___ _________
33J^ and under 50 per cent........ .
50 per cent and over.........................

41
38
35

4.9

3.5

5.3
5.7 ...........

2.4
______ I

Under 333-3 per cent......... ..... ...........
50 per cent and over____________

6
2

Leg at or below knee_______________

6 7

13.3

12
3

8.3

16.7

Under 333^ per cent....... .................
50 per cent and over.........................

•

90.4

1.8

2.4

2.9

92.7
94.7
91.4

90.2
92.1
88.6

2.6
2.9

100.0 1______________
60.0 L
13.3
58.3 *1
66.7 ..............

5.9

70.6 j______

6.7

66.7 .............
100.0 ______
100.0 _____

85. 7

93.0

66.71..............................
1

14.3

!
1

7S.0 _______ !_______

75.0
1

25.0

33.3

1
1
1

6.7

6.7
!

16.7
33.3

j
33.3

Foot........................ .....................................

Under 33per cent..........................
3333 and under 50 per cent_______
50 per cent and over...... ...................

15
1
1

One or more toes, 50 per cent and over

Eye..............................................................

50 per cent and over................... ......
Per cent not reported.___________

3
16

Other................................. ..........................

Under 33H per cent_____________
50 per cent and over...... ...................
Per cent not reported.____ _____

9
1
59

35.6

5.1

10.2

Temporary disability cases______________

2,454

4.0

17.4

2.2

5.1

24.7 1

4.2

1.3

3.2

37.5

2.1

Under 2 weeks______________________
2 and under 3 weeks________________
3 weeks and over........ .............. ...............
Time not reported__________________

543
677
1,232
2

7.0
4.6
2.3

18.6
19.5
15.7

1.8
2.2
2.4

6.1
5.9
4.3

16.4 I
18.0 |
32.1 j

2.8
4.7
4.4
50.0

.9
1.2
1.5

2.6
4.1
2.9

43.5
39.6
33.8
50.0

.4
.1
1.0

2.8
2.2
1.8

40.0
36.5
30.0
50.0

6.7

______

17.6

11.8

5.9

20.0

13.3

6.7

—
•

' '
|

100.0

5.3

21.1
1

6.3

25.0
15.9
22.2
100.0
13.6

•

.......... .

5.3
33.3

10.5

........
.
12.5

12.5
27. 5 '

11.6

5.3

36.8

6.3

66.7
31.3

66. 7
31.3

33.3

5.8

4.3
■ 1
55.61.............. s
______ ______ 1_______
23.7 |
13.6
6.8
6.8

5.8

8.7

22.2

17.4

|
5.3
1
6.3
1.4

1.4

17.0

1. 7

34.0

.4
.7
1.1

.4
.1
.6

Ca u s e o f a c c i d e n t

Leg above knee.........................................

12.5

100.0
1

.9
1

87.5

100.0

22.2

1 In terms of per cent of impairment of member in permanent disability cases and of time lost in temporary disability cases.
1 Excludes 17 eases not reporting cause of accident.

Crt

116

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

IN RELATION TO TYPICALLY WOMAN-EMPLOYING INDUSTRIES

The inclusion of descriptions from State records of causes of
accidents occurring in typically woman-employing work makes for
further clarification from the point of view of prevention.
The metal industry.

A tapping-machine operator had a bandage on her finger. The
bandage caught in the machine, drawing her finger into the tap and
amputating it between the middle and proximal joints.
While a woman was operating a drill press making 50,000 revolu
tions per minute, a chip of steel flew into her eye.
An operator of a drill press caught the sleeve of her dress on the
drill; her left arm was forced against the machine and was bruised
and lacerated.
A drill-press operator stooped to pick some pieces of work from the
machine, when some of her hair, coming in contact with the driving
shaft, was wound around it and removed from the scalp.
A woman operating an automatic milling machine was cleaning
oil off the machine with a cloth. The cloth was caught, her hand
was drawn into the machine, and her thumb and index finger were
severely lacerated.
A punch-press operator was taking tin out of the machine when
she accidently tripped the machine; her hand was caught and the
palm punctured and lacerated.
A punch-press operator caught her thumb in her machine and the
flesh and half the nail were cut off; the machine failed to operate
correctly, the upper die coming down twice.
While the operator was knocking work out of a punch press, the
press repeated, and her hand was caught, the middle finger being
dislocated and the ring finger badly lacerated.
A punch-press operator tried to straighten a forging on the die
before the press operated; one finger was caught and amputated at
the distal joint.
While operating a punch press the worker’s foot slipped and acci
dently struck the pedal which released the die. One finger was
smashed.
A woman was cutting on a press bottoms for cans from a sheet of
tin. The tin slipped over the gauge, pulling her fingers under the
edge of the die and cutting off the tips of two of them.
A punch-press operator's finger was smashed while she was looking
about and talking.
While operating a defective press a punch-press operator lost the
tip of one finger. “The guard did not lower far enough and the
foot-pedal catch was worn and did not hold the pedal firm.”
A punch-press operator failed to remove her finger quickly enough
after placing the work under the die, and the index finger was lacerated.

CAUSE OP ACCIDENT

117

While operating a punch press the operator’s hand was caught
under the die when the machine repeated. The four fingers were
mangled. According to her statement, “The dog and pin both were
worn out, and I had told the foreman of this some time before.”
The operator of a rotary-tube machine tried to save a tube from
going under the die the second time and one finger was caught under
the plunger and the tip removed.
A woman was operating a stamping press, the die of which had
four pin gauges. Although the operator is provided with a stick
to straighten the blanks between the pins, she used her hand to
straighten a blank which had got over the pin gauge. Tripping the
treadle at the same time, her hand was caught under the press and
the tips of two fingers were badly mashed. “She had been warned
repeatedly by the die setter to use the stick.”
\\ hile a woman was making cores, the core plate fell and crushed
her foot.
A coremaker was lifting a core plate from the rack, when it slipped
from her hands and fell on her foot, bruising and lacerating it.
The clothing industry.

While a woman was operating a power sewing machine, the needle
entered her thumb.
A power sewing-machine operator constantly broke the thread of
her work with her finger. The finger was cut by the thread and in
fection set in.
W'hile a woman was .operating a power sewing machine, the needle
broke off and pierced her thumb.
A power sewing-machine operator was standing beside her machine
adjusting a bobbin when her dress was caught in the unguarded
shafting and her back was seriously wrenched.
The paper and paper-products industry.

A woman stitching paper cartons by machine tried to force a box
through the stitcher. Her hand slipped on the smooth cardboard
and her fingers were crushed by the stitcher.
A woman operating a folding machine tried to get paper out of the
roller and the folding blade. Her finger was caught under the blade
and severely lacerated.
An operator was trying to remove the torn paper from a folding
machine when one finger was caught, and the distal joint was smashed
in the machine.
While feeding cardboard boxes into a folding machine the woman’s
hand was drawn into the machine and the ring and little fingers were
deeply lacerated.
While feeding a printing press the operator’s hand slipped over the
release lever and was crushed between platen and bed of press.

118

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

A girl was operating a corner stayer; the safety device failed to
work; her finger was caught and the tip amputated.
In operating a corner-cutting machine, a woman’s finger was
under the knife when her helper accidentally placed her foot on the
pedal of the machine, releasing the knife and amputating the tip of
the finger.
A girl operating a paper-box stripping machine accidentally put
her foot on the treadle of the machine while her finger was under the
cut-off that severed the paper, and the tip of the finger was cut off.
While operating a paper cutter a woman’s finger was caught under
the cutter while adjusting the machine and she lost the tip of this
finger.
The textile industry.

A girl weaver was hit on the right eye by the shuttle flying from the
loom.
A weaver was wiping oil from the belt pulley on her loom when the
cloth she was using was caught. It jerked her arm against the belt,
skinning it and causing swelling.
A weaver was taking the beam from her loom when the beam
slipped and fell on her foot, severely bruising it and making it swell
greatly!
A weaver strained her side while lifting weights at the back of the
loom.
While a weaver was repairing broken ends of the silk, the loom was
accidentally started and a wheel struck her hand and lacerated it.
While a woman was winding cotton, her arm was caught and
forcibly twisted, the wrist being dislocated, in the belt of the winding
machine.
A girl operating a winder tried to remove a string from the shaft
while in motion. One finger was caught by a loop in the string, which
tied the finger to the shaft. The revolving motion of the shaft
tightened the string so that the finger was cut off.
A woman operating a hank-winding machine picked up a bobbin
and a splinter from the bobbin pierced her thumb.
The belt of a winding machine broke, and in falling one end struck
the operator in the face.
.
A girl operating a winder tried to change a belt from one pulley to
another and her wrist was caught between pulley and belt, bruising
and spraining it.
A girl operating a spinning frame turned from her work to raise
a window. A belt caught her dress and pulled her forcibly down
between the wheels, the accident resulting in multiple abrasions of
the right leg.
A spinner’s finger was pricked on the flyer, “something that
happens every day.” In this case infection followed.

CAUSE OP ACCIDENT

119

A woman operating a picker in a shoddy mill was cleaning rags from
the machine when one finger was caught between the gears and
fractured.
A girl was operating a finishing machine in a rope factory. While
she was guiding hemp between two rollers the hemp caught on the
tin finger protector, drawing her entire hand in between the rolls and
fracturing the forearm.
A woman was one of two operators on a drawing frame in a jute
mill. She was piecing an end when the second operator, at the front
of the machine, started the machine without giving warning. The
woman’s hand and lower forearm were caught and lacerated between
the retaining roller and bar.
A spool dropped from the top of a redrawing frame in a silk mill,
and the girl operating the machine tried to pick the spool out of the
machine. One finger was caught between belt and wheel and severely
bruised.
A woman operating a twister in a worsted mill got a splinter in her
thumb while pushing bobbin boxes, and streptococcic infection
followed.
W hile cutting yarn from the roller, one finger of an operator of
a twisting machine in a woolen mill was caught and lacerated.
A knitting-machine operator was cleaning the machine. The cloth
she was using was caught in the gear, drawing her hand into the
machine, and the amputation of one finger was necessary.
The food-products industry.

A woman was pinning cakes on a trolley or conveyor (used to dip
cakes in icing) when her hand slipped and the trolley pin punctured
the left thumb, which later became infected.
A woman was washing bottles in a food factory. A bottle had
been broken by the capping machine, and a piece of broken glass was
left on the outside of the bottle she was washing, cutting one finger
under the nail.
A woman was feeding the starch machine in the marshmallow
department of a candy factory. Some damp starch stuck to the side
of the hopper, and while she was wiping this off her finger slipped into
the cogs and was crushed.
•
A girl was operating a chocolate-dipping machine in a candy factory.
She was wiping chocolate off a part of the machine. A gas flame
underneath made the machine very hot. Two fingers were burned
and in jerking back her hand the hand and arm were caught between
the belt and roller. The burns involved the tips of two fingers, a
space 3 inches long and 1 inch wide on the palm of the hand, and a
space 4 inches wide and 7 inches long on the inner arm.

120

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

While feeding candy into a sucker machine, a girl’s glove was
caught between the rolls and her finger nail was jerked off, making
amputation of the tip of the ring finger necessary.
A woman employed in a canning factory slipped on some tomato
peelings and fell, suffering a fracture of the acromial process of the
scapula.
A woman employed in a canning factory was placing a soup can
on a filling machine, when one finger was caught between the valve
can and the roller. The finger was amputated at the distal joint.
A woman employed in a canning and preserving plant was pulling
a cork out of a bottle when the bottle broke in her hand, severely
lacerating it.
A woman was coring cabbages on a power coring machine. The
revolving knife caught her glove and cut two fingers, one so severely
that it had to be surgically amputated at the middle joint.
A woman was operating a slicing machine in a bakery. While
feeding apples into the machine one finger was caught in the sheer,
and surgical amputation of a major portion of the distal phalanx
followed.
A woman employed in a bakery was feeding cakes into a cutting
machine. In trying to straighten a cake her hand was caught in the
machine and lacerated from the proximal joints to the wrist, and the
palmar arch was severed.
While feeding a molding machine in a bakery a girl’s hand was
caught in the steel rolls. The flesh was torn off practically the entire
dorsal surface of the palm, which became infected.
A woman employed in a meat-packing plant lifted a tub of sausage
over her head, while standing on a ladder four rungs from the floor.
This caused severe sprain of back and side.
A woman was working on a conveyor in a food factory. She
reached across the conveyor, and her apron was caught in the belt,
drawing her forcibly against the machine. Her right leg was bruised.
Power laundries.

A woman’s entire hand was caught in the rollers of a flat-work
ironer while running laundry through them. It was lacerated,
burned, and later infected.
A woman was operating a flat-work ironer when one finger was
caught in the fold of a sheet, and the hand was drawn between the
rolls, which burned and fractured it.
A rvoman operating a shirt press put a cuff in the machine and,
while smoothing it out, stepped on the foot pedal; one finger was
smashed.

CAUSE OF ACCIDENT

121

A woman was operating a shirt press. Her fingers became tangled
in a shirt sleeve, and she brought the pressure down too soon, bruising
and burning the hand.
A woman was doing starching in a laundry. The floor was wet
from the overflow of the washing machine, causing her to slip and
fall, fracturing her forearm.
A woman doing hand ironing in a laundry fainted from the heat
and fell on an iron.
Restaurants.

A waitress was carrying a dinner tray. The tray upset, and she
was badly burned with hot coffee.
A waitress was cleaning a goblet, when it broke and cut her arm,
the cut later becoming infected.
While cutting bread on a cutter a waitress’s left thumb was caught
and lacerated.
A waitress’s right arm was scalded by boiling water which over
flowed from a percolator.
One finger of a woman doing kitchen work was caught in a meat
cutter which she was using, and the finger was amputated at the
middle joint.
Charring.
A woman was scrubbing stairs in an office building and went up
the stairs to wring out a cloth she was using, when she slipped and
fell, her back striking on the pail, and five ribs were fractured.
A woman was standing on a four-foot stepladder, when the ladder
toppled and she fell.
A woman was cleaning the floor of a theater and a splinter pierced
one finger. Severe infection followed.
FALLS

Since so large a number of injuries were caused by falls, it is of
interest to quote from some of the records which show more exactly
how such accidents occurred.
A salesgirl stood on a stepladder to get some collars and in getting
down fell, twisting and spraining one knee.
A janitress fell from a stepladder while cleaning. In striking the
left side of her forehead was cut and her right shoulder bruised.
The cutter in an embroidery factory reported, “A chair was placed
on a four-wheeled truck so that I could reach my work. As I stood
up the truck moved, and I fell to the floor.” Her left breast, side,
arm, back, and head were badly bruised.
43004°—27------ 0

122

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

A woman employed in a linen mill was pushed by other workers
while going downstairs at the noon hour. She fell, spraining her
right foot.
A woman employed in a factory making dental instruments
stepped on a banana peel while descending the stairs, and fell nearly
to the bottom. Her ankle was sprained.
A worker in a clothing factory, going down a dark staircase to the
cloakroom, slipped and fell. Her loft eye and the left side of her
chest were bruised and her back was sprained.
An inspector in a factory making linoleum was coming down the
stairs when the heel of her shoe caught on a step, and she fell six
steps, her left arm being badly bruised.
A telephone operator was starting upstairs when one foot slipped
on newly-waxed linoleum and she was thrown backward. In falling
she struck the back of her head, and there was cerebral concussion.
A saleswoman was standing on a chair to get boxes from a top
shelf. The chair slipped, causing her to fall. Her knee was scraped
against the counter and severely bruised.
A woman employed in a paper mill slipped on a piece of oiled
paper while walking through the workroom and her left wrist was
severely sprained.
A bookkeeper, going through the hall, slipped on some grease and
fell. Her right wrist was injured and later became infected.
A woman, employed by a wholesale drug company, while walking
through a dark passageway stumbled over a steel drum and fell on
the palm of her hand, and the muscle of her forearm and elbow were
sprained.
A cook in a hotel fell on the icy steps at the door of the hotel, and
her back was bruised and sprained.
A woman employed in a paper-box factory stumbled and fell over
a broom handle when coming from the workroom. Her knee was
injured.
A girl employed in a cotton mill, while going through the picker
room stubbed her toe against a piece of pipe. She fell, her head
striking on the cement floor. She was badly bruised and shaken.
A woman in a paper factory, while walking down an aisle of the
workroom, fell through a hole in the floor. Contused and lacerated
wounds of the legs resulted.
A spinner in a bag factory caught the heel of her shoe in a bad spot
in the floor. She fell, and her wrist was sprained.
A private secretary in a hotel walked into an open trapdoor and
fell into the cellar. Both ankles were sprained, her knees were
bruised, and her back was injured.

FREQUENCY RATES

123

FREQUENCY RATES

Although it is the aim of persons interested in industrial safety to
prevent all accidents, whatever the cause may be, it is essential to
an effective prevention plan to determine what industries and what
occupations are the chief offenders as to frequency and severity of
injury. To arrive at accurate frequency and severity rates it would
be necessary to have figures showing the number of hours worked
during the 12-month period in the work places covered by the State
compensation laws and the number of women employed in such
work places. Such figures are not available, but an estimate can
be made from which it will be possible to determine that certain
industries are very much more hazardous than others, though small
differences between rates can not be considered as having any
significance.
The difficulty in arriving at anything but an approximate rate is
due to several causes. In the first place the figures taken from the
1920 census of occupations, showing the numbers of women in the
various lines of employment in January, 1920, the mid-point of the
period studied, form the only basis for an estimate of the numbers
of women exposed to industrial hazard. Such a basis assumes that
the numbers employed on January 1 are about average for the
year, making no allowance even for seasonal industries, whereas if
the number employed at that time was greater than the average
the rates tend to be underestimated, and if the number was less
they tend to be overstated. Such a basis also makes no allowance
for differences in hours of employment in the various industries.
The figures showing numbers injured are, of course, an understate
ment, since they do not include injuries to employees not covered
by the compensation act, nor cases of temporary total disability in
which the healing period, in Wisconsin and Ohio, did not exceed
seven days or, in New Jersey, did not exceed 10. (See Chart IV.)
The groups of women in New Jersey and Wisconsin whose em
ployers had refused to accept the compensation act and the groups
excluded from compensation by reason of the numerical-exception
feature of the law (by which in Wisconsin employers of fewer than
three employees were not subject to the act unless they so elected
and by which in Ohio employers of fewer than five were not subject
to the act) have not been omitted. (See Chart VI.) In arriving at
severity rates, since it was impossible to secure figures on time
worked in the various employments, it has been assumed further
that the women at work January 1, 1920, put in 300 days of 10
hours each during the 12-month period covered.

124

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

There was some variation in the number of women injured, per
thousand employed, among the large industrial groups reporting
compensated accidents. In New Jersey the rate varied from 9.05
in manufacturing industries through 7.96 among certain classes of
labor in agriculture, 3.42 in transportation, principally telephone
work, 2.42 in trade, and 1.39 in the group classed as “clerical,
professional, etc.” In Wisconsin the rate in manufacturing indus
tries was 14.10 per 1,000, in transportation 3.45, in trade 1.98, and
in clerical, professional, etc., 1.11. In Ohio the rate was 15.83 in
manufacturing industries, 3.69 in transportation, 2.67 in trade, and
0.82 in clerical, professional, etc. (Appendix Table XIII.)
The occupation groups within the general industry classification
present much greater differences. For the semiskilled workers in
manufacturing industries in the three States the high rate was 84.57
for box factories in Ohio. In Wisconsin the rate for the same group
was 77.46. For metal workers in Ohio the rate was 66.18; for metal
workers in New Jersey it was 36.01. For iron and steel workers in
Wisconsin the rate was 41.43; for this group in Ohio it was 39.52.
At the lower end of the scale are the rates of 1.06 for shoe workers in
New Jersey, of 2.77 for tobacco workers in Wisconsin, of 3.34 for
tobacco workers in Ohio, and of 4.83 for textile workers in New
Jersey.
In each of the manufacturing industries except textiles in New
Jersey and chemicals and liquor products in Wisconsin, the rate was
considerably lower for laborers than for semiskilled workers. From
an examination of the details in the mixed group clerical, professional,
etc., it is apparent that there was considerable variation from the
rate of 1.06 for this group as a whole in the three States. For elevator
operators the rate was 22.06 in New Jersey and 11.95 in Ohio, and
for charwomen it was 14.81 and 10.15, respectively, in the two States.
For domestic servants the rate varied from 2.68 in New Jersey to
1.32 in Ohio. For office workers the lowest rate was found for Ohio,
0.45.
In the transportation group the high rate of 141.03 is that of street
railway conductors and laborers; though based upon a relatively
small number of women employees, this is of some significance.
Under the head of trade the rate for saleswomen is found to vary
only from 3.28 in Ohio to 2.83 in Wisconsin.
The foregoing references to occupations in which the frequency
rate is at the high or the low end of the scale are of significance regard
less of numbers employed. Of interest is an analysis of a classifi
cation based on Appendix Table XIII, which presents frequency
rates in the industries employing 5,000 or more women—the compara
tively large woman-employing industry groups.

125

FREQUENCY RATES

Industry

Number of
women
employed

Manufacturing . _ ______
_ _ .
Clay, glass, and stone products
Clothing (including dressmaking)
_ __
Electrical supplies___ ______ __
_____
Food products.. __ __
____
Iron and steel___
__
__
Laundry work, cleaning, and dyeing___
Leather products. _ _ _
______ _ ..
. Metal goods__ __
__________
..
Printing and publishing____ ____ ______
Rubber ._ _. ______ __ ______ __
Textiles..______ . _ . .
______ _
Tobacco and cigars___
__ ... _
Clerical, professional, etc.
.
_
Office employees____
__ _____
Care and custody of buildings . _
Professional service .
...
_ _
Domestic and personal service
. _
Transportation (street railway conductors
and laborers and telephone operators)____
Trade....
_
. _
1 Includes only those employing 5,000 or more women.

176,
7,
38,
8,
9,
10,
6,
10,
5,
5,
7,
50,
15,
465,
179,
7,
108,
171,

Number of
women
injured

678
125
146
995
969
263
824
607
295
357
688
440
969
529
178
137
198
016

1, 944
97
189
160
226
280
87
108
214
102
91
323
67
490
90
55
34
311

21, 547
66, 901

67
165

Frequency
rate (per 1,000
employees)

11.
13.
4.
17.
22.
27.
12.
10.
40.
19.
11.
6.
4.
1.
.
7.
.
1.

00
61
95
79
67
28
75
18
42
04
84
40
20
06
50
70
31
82

3. 11
2. 47

(3ee A ppendix Table XIII.)

The rate in the metal-goods industry was highest, being 40.42
women injured per thousand women employed. Th$ industries next
in order in regard to rate were as follows: Iron and steel, 27.28; food
products, 22.67; printing and publishing, 19.04; electrical supplies,
17.79; clay, glass, and stone products, 13.61; and laundry work,
cleaning, and dyeing, 12.75. The three lowest rates in the group of
manufacturing industries employing large numbers of women were
found in the case of tobacco workers, 4.20; clothing workers, 4.95;
and textile workers, 6.40. In the nonmanufacturing group care and
custody of buildings is found to rank high, with a rate of 7.70, and
professional service low, with a rate of 0.31. The rate for the trans
portation group and that for trade were 3.11 and 2.47, respectively;
for office employees the rate was 0.50 and for personal and domestic
service it was 1.82.
SEVERITY RATES

Rates charging specific industries with the results of permanent
disability also are valuable in considering where to fix the responsi
bility for industrial injury and where to begin in a program for pre
vention. In reducing the permanent disabilities to a common stand
ard for this tabulation, the extent of disability in each case and the
time lost were fixed according to the recommendations of the sta
tistical committee of the International Association of Industrial
Accident Boards and Commissions. (See p. 35.) The computation
of a severity rate involved multiplying the number of women em
ployed by the number of hours worked during the period—arbi
trarily set, as already stated, at 300 days of 10 hours each—and
dividing this into the aggregate of the time lost by permanently
disabled women. The resulting severity rate is only an estimate

126

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

because it is based on the assumption that the force as of January,
1920, remained about stationary in numbers and in hours worked
throughout the year.
The severity rates thus arrived at averaged a little higher in Now
Jersey than in the other two States and were lowest in Wisconsin.
(Appendix Table XIV.) In New Jersey the highest rate in the
manufacturing group was found in the paper and pulp industry,
followed by laundry work, paper boxes, chemical products, metal
goods, and iron and steel. In Ohio the six industries ranking highest
as to severity were metal goods, paper boxes, laundry work, auto
mobiles, iron and steel, and paper and pulp. In Wisconsin they
were metal goods, paper boxes, iron and steel, agricultural imple
ments, electrical supplies, and laundry work.
Among the nonmanufacturing industries the severity rates in the
mixed group clerical, professional, etc., varied from 0.04 in Wis
consin to 0.08 in New Jersey. The rate for telephone operators in
Ohio was 0.02, and in the other two States no injuries to such workers
resulted in permanent disability. In the trade classification the rate
varied from 0.07 in New Jersey and Wisconsin to 0.19 in Ohio.
Turning to the severity rates for the women in large woman-em
ploying industries—that is, those in which 5,000 or more women
worked—the industries are found to fall into an order which varies
only slightly from that in the case of frequency rates. The following
classification, based on Appendix Table XIV, gives this information:
Estimated days lost
Industry *

Number of
women
employed

Manufacturings.
____
176,
Clay, glass, and stone prod7,
Clothing (including dressmak
ing)
__
____ _
38,
Electrical supplies _______ __
8,
Food products. _ _________
9,
Iron and steel
____
_ 10,
Laundry work, cleaning, and
dyeing.
... __
6,
Leather products _ _______
10,
Metal goods..
_____
5,
Printing and publishing. _ ..
5,
Rubber_____ _____ __
__
7,
Textiles______ .
----50,
Tobacco and cigars ... _ 15,
Clerical, professional, etc _ _
465,
179,
Care and custody of buildings.
7,
Professional service
___ __ 108,
Domestic and personal service. 171,
Transportation (street railway con
ductors and laborers and tele
phone operators) __________ __ 21,
Trade..____ __
_
66,

Total

678 291, 168
125

Death

Permanent
disability

0.55

8, 958

. 42

8, 958

146
995
969
263

12,
26,
21,
43,

840
640
828
860

824
607
295
357
688
440
969
529
178
137
198
016

37,
12,
65,
10,
4,
32;
14,
81,
5,
24,
1,
50j

128
750
460
140
728
808
028
546
100
138
800
508

547
901

2, 700
27, 396

expo
sure)

42, 000 249, 168

6, 000
30, 000

6, 000
30, 000
18, 000
12,

656

6, 000

12,
26,
21,
43,

840
640
828
860

.
.
.
1.

11
99
73
42

31,
12,
35,
10,
4,
32,
8,
51,
5,
6,
1,
38,

128
750
460
140
728
808
028
546
100
138
800
508

1.
.
4.
.
.
.
.
.
.
1.
.
.

81
40
12
63
20
22
29
06
01
13
01
10

2, 700
21, 396

1 Includes only those employing 5,000 or more women. (See Appendix Table XIV.)

Severity
(per 1,000

Due to—

. 04
. 14

SEVERITY RATES

127

The manufacturing industries showing the highest severity rates,
arranged in descending scale, are metal goods, laundry work, iron
and steel, electrical supplies, food products, and printing and pub
lishing. As already stated, the arrangement by frequency rates gives
the following order: Metal goods; iron and steel; food products;
printing and publishing; electrical supplies; clay, glass, and stone;
and laundry work.
It has been the purpose in this section to allot to each industry its
responsibility for injury. The plan has been, first to distribute the
number of accidents to a specified number of women over a certain
period of time, according to each industrial classification (frequency
rates), and second to distribute the extent of permanent disability
suffered by these women over the same period of time, according to
each industrial classification (severity rates). It now remains to dis
tribute in a similar way the lost time, or healing period, required by
industrial injury. Manufacturing industries, employing 26.8 per
cent of the women exposed to hazard, caused 77.7 per cent of the
injuries, 86.3 per cent of the cases resulting in permanent disability,
and 74.9 per cent of the temporary disability cases. (Appendix
Table XV.) Of the total of 3,253 women for whom healing period
was reported, 1,344 required a healing period of 4 weeks or longer; and
of that number 269 required a healing period of 12 weeks or longer.
Of these 269 cases, 26.4 per cent were in the services grouped as clerical,
professional, etc., where 61.5 per cent of the women were employed.
Textiles, which comprised 6.6 per cent of the total number of women
employed, accounted for 8.5 per cent of the 269 cases requiring a
healing period of 12 weeks or longer; trade, which comprised 8.6 per
cent of the total number, was responsible for 8.6 per cent with such
a healing period; food and kindred products, which comprised 3.4
per cent, for 8.2 per cent; iron and steel, which comprised 1.3 per
cent, for 5.2 per cent; laundry work, which comprised 0.9 per cent,
for 4.5 per cent; and clothing, which comprised 5 per cent of all tho
workers, for 5.2 per cent with the long healing period.
AGE ELEMENT

The age element in accident causation is an important factor in a
program for the prevention of industrial injury. A study of tho
material recorded on this point indicates that certain causes operate
with more serious effect in some age groups than in others, which
fact points to one potent method for reducing industrial injur}'; that
is, the need of prohibiting the employment of very young persons on
certain types of work.

Table 21.—Cause

of accident, by age of injured

Age of injured
All women
• Under 18
years

Cause of accident

18 and un 20 and un 25 and un 30 and un 40 and un 50 and un 60 and un
der 20 years der 25 years der 30 years der 40 years der 50 years der 60 years der 70 years

70 years
and over

All causes........................................................... i 3,095 100.0
Hand tools________________________ __________

110

In hands of injured worker..............................
In hands of fellow worker___________

100
10

Handling of objects.................... .................................

461

Heavy objects........... ...............................
Sharp or rough objects........................................
Hand trucks, wheelbarrows.............................

189
243
29

Falling objects................................. ...............
From elevations............... ...................................
Other...................................... ...........................

129

Stepping on objects....................................
Staking against objects....................................

20
109

From elevations.......... .........................................
On level................................................................
Into excavations......................... ..................
Explosions, electricity, and hot substances
Explosions__________________ ______
Electricity...... ........................................................
Hot substances......................................................

645

14.9

25
4
80

3. 3

2.1

12.3

4.0

7
1
6

11. 6

14.2

20
4
3
ill

2.8

1.6

382 100.0
19

5.0

14.7

16. 2

22
38
2
1.9

5.0

552 100.0
24

3.9

214 100.0

67 100.0

2.3

4.5

15.2

17.0

23
38
3
2.4

4.2

8. 100.0

3
2

13
1

30
45
9
1.8

377 100.0

4 3

22
2

15
4

35
53
7

17.3

6.0

4
2.7

4.2

1. 5

25.0

5.8

1.9

9.0

12.5

35.3

107

50.0

62.7

62.5

2.3

3.0

12
1
2.6

32
5
27

8.6

28
15
4
2.3

645 100.0

2
12

15
19
1
3.5

3.1

8
1

1
11
20.8

35
40
3

2
4.2

549 100.0

16
1

16
20
1

277
344
24
109

301 100.0

53
12

Stepping on or striking against objects____ ____

Falls of persons................ ...............................

3. 6

2
13
12.4

42
37
1
3.6

23
5
18

6
17
18.8

12
2
1
9

124

3
19
22.5

47
74
3

30
39
3
3.6

3.1

133

48
79
5.1

47
54
3.2

INDUSTKIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Num Per Num Per Num Per Num Per Num Per Num Per Num Per Num Per Num Per Num Per
ber
cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent

Vehicles.

Steam and electric railways.....................
Auto and other power............................
Other..................................................
Poison and corrosive substances and occupa
tional diseases....................................... .
Machinery___ _____________ _
Elevators.................................. ........
Power-transmission apparatus.................
Power-working machines........................
Chemical products_________ ____
Clay and glass....... .........................
Food products............................... Laundry........ ................................
Leather-working.............................
Metal-working............ ...................
'
Paper__________________ ___
Printing and bookbinding________
Rubber, celluloid, and composition.....
Textile......................... .................
Wood-working................................
Miscellaneous.................................
Machines other than power-working.......
Conveyors_____________ _
Prime movers..___________ ______
Miscellaneous causes.... .............................. 1

14
18
3

1.1

1.7

5
6

2.2

5
4
3

2
1

1.3

2
3

1.5

3. 0

2.0

2.9

2.8

4. 2

3.1

2. 7

3.7

1.5

1,436

46.4

190

63.1

348

63.4

354

54.9

175

45.8

225

40.8

102

27.1

16.8

9.0

42.3

4
14
171

56.8

1
13
329

59.9

6
19
323

50.1

3
3
167

43.7

4
13
203

36.8

4
7
85

22.5

1
5
27

12.6

7.5

23
74
1,310

2
2
14
3
6
57
18
12
10
38
8
1

2
25
2

11
21
6
19
148
33
16
9
51
15

1
11
17
8
18
155
28
16
7
51
10
1

4
14
6
8
78
12
7
4
25
9

2
9
10
9
98
9
8
3
43
12

1
3
1

5
1

2
1
9
13
2
30
7
2

2
8
1
7
1

1
1

15
4

1
5

1.3

AGE ELEMENT

5
31
87
55
63
574
108
61
33
233
58
2

1.5

1 Excludes 190 cases not reporting complete data.

130

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Of the 3,095 women injured for whom age was reported, 46.4 per
cent were injured by machinery. The steady decrease in the number
of injuries due to machinery with increase in age is shown in Table
21, which indicates in general that a larger number of injuries occurred
in the younger age groups. Twenty-seven per cent of all the injured
women reporting age were under 20, while 37 per cent of those injured
by machinery were under 20.
A glance at the nonmachine accidents reveals that falls of persons,
which next to machinery were by far the most serious cause of injury
numerically, show just the opposite curve; that is, the number of
injuries increases with a fair degree of continuity as the age of the
injured woman increases. Forty-four per cent of the injuries caused
in this way occurred to women of 40 and over and only 12 per cent
were to women under 20. Furthermore, of all accidents to women
of 40 or more 43 per cent were falls, while of those to women of under
20 less than 10 per cent were falls. The women injured by handling
objects, which as a cause of accident was third in numerical impor
tance, were fairly evenly dispersed among the various age groups.
A consideration of the extent of these disabilities to women accord
ing to age shows that 24 per cent of all injured women reporting age
were left with a permanent disability. (Appendix Table V.) Of
this number, 85 per cent resulted in minor disabilities (less than 25
per cent of permanent total). Of the women under 20 years 25 per
cent were left with permanent disabilities, and 90 per cent of these
disabilities were minor in degree. Twenty per cent of the women
aged 40 and under 60 were left with permanent disabilities, 72 per
cent of which were minor in degree. Twenty-seven per cent of the
women 60 years of age and over were permanently disabled, and 75
per cent of these injuries were classified as minor.
COST OF ACCIDENTS
The compensation cost of accidents under the scale of benefits pro
vided during the period studied was low, averaging $100 per case.
(Appendix Table XVI.) Until the scale provides payment to the
injured worker for the actual economic loss occasioned by the acci
dent, instead of allowing the weekly maximum and other limitations
to reduce such payment, the compensation cost will not be so forceful
a factor as it might be in promoting prevention by such means as the
following: The testing of chemicals for their action upon employees
before using them in production processes; machine building from the
point of view of safety to the operator and not merely of accuracy
and speed in production; the provision of adequate guards for ma
chines which are inherently hazardous; proper instructions in regard
to operating, cleaning, and oiling machinery; proper arrangement of

COST OP ACCIDENTS

131

workrooms and material; and such care of floors as will reduce acci
dents due to falls.
The per cent of compensable accidents in which the disability was
permanent was high in New Jersey—29.1 per cent—as compared
with Ohio and Wisconsin—8.5 and 13.9 per cent, respectively—(Appendix Table I)—and the average cost per case was higher in the
State first named. The cost in temporary disability cases averaged
a little less than one-third the average for all cases, varying but little
in the throe States. Among the permanent disability cases, the 23
classified as “other,” including 19 cases of injuries to eyes and 4 of
injuries to teeth, were the most expensive. Only slightly less costly
were the injuries to the central nervous system. The average cost
of impairment and dismemberment cases in Ohio was less than that
for the other States. The cost in ankylosis cases averaged higher in
Ohio than in the other two States. The average cost for disfigure
ment was highest in Wisconsin, where the law includes provision for
special compensation in such cases. In regard to the cost in fatal
cases, of which the total number is small, the average is not very
significant, since the presence or absence of dependents causes dis
proportionate variations in the rate.
STATE PREVENTION WORK

State activity in the interest of promoting prevention of industrial
injury has approached the problem from five angles.
First, there is provision for inspecting places of work, in order to
reduce hazards. In New Jersey this is the duty of the regular labor
department inspectors. In Ohio the division of workshops and
factories of the industrial commission has power to “fix such reason
able standards and to prescribe, modify, and enforce such reasonable
orders for the adoption of safety devices, safeguards, and other means
or methods of protection.” 1 In Wisconsin it is within the power of
the industrial commission to “fix such reasonable standards and to
prescribe, modify, and enforce such reasonable orders for the adoption
of safety devices, safeguards, and other means or methods of pro
tection.” 2 In that State, when there seems to be a possibility that
an accident was caused through nonconformity with State safety
orders, an inspector from the State safety department goes over the
circumstances at the plant and makes a report placing the responsi
bility for the injury.
Second, certain persons are prohibited from performing certain
specified types of work. In each of the States there was a list of
employments from which persons under certain ages were prohibited;3 * •
1 General code of Ohio, Page’s compact edition, 1920, sec. 871-22 (1).
• Wisconsin statutes, 1919, see. 2394-52 (4).
a First supplement, compiled statutes of New Jersey, 1911-1915, pp. 850-852, sec. 14-18. General code of
Ohio, Page’s compact edition, 1920, sec. 13001-13003. Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 1728 a.l (a-c).

132

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

and in Ohio and Wisconsin there were regulations prohibiting the
employment of young women at work requiring constant standing.4
Perhaps the most important factor in the problem of work accidents
as they affect young persons resolves itself into the compiling of
a proper list of prohibited employments.
Third, adequate penalties are levied in terms of increased or de
creased compensation, in cases of injury when commission orders are
violated. In Wisconsin, if injury is caused by failure of the employer
to comply with any statute of the State or any lawful order of the
industrial commission, compensation and death benefits are increased
15 per cent; if injury is caused by the willful failure of the employee
to use safety devices provided by the employer, or if injury results
from the employee’s willful failure to obey any reasonable rule adopted
by the employer for the safety of the employees, or if the injury
results from the intoxication of the employee, the compensation or
death benefits shall be reduced 15 per cent; 5 and compensation and
death benefits shall be treble, (a) if the injured employee is a minor of
permit age and at the time of the accident is permitted to work with
out a permit, or (b) if the injured employee is a minor of permit age
or over and is permitted to work at prohibited employment.6
Fourth, a statistical division is created in the industrial commission.
In Wisconsin such a division promotes preventive work by collecting
and publishing statistics each month relating to the occupation,
hours of labor, number and age of employees, the cause of accident,
and the cost of medical aid and compensation. If such a practice
were more widespread, and if the classifications of occupation and
industry were uniform, a correlation of prevention experience of
considerable value would result. The International Association of
Accident Boards and Commissions is promoting such uniformity,
both in classifications and in tabulation of material.
Fifth, the establishment of an industrial museum acts as a guide
both in machine building and in safe operating. The New Jersey
commission has created such an institution in Jersey City. It is one
of the largest museums of safety devices in the country. Various
types of machines, with accompanying guards and safety devices, are
exhibited as guides to employers. They are placed in one of the
offices of the State Workmen’s Compensation Board, and the rehabil
itation clinic, located in the same building, uses the exhibits in giving
lectures on the use of safety devices and the prevention of accidents.
The machines are power driven and are operated when demonstrations
are made.•
4 General code of Ohio, Page’s compact edition, 1920, sec. 13005. Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 1729 a.2
(d) (1).
* Wisconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-9 (5) (h, i, j, k)
• Wiconsin statutes, 1919, sec. 2394-9 (7) (a, b).

PART V
FINDINGS FROM INTERVIEWS WITH PERMA
NENTLY DISABLED WOMEN
Material from the records in the files of the workmen’s compensa
tion board or commission in the three States gives the detailed infor
mation obtained by these agencies for the purpose of operating the
compensation law. This material has been analyzed in the earlier
sections of the report. In each State the workmen’s compensation
board or commission exists to enforce the law as it stands, but inev
itably the administrators are critical of the law and are interested in
promoting such changes in it as will more nearly provide equitable
treatment for each injured person. These persons analyze the opera
tion of their respective laws more or less extensively according to
the amount of money available for statistical purposes. However,
only a partial analysis of a workmen’s compensation law is possible
from a study of State record material. For that reason, on the advice
of administrators, interviews with injured women were made a part
of the present survey of work accidents.
Injuries resulting only in lost time offer few perplexities. Certain
changes in policy in regard to the relation between wage and rate of
compensation, the length of the waiting period, the extent of medical
treatment furnished, can be studied without reference to personal
interviews. A satisfactory adjustment of indemnity and medical aid
in cases of injury resulting in permanent disability, however, has not
yet been evolved, and many of the changes which will come in the
plans now in effect for the compensation of these disabilities will
depend for their efficacy upon a careful study of the adjustment
which individual women have been able to make. It was deemed
advisable, therefore, to limit the interviews by the agents of the
Women’s Bureau to women who were left with a permanent physical
impairment as a result of the accident.
A copy of the schedule used for interviewing may be found in
Appendix B. In talking with the women particular attention was
paid to the effect of the handicaps on their capacity as citizens and
homemakers, as well as their capacity as instruments of industrial
production. It was considered of interest to study the family, com
munity, and industrial adjustments which the women were able to

133

134

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

make with the help of the compensation boards and other agencies
interested in physical and vocational rehabilitation and reemploy
ment.
The information secured from the injured women indicates that,
due to some inadequacy in the law or in the administration of the
law, the woman with a permanent disability in many cases finds it
difficult or impossible to regain her preaccident status. This study
of adjustments, based on interviews secured from three to four and
a half years after the injury may be of help in pointing the way
to advisable legislative and administrative changes.
A very complete history was taken in each interview, and the
information thus obtained is presented practically in full so as to
give a clear and detailed picture of the results of industrial accidents
from the point of view of the claimant. The histories are here classi
fied according to factors which indicate some defect or inadequacy
in the promotion of adjustment to the preaccident status. Each ap
pears but once, though many of them might be classed with equal
propriety under more than one head. As before stated, only a lim
ited number of the case histories are included in this report, but
all are on file in the office of the Women’s Bureau.
CASES ILLUSTRATING INJURY THROUGH A HAZARDOUS
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

With the growth of exceedingly large units of production, indus
trial accidents became a community problem, and the first reaction
was toward intensive prevention campaigns. In spite of determined
safety work, however, accidents continued to occur. This fact was
recognized and an attempt was made to create proper legislative and
administrative procedure, but the effort to reduce the number of
accidents to the lowest possible minimum continues as an essential
feature of all developments. In this connection, in addition to the
relative importance of various causes of accidents, the relation be
tween age and cause of accident, the efforts of State commissions
to promote preventive work, all of which have been discussed in
the preceding sections of this report, it is the purpose here to present
interviews with permanently disabled women who stated that a
hazardous condition of their occupation played a part in causing
the accident reported.
TYPICAL CASES OF LACK OF PROPER OCCUPATIONAL
INSTRUCTION

Case No. 1.—A 17-year-old girl, American born, with a seventhgrade education and nearly four years of experience as a domestic
servant at $5 a week, was single and living with her parents and nine

INJURY THROUGH HAZARDOUS CONDITION OP EMPLOYMENT 135

brothers and sisters. Her father, one brother, and one sister also
were working. The girl had gone to work in a plant manufacturing
sashes and doors, and for a little over two months she had done
handwork, earning $13.20 a week, but on the day of the accident
the foreman had put her to work on a relishing machine. She said
that all she knew about the machine was what she had learned by
watching other girls work on it. She wTas feeding stock to the
machine, the wood was “pitchy,” her lingers became sticky, and her
left hand was caught in the cutting knives. The index finger was
amputated at the middle joint, and a tendon of the middle finger was
cut between the middle and distal joints. She was disabled for five
and two-thirds weeks. Two days after the accident her sister lost
her job, and with only two workers to contribute their earnings for
the support of 12 persons, the family had a very hard time. Medical
bills were paid and compensation covered a period of 20 weeks in
all. The girl was disabled for her former work, as the two fingers
were painful whenever struck and she could not hold anything long
without her hand becoming cramped. At the time of the interview
there was 50 per cent loss of use of the middle finger at the distal
joint. She went back to domestic service and stayed nearly two
years, earning $8 and later $10.38 a week. She then married and
remained at home. She did her housework but did not use the
middle finger at all, and the stump of the index finger was of very
little use to her.
Case No. 2.—An American negro woman, 28 years old, who had at
tended a country school for several terms, worked as a domestic serv
ant for five years, and remained at home for three years, had started
to w7ork “ carrying in ” in a glass factory. She continued to live
with her parents and she and her father were the wage earners, their
combined income being $28 a week. After five months on the night
shift, earning $13.50 a wreek, she had been transferred to a machine
for grinding glass, also at $13.50. The wage reported to the com
mission was $12.45, which she said was the rate for day workers.
A fellow employee gave her about 10 minutes’ instruction, and twTo
hours after she had started on that operation, while putting glass
into the machine, the right index finger was caught between the
glass and the machine as the parts of the machine came together.
The finger was badly mashed and lacerated. She was disabled for
three and four-sevenths weeks. Medical bills were paid and com
pensation vras allowed for the healing period, but no payments were
made until 12 weeks after the accident. She returned to work at
the end of the healing period but was afraid of the grinding machine
and would not attempt to work on it. She went back to “ carrying
in,” carrying the fork with her left hand and guiding it with her

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right. For two weeks after her return the finger was bandaged to
protect it from the hot fork. She worked three years and then
married, and her husband insisted on her giving up her job. Bits
of glass, set in motion by the “ cracking off,” often hit her in the
face, and he was afraid she might be seriously hurt. At the time of
the interview there was about 25 per cent limitation of strength and
motion at the proximal joint of the index finger. It could be
straightened but not entirely flexed. The injured finger ached in
cold wTeather. Because of the stiffness the finger got in the wTay and
was apt to strike against things. This made washing on a board dif
ficult, although the woman managed to do it, working almost entirely
with her left hand.
TYPICAL CASES OF GUARD FAULTY OR MACHINE OUT OF REPAIR

Case No. 3.—A 34-year-old worker with an early history of ab
normal home life had been placed in a home for neglected children
at 3 years of age, where she had stayed until she was 10. At 5 years
of age she had fallen down a stairway and injured her back. As a
result her strength seemed to be reduced. According to her brother
she had appeared quick and bright when young, but seemed to have
less stamina and less self-confidence as time went on. She had been
bound out at 10 and had done housework and farm work until she
was 24, when she had married a man of 78. She had divorced him
almost immediately and gone back to the farm. Finally at 34 she
went to the city and got work on a punch press in a machine shop,
where her wage was to be $18 a week. She had been working only
four hours when the accident occurred. She had had no factory ex
perience, the noise and speed of the shop bothered her, and her ma
chine was “ easy to get hurt on.” A workman threw a pile of iron
on the floor, making a great deal of noise, so that she jumped involun
tarily and her right thumb and index finger were caught in her ma
chine. The accident happened so suddenly that she did not realize
it had occurred. An investigation was made to determine whether
there was violation of a safety order and the following report was
submitted: “The punch was equipped with an iron bar in front of
the die, a permanent guard, but not very efficient. They are equip
ping all presses with the new type of guard. She had worked four
hours, had never worked in a machine shop before, nor on a punch
press.” The investigator quoted the worker’s description of the acci
dent and added, “ She caught the right thumb and index finger
between the top of guard and crosshead. No violation of the safety
order.” The tip of the right thumb was crushed, being later ampu
tated surgically at the distal joint, and the right index finger was
seriously lacerated. She was unable to work for 17 weeks. Medical

INJURY THROUGH HAZARDOUS CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT 137

bills were paid and compensation was allowed for 30 weeks in all.
She had a hard time finding another job. The thumb and finger
continued to bother her, and the shock resulting from the experience
made her feel that she could not work on a machine again. She
finally got work as an assembler in an automobile factory at $14 a
week. In four weeks she was laid off; she tried to get other work
but was unsuccessful and went back to farm work for a time. She
married a few months later and at the date of the interview had not
again become a wage earner. She was partially disabled for certain
forms of housework, with which her husband helped her.
Case No. 4-—A 25-year-old girl, born in America of Polish parents,
had finished the third grade before beginning work at 14, but had
not worked steadily, as the family had been living on a farm part
of the time. She lived with her father, mother, and five brothers
and sisters, of whom she and one young brother were the only wage
earners, their combined income being $22.27 a week. She had done
both hand and machine sewing in a hammock factory and had then
worked irregularly in a plant making railroad and automobile sup
plies, operating a variety of machines. Her wage had advanced
from $15 to $16.50 a week. The day before the accident she had
been placed on a power punch press for the first time. While taking
a casting from the press her right thumb and middle finger were
caught under the die, and the thumb was traumatically amputated
at the distal joint and the middle finger at the middle joint. She
was disabled for 13 weeks and 1 day. She made no claim for com
pensation at first, as she hesitated to do it alone and her father could
speak no English. She finally engaged a lawyer, who secured a
settlement without her having to appear at all. An investigation
was made by the commission to determine whether the safety orders
had been carried out. According to the findings, “Benjamin guard
not guarding the tool when foot trip was used. Cold trimming
work. No guard provided.” The penalty was paid by the employer,
and the compensation covered a period of 45 weeks in all. The
woman gave about 5 per cent of her compensation to the lawyer. All
medical bills were paid. She was disabled for her former job and
lost, in addition to the healing period, three weeks in looking for
work. She then secured employment tying ribbons on candy boxes
in a candy factory at $11.50 a week. About six months later the
foreman at the factory where she had been hurt asked her to return,
and she was given a machine job, in five months being advanced from
$16.50 to $24.75 a week. This work was not dangerous, but it was
hard, and she was not well. At the end of the five months she
secured work as a salesgirl in a retail store, which she found easier.
■

43094°—27-------10

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

She left a year later to marry and had not since attempted to look
for work.
Case No. 5.—A 30-year-old worker, born in Austria and literate in
both English and German, was single and living alone, being en
tirely self-dependent. When 12 or 13 years old she had carded
buttons by hand for a year, at $4 a week. She was not employed
again for about 12 years. She then operated a power punch press
on metal goods, and after five years’ experience had advanced from
$10 to $12 a week.
According to her account of the accident, a
spring on the foot treadle had broken. She had reported it, but
no repair had been made. On the morning of the accident she had
removed the spring, which made the treadle work too fast for what
she was doing. Half an hour later the press repeated. The middle
and ring fingers were caught and severely lacerated. The nail on
the ring finger was pulled out, and half the distal phalanx of the
middle finger had to be amputated. She was disabled for four weeks
and five days. Medical bills were paid and compensation was allowed
for 10% weeks in all. After the healing period she returned to her
former job, but for two months could make only $10 or $11 a week.
At the time of the interview, three and a half years later, she was
on the same job and was making $15 a week. She was unable to
do work on small parts. As the finger was still painful when she
struck it against anything she constantly protected it.
Case No. 6.—A 21-year-old worker of Italian birth, illiterate but
able to speak good English, was married, had one child, and she
and her husband were working, their combined income being $64.50
a week. At 13 she had started to work in a woolen mill, first as a
cleaner and then as a winder, and had advanced from $4.50 to $12.50
in about five years. At that time she had stopped for the birth of
her child and had stayed at home about two years. After that she
had gone to work again to help pay for a home, had worked for
seven and a half months at two leather factories, and then had en
tered an artificial silk mill as a ball winder. She had been work
ing there six months and had advanced from $12.50 to $14.50 a
week. She stated that a week before the accident a spring on her
machine had come loose; she had asked to have it fixed and the
boss had promised to “ when he had time.” Because this spring was
not in order her hand was caught between the disk plate and the
wool while she was operating, and part of the right little finger
was mashed off. It bled severely, and a fellow worker made a
tourniquet of her handkerchief while the boss telephoned for an
ambulance. There was no first-aid equipment in the plant. Later
in the day the whole finger was surgically amputated. She was
disabled for work for five and a half weeks. She paid $4 a week

INJURY THROUGH HAZARDOUS CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT 139

for the care of her baby, and her husband stayed away from work
to take care of her and to help at home for a period of two weeks.
He was earning $50 a week at the time and his absence from work
meant a considerable loss, so that he went into debt. Medical bills
were paid, and she received compensation for 19 weeks in all. She
returned to her former work for two weeks, then was transferred
to a comb machine at $16.50, but left after about six months and
was still At home at the time of the interview. She then had two
children.
Case No. 7.—An American woman of 29, having a sixth-grade
education, was separated from her husband, and she and her two
children lived with her mother, who kept boarders. She had worked
three years before her marriage at 18, first filling bobbins in a cotton
mill at $5, later packing crackers at $6.50 a week. She then had
stayed at home for nine years. At the time of the accident she had
been working for two years in a factory making automobile parts.
During this time she had operated a reamer, drill press, turret lathe,
milling machine, and center-holing machine, having had about the
same experience on each. She had advanced from $11 to $17.28 a
week. On the day of the accident she was operating a reamer. She
stated that the machine was out of order, there was not enough air
in the chuck, the socket slipped as she was fixing it, the handle re
versed, and the tip of her left index finger was cut off. Later it was
necessary to amputate the finger between the distal and middle joints,
nearer the middle joint. She was disabled four weeks and two days
and during this period paid $10 a week board for the children, and
for five weeks paid $1.50 a week for laundry, going into debt to her
mother. Medical bills were paid. The permanent injury allowed
was loss of the index finger at the distal joint. At the time of the
interview there was also considerable loss of use at the middle joint,
but not complete and therefore not compensable. She received com
pensation for 15 weeks in all. She returned to her former em
ployer, but as she was afraid to operate a reamer she was put on a
drill press. After six and a half months at $17.28 she left, as she
was in a run-down condition and was afraid of getting hurt on the
machine. She married five months later and had not again become
an earner.
Case No. 8.—A 23-year-old American worker, with an eighth-grade
education, was single and living with a sister who also was working.
Each was self-supporting. This woman had begun work when 21
as a foot punch-press operator in a metal-goods factory, averaging
$25 a week. After working one and a half years her right index finger
was caught in the press, pulling out the nail, and she was disabled
five weeks. On her return after this healing period she had been

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

put on a power punch press, and in five and two -thirds months, when
the scheduled accident occurred, was earning $30 a week. While
she was operating, the right index finger was caught and traumat
ically amputated just below the nail. The guard on her press was
set improperly. She had reported the condition of the machine,
but no adjustment had been made. She was disabled 20 weeks. Her
mother lived in a small town in another part of the State, and when
she and her sister found it impossible to pay her expenses, she went
into debt, and finally left and went to her mother. After the period
of disability she went to work on a drill press, at $20 a week. In
a month she stopped. Infection had set in at the site of the injury,
because a splinter of bone had not been removed at the time of the
first treatment. Reamputation to the distal joint became necessary,
and she was disabled 13 weeks longer. Her mother’s doctor per
formed the operation. The State law provided that, in cases of
amputation, compensation would cover the permanent impairment
but not the healing period, unless the healing period exceeded the
amount of time allowed for the permanent impairment. In this
case, due to the infection, the healing period exceeded the weeks
allowed for the specific injury (12 weeks for index at distal joint),
so compensation for an additional 21 weeks was allowed; and since
the injury occurred on account of a violation of a safety order, 15
per cent of the total compensation due was added to the amount paid.
About nine weeks after the accident the insurance company attempted
to induce her to accept the 12 weeks’ compensation due for the per
manent injury, but she consulted a lawyer, to learn her rights, and
refused the settlement, and without further help from him the matter
was settled at an informal hearing before the commission. Medical
bills were paid. After the second period of disability she got a job
as a power sewing-machine operator and continued at this work in
various factories for two and a half years, her earnings ranging
from $20 to $28 a week. Desiring easier employment, she had
found work in an art shop one week before the interview, sealing
pictures and putting wire on the frames, at $20 a week. She had
married about nine months before and managed to do all her house
work except washing. She had tried that but the finger had become
swollen and painful. She used her middle finger instead of the
index in sewing. She did not use the index finger in handling
things, and soapy water was irritating and painful.
Case No. 9.—An American woman of 24, with a seventh-grade edu
cation, was married and both she and her husband were working,
their combined income being $43.50 a week. She had begun work at
16 in a motor-cycle factory, operating different machines at various
times, usually a drill press, slotter, or lathe, her wage advancing

INJURY THROUGH HAZARDOUS CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT 141

from $7.50 to $25 a week in the three and a half years she had been
there. She had left to be married, stayed at home about eight
months, and then got work as a knitter on sweaters. After 15
months’ experience her earnings had advanced from $11 to $12.50 a
week. At the time of the accident the belt connecting her machine
with the shafting was out of order, a condition causing the machine
to start without the operator’s putting her foot on the treadle. She
had reported it several times. The machine started in this way, and
her right thumb was caught. There was considerable laceration and
bruising. She was disabled four weeks. Medical bills were paid,
and the permanent injury was rated as 25 per cent loss of use of
the thumb at the distal joint. According to her statement, a man
came to her house from the insurance company the day after the
accident and questioned her. He told her that compensation was
due and would be brought to her. The same man came to the factory
after she had begun work, with a check for the total amount due.
He used such big wmrds that she did not understand him and was a
little frightened. She went to the foreman, who told her that it
was all right and that she should sign the paper, and she obeyed.
The doctor told her that the thumb would improve with use; this
proved true. At the time of the interview7 there was not more than
10 per cent loss of use, but the thumb got stiffer in cold weather.
Her loss of earnings due to the accident set her and her husband
back considerably. They had just gone to housekeeping, and they
had to do without things that they had planned to buy. Compen
sation was allowed for 10 weeks in all. She returned to her former
job at the end of the healing period. For two weeks she wmrked on
a piecework basis and could make only $4 a week. In knitting
collars and sleeves it was necessary to take off stitches with a hook,
using the thumb and index finger. Her thumb was not strong and
this reduced her speed materially. She asked the foreman if some
other arrangement could be made for her. He agreed to pay her
a time rate of $15 a week for straight knitting. Two of her friends
knitted her collars and sleeves for her. After nine and a half months
she stopped work. At the time of the interview one child had been
born and she had not worked steadily since leaving the knitting
factory. She had taken a temporary job one month each year dur
ing the holiday season in a department store at $15 a wreek.
Case No. 10.—A 16-year-old girl, American born of Italian par
ents and having a sixth-grade education, lived with her father, step
mother, and six brothers and sisters. Her father, one brother, and
one sister also were wage earners. At 13 years of age she had begun
work as a cotton weaver, advancing from $15 to $23 a week during

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one year. Then the plant had shut down, and she had got work on
a press in a leather factory at $16. After one year this plant also
had shut down, and she had become a punch-press operator on sheetmetal goods. She had been working seven months at this, earning
$14, when the accident occurred. According to her story her machine
was out of order, and though she had asked to have it repaired the
mechanic had been too busy at the time. Later he had said it was
all right, but after the accident he stated that he had not put it in
order. Her right index linger was caught under the die and lacer
ated. She was at home about nine weeks. Her medical bills were
paid. The permanent disability was estimated as 20 per cent loss of
use of the finger. She received compensation over a period of 14Vo
weeks. She returned to the same employer but could not operate the
punch press, as the index finger was in the way. In fact, at the
time of the interview there seemed to be almost complete loss of use
of this finger. She was given sorting at $14, and after four weeks
left for better pay. She got work in a jewelry factory, feeding for
printers, and had worked there three and a half years at the time of
the interview, always at $18 a week.
TYPICAL CASES OF INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS MACHINERY

Case No. 11.—An American-born worker, 39 years old, with a fifthgrade education, was married and had four sons. Beginning work
when 21, she had been a domestic servant for two years, earning
$2.50 a week. She had then married and remained at home for 16
years. At the end of that period her husband and one son were
working, and their income of $54.25 a week was not sufficient for
the needs of the family of six. She went to work taking lumber
from a saw at $13.62 a week, in a plant manufacturing wooden
wheels, and only three weeks later was injured. There was no guard
on the saw nor any suction to remove the sawdust. While brushing
sawdust away from the machine her hand came in contact with
the saw. The right index finger was lacerated, and there was a com
pound fracture of the bones in the distal and middle phalanges. A
very severe streptococcic infection set in almost immediately. She
developed chills and fever. Having no one to take care of her
she was sent to a hospital, where she remained for one week and two
days. While there the finger was amputated between the distal and
middle joints. The remaining stump continued stiff and tender. It
was in the way, constantly being hit, and the loss of the flexor tendon
up to the proximal joint pulled the stump backward, so that she asked
to have a reamputation, the commission agreeing to this. The finger
was removed midway between the middle and proximal joints. The
healing period required was 534/7 weeks. Medical bills were paid

INJURY THROUGH HAZARDOUS CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT 143

and compensation was allowed for 874/7 weeks in all. llie shock at
the time of the accident was severe, and the convalescent period diffi
cult. She did not feel strong enough to return to work for two years.
She then went back to her former employer, but was unable to work
on the saw as the hand was not strong enough to handle the timbers
as they came away. Moreover, she was afraid of machinery. She
was given the job of stamping wooden wheels by hand at $1.5.62, and
had worked a week when a wheel she was stamping slipped from her
hold, spun around, and tripped her. She fell, striking her kneecap
on the rim of the wheel. The kneecap was fractured, and she was
disabled 10 weeks. She had not again attempted to return to
industry. At the time of the interview two sons had left home and
the husband was supporting the family of four. She was doing the
housework and had been very much hampered since the first accident.
There was reduced endurance generally, and as she could not grip
things securely in the right hand, she was unable to wash; she ironed
with difficulty, because the finger was sensitive to heat. If the stump
was struck, it caused severe pain.
Case No. 12 —A woman 37 years old, American born, with a sixthgrade education, had separated from her husband. Three years
later she had become a wage earner for the first time, to support her
self and her 10-year-old son. She had worked in factories only, and
previous to the job on which the accident occurred had done hand
work except 'for a three months’ job on a power sewing machine. At
the time of the injury she had been operating a punch press for six
and three-fourths months in a factory making chemical products.
Her wage was $11 a week. Her son was working temporarily on a
vacation job at $6 a week. She was cutting scrap on an unguarded
press and the middle finger was caught, about one-third of the distal
phalanx being cut off. She stayed out only half a day. Medical
bills were paid and compensation was allowed for two and a quarter
weeks. She was slower at work because of the injury, but the firm
guaranteed her $10 a week, and it was not long before she was earn
ing more. Afterwards she had two compensable accidents. One
was a cut from the tin she was handling, causing two weeks’ lost time
and a temporary loss of wage. The second was a laceration of the
right thumb caused by removing scrap from the top of the curler with
her fingers. She stated that she could have used pincers if they had
been in reach, but she was “ working fast to make more money.”
There seemed to be no probability of these later accidents resulting in
permanent disability, although she was still disabled at the time of
the interview, four years after the first accident. She was employed
as a punch-press operator at the same plant and earning $15 a week.
Case No. 13.—A 33-year-old woman, American born, with an
eighth-grade education, was single and living with her father,

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mother, and brother. Her father was paralyzed. Her brother usu
ally was a wage earner, but was out of work at times. Beginning
work when 14 years old, she had been a domestic servant for 16
years, and had then sold dairy products for three years in a small
store. At the time of the accident she had been two months on her
third job, which consisted of operating a machine for impressing
veins on artificial leaves. She stated that the time rate was $13 a
week, but that as a pieceworker she made $23 to $25 a week. In
operating the press she drew the leaves away from the die with the
left ring and little fingers, while at the same time she had a new leaf
ready to insert, held by the left thumb and index finger. The stems
were short, thus bringing the fingers close to the die, which was un
guarded. While operating, the left index finger was caught under
the die, cut, and lacerated, and a bone fractured. It was necessary
to remove a piece of bone. She returned to work after three days.
The resulting permanent disability was rated as 75 per cent loss
of use of the index finger. Medical bills were paid. Compensation
covered a period of 2014 weeks. As the compensation rate was
based on the time rate of $13, she received but a little over one-third
of what she had been earning. The finger was still bandaged on
her return. At first she sorted leaves by hand at a time rate of $13
a week, and after two months she returned to the press. She was
much hampered in her work, as she had to hold material in the ma
chine with the thumb and middle finger. Her earnings were some
what reduced, ranging from $19 to $22 a week. After she had
worked a month, the left thumb was ca ught in the press, and
although the injury was slight and she lost no time she was fright
ened and gave up press work. She returned to sorting and bundling
at $13 a week, and was then put on a machine for making wreaths.
She remained on this work two years, her wage ranging from $18
to $20 a week. At the end of that time she left to marry, and at the
time of the interview had not again become an earner.
Case No. 7A—A woman 20 years old, American born and a highschool graduate, had begun work at 18 in a cigar factory but after
three weeks had got machine work in a factory which manufactured
motors. In seven months she had advanced from $10 to $28 a week.
She had returned to school for a year, clerked in a store for six
months, her earnings increasing from $6 to $10 a week, then got a
job operating tapping and milling machines in the motor factory
where she had previously worked. At that time she was single, and
boarding with a married sister. She was averaging $24 a week and
had had six months' experience when the accident occurred. She was
tapping flanges, which were about 1 foot across. She had to hold
them with the left hand braced against a bolt upright on an other-

INJURY THROUGH HAZARDOUS CONDITION OP EMPLOYMENT 145

(vise smooth, level table top. The bit or tool of her machine often
stuck in the metal and would throw the belt off the wheel. On the
day of the injury she had tightened the belt, hoping that the tool
would drive on through if held in place. When the tool stuck, the
machine was too powerful for her to hold the flange against it, and
the flange was whirled around out of her hand, and the sharp irregu
lar edges of it severely bruised and lacerated the four fingers of the
left hand. She was in a hospital five days, and her sister cared for
her during the remainder of her convalescence. Medical bills were
paid. She was disabled 176/7 weeks. A severe septic infection set
in, which involved the entire hand, and an examination showed
“severe infection followed by slight ankylosis of the index, ring, and
little fingers and complete ankylosis of the middle finger. It also
appears that the claimant has an impairment of wage since returning
to work, due to the injury.” The commission recognized the total
loss of the middle finger, allowed compensation for 466/7 weeks, and
closed the case “ because it was impossible to separate the disability as
shown in the wage statement resulting from the injury of the middle
finger for which permanent partial compensation was paid from that
due to the slight stiffness in the remaining fingers.” At the time of
the interview there was stiffness in all joints of the index, ring, and
little fingers, amounting to about 25 per cent loss of use of the index
and little fingers and 20 per cent loss of use of the ring finger. The
result was a considerable reduction of the strength and grasp of the
hand. When she was able to return to work, there was no work she
could do at the motor factory. Her disability made it impossible
for her to return to her former job. She thought she might have
worked on small nuts or bolts as she had when first employed there,
but no such work was available. Opportunities in the town were
somewhat limited. She became a saleswoman in a department store,
earning $10 a week. This wage was low, and after five months she
changed to warehouse work in a rubber factory for one month in
an adjoining town, at $13 a week, but then preferred to return home.
She then went to the plant where she had been injured and got work
as a hand assembler. She found herself hampered because she could
not use the left hand. Instead of doing two operations at the same
time, one with the left hand and one with the right, as she normally
would have done, she was obliged to do them one after the other with
the right hand. However, in six months she increased her earnings
from $15 to $20 a week, at which time there was a general lay-off and
she lost her job. She helped her father in a small country printing
office for a time, then became a saleswoman again at $13 a week, a
job she was still holding at the time of the interview about two years
later. She had married and was keeping house. She found sweep

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ing difficult, as gripping a broom tired the left hand. She sent her
washing out, but did her other housework.
Case No. 15.—A woman of 31, born in Italy but educated in the
United States, having finished the eighth grade had begun work at
17. She was a domestic servant for nine years and then married and
stayed home for four years. Her husband went to sea, earning $15
a week, and she got a job operating a press which made metal tubes.
During the 11 months which elapsed before the accident her earnings
had increased from $9 to $17 a week. There was a guard on the
machine, to be manipulated by the left hand after the press was
fed and before the die was released, which prevented the machine
from repeating. It was possible to keep the foot on the treadle and
make the guard ineffective. In that case the machine would keep
right on working, the metal disk being fed in with the left hand, the
die descending, and the tube being formed around it and then taken
off and packed with the right hand. On the day of the accident the
woman was working for the first time with lead, which paid more
than nickel. The lead was heavier than nickel, and stuck to the die.
The tubes were delicate, and it was necessary to handle them care
fully. In removing one the right middle finger was caught by the
die and amputated between the middle and proximal joints. Some
thing of the feeling of the speed and tension under which the oper
ators of this machine worked may be gained from the woman’s
statement that it was impossible to tell how such a press accident hap
pened : She wore gloves and worked so fast and her attention to the
motions of the machine had to be so close that until she reached for
the next tube and felt no support she didn’t know her finger was gone.
She was out of work seven and a half weeks. Her husband sent
money for the rent, and her neighbors helped with the housework.
Medical bills were paid and compensation was allowed for 36 weeks
in all. When she went back to work at the end of the healing period,
she was afraid of the machine and wTas put on packing, but “ you
can’t work 10 hours a day for $10 a wTeeli,” so after a week she went
back to a machine. She operated a punch press for about a month,
making $12 a week, and then returned to her old press, but “ ran it
awfully slow for a while.” It took about eight months before she
made as much as she had before the accident. When she finally
stopped work, about three years later, she was making $20 a week.
Her husband had returned and was making more money so that she
was able to remain at home.
Case No. 16.—A 19-year-old American girl, with a sixth-grade
education, was single and living with an uncle, aunt, and four cousins.
She and her uncle were earning, their combined income being $43.45
a week. At 16 she had begun work as “ cutter-off ” with hand scissors

INJURY THROUGH HAZARDOUS CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT 147

in a sack factory. After two years at $11.90 a week she became a
foot punch-press operator in a can factory. At the time of the injury
she had had about nine months’ experience there and had advanced
from $11 to $13.45. The press which she operated was a seamer.
The die had to be pressed down slowly, and when it came up the can
was apt to fly off. She had been hit several times and once her hand
had been “ripped open, but had healed clean.” At the time of the
accident the can had flown off and gashed her left -wrist, hand, and
index finger. She fainted. It was a Saturday morning, and she
was taken to the rest room until the plant closed at noon. She came
back Monday morning and was put to sorting cans. The hand
became infected and was dressed daily for nine weeks. The forearm
was in splints and the whole arm in a sling. She kept the hand in
“ mercury water ” at night, Saturday afternoons, and Sundays. The
permanent injury was rated as one-eighth loss of use of the left
index finger. Medical bills were paid, and she received compensa
tion for three and three-fourths vreeks. While sorting cans she was
paid at a time rate of $11 a week. As it was necessary to earn more,
after about two months she went back to the press, but was so slow
that at first she could earn only $9 a week. When she left after
about six months she was earning $14. She was then employed as
a filler in a paint factory at $16 a week. After six months she left
because of illness, and at the time of the interview was married and
had not returned to industry.
Case No. 17.—The woman was 33 years old, foreign born, but
literate in English only. She was a widow with five young children
to support. At 16 she had begun to work in factories, first at
handwork in a textile mill and then as a glazer in a tannery.
After two and a half years, during which time she advanced from
$1.50 to $12 a week, she married and stayed at home. Five children
were born, then her husband died, and as soon as the children
were old enough to be left, she returned to glazing. She had con
tinued at this occupation four years and had advanced from $16
to $22.50 a week. She was glazing small pieces of skin when her
fingers were caught in the machine. She stated that these pieces
were too small to glaze safely, as the fingers in holding them were
too close to the working point of the machine. The index finger
was severely lacerated. According to her account she was treated
for two or three weeks and then discharged. She returned to work
after 10 weeks and was put at piling and sorting skins at $11.25, as
she could not operate the machine. As the finger was painful and
would not heal, she consulted the plant nurse, who sent her to
another doctor. An X ray showed the middle phalanx fractured.
Amputation just below the distal joint followed. She had worked

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almost one month before this operation and was obliged to remain
away four weeks more. She was disabled 13i/3 weeks in all. She
borrowed money to help the family through the disability period,
and the oldest of the live children, who became 14 at about this
time, went to work. Medical bills were paid. Compensation was
allowed for 29y3 weeks in all. The right index finger was completely
stiff at the middle joint. When she finally returned to work,
she again piled and sorted skins, earning only $11.25 a week, as
the finger was still tender. After two months she asked to return
to glazing, as she needed more money. She continued at this occupa
tion for three years, advancing to $18 during that time. She
was unable to use the index finger; “ It was only in the way.” This
hampered her greatly. A short time before the interview she had
stopped work because of ill health. The five children were still
at home, and three of them were wage earners at this time.
Case No. 18.—A woman 22 years old, American born, single, was
living with her parents and four brothers and sisters. Her father,
two brothers, and a sister also were working, and the total weekly
income was $165.50. The woman had left school when 14 and had
gone to work in a heel-manufacturing plant, on a heel-building
machine; first one run by foot, later a power machine. She began
at $8 a week. At the time of the accident she had had six years’
experience and was earning $24 a week. In operating she held
the pieces of leather in her fingers while they were cut by the knife.
She was working with small pieces which brought her fingers close
to the knife, and the left index finger was caught. The tip was cut
off, leaving the bone protruding. The doctor at the factory amputated
about one-third of the bone of the distal phalanx. She lost three and
a third weeks. Medical bills were paid and compensation covered the
healing period. She said she was not satisfied with this adjustment
but thought “ it was no use to fight.” Her employer urged her to
return while the finger was still bandaged and sore, but she would
not do so. When the finger had healed he had no work for her and
it was necessary to look elsewhere. She continued operating a heel
builder but found she was now slow at her work, being afraid to
work as fast as before, and with the tip of the finger gone she could
not hold material so securely and was therefore hampered. She was
never able to earn more than $20 a week after the accident. Fifteen
months later she had a second accident while operating the heel
builder. The machine was out of order, and the knife repeated.
This time the right index finger was caught and amputated at the
distal joint. She married soon after this accident and at the time of
the interview had not again become a wage earner.
Case No. 19.—A 19-year-old girl, American born and single, was
living with her mother and stepfather. She had become a wage

INJURY THROUGH HAZARDOUS CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT 149

earner at 16, on finishing the sixth grade, and had done laundrywork intermittently oyer a period of three years, first as a shaker,
then as a flat-work feeder. She had begun at $6 a week and had
advanced to $14.50. At the time of the accident she was operating
a flat-work ironer in a hotel laundry. The machine had no guard,
and once before the accident, on the same morning, her fingers
had been caught while feeding, but she had been able to pull them
out uninjured. The second time part of the right hand went in.
The employee working with her, instead of stopping the machine
screamed and ran out of the building, knocking against this worker’s
elbow as she rushed past, thus driving the whole hand between the
rolls. A negro man on the third floor, hearing her cries for help,
came and knocked the belt off the machine. Her entire hand was
badly crushed and burned, and had to be surgically amputated.
A healing period of 16*4 weeks wras required. Some medical ex
penses were paid, but she went to her own doctor for surgical treat
ment and his bill of $211 was refused. He would not let her pay
it, as he knew she could not afford it, The entire compensation
covered a period of 165 weeks. She did not return to work, as
she was disabled for the jobs available. At the time of the inter
view she was married. She had her washing and scrubbing done
for her and bought her clothes ready-made, but did her own
cooking.
TYPICAL CASES OF MINORS EMPLOYED ON HAZARDOUS
MACHINERY

Case No. 20.—A 16-year-old girl, with an eighth-grade education,
on leaving school had begun work as a winder in an electrical-supply
factory. She left her first job because she could secure work in a
soap and perfume factory, and “ it was considered the best place in
town.” Her regular occupation was packing fancy soap in boxes.
In the 14 months which had elapsed since she first went to work she
had advanced from $9 to $14 a week, and during the winter had
attended a business college regularly. She was single, living at home
with her parents and six brothers and sisters, and her father and
two sisters as well as herself were wage earners, the family income
being $78 a week. On the morning of the accident a girl on a
shaving-soap machine was sick, and this worker was put in her place.
A team of three operated the machine, the first girl feeding, starting,
and stopping the machine, and the other two taking off. At intervals
the machine was stopped two and a half minutes for relaxation.
At the time of the injury the machine had been stopped and the
worker in question put her left hand under the knife to remove soap
shavings, counting on the two and a half minutes. The first girl, by

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accident, threw the switch with her foot and started the machine, and
the knife removed all four fingers of the worker, leaving only the
proximal phalanges. After the accident this starting switch was
placed at shoulder level instead of on the floor. The girl was unable
to work for 16y2 weeks. Medical bills were paid and compensation
covered a period of 115 weeks in all. At the end of the healing
period she was disabled for her former work, but her employer
placed her at pasting labels on boxes. She wanted clerical work,
and after one week this was given her, at a beginning rate of $14, with
a promised raise of $2 a year, so that at the time of the interview her
wage was $20 a week. She was, however, very much hampered in
the office work. She was still attending business college, studying
shorthand and accounting. Her mother attended to her household
and personal needs. She was extremely sensitive regarding the
deformed hand and always attempted to keep it out of sight.
Case No. 21.—A 15-year-old girl, American born of Italian parents,
with a fifth-grade education, assisted her father in the support of a
family of seven. She was on her first job, as a shuttle girl on an
embroidery machine, at which she had had two years’ experience and
had advanced from $7 to $15 a week. Two girls worked on the em
broidery machine ordinarily, one as shuttle girl, one as watcher, but
on the day of the accident this girl was temporarily doing the work
of both. While she was operating, the left thumb was caught and
cut by a hook in the machine. She stated that she was disabled three
months but that a healing period of only 10 weeks was recognized.
The permanent injury was rated as 80 per cent loss of use at the
distal joint. Medical bills were paid as well as compensation over
a period of 32^ weeks in all. On her return she found herself dis
abled for work as a shuttle girl, as she had operated a “ left-hand ”
machine and with the injured thumb was unable to pick up the
shuttle. For this reason she was made a watcher instead, at the same
wage. After a year she asked for a raise but was refused and
changed to power-machine sewing on ladies’ waists. At the time of
the interview she had been on this job two years, earning $17 a
week.
Case No. 22.—A 14-year-old girl, native born of Italian parents,
with a seventh-grade education, was single and living with her
parents and two young brothers. Her father kept a drug store. Six
months before the injury she had begun to work for wages, for
four months operating a foot-punch press in an umbrella factory,
earning $12 and $13 a week, and then for two months earning from
$14 to $18.50 a week on a power punch press in a tool factory. She
was putting the piece to be machined under the die of her press and
had her foot on the treadle. A boy working next to her hit her on

INJURY THROUGH HAZARDOUS CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT 151

tlie shoulder. She started, pushed the treadle, and the tip of her
left index finger was caught and lacerated. The permanent injury
was rated as 15 per cent loss of use of the finger. She was disabled
six weeks and two days. Medical bills were paid and compensation
was allowed for 101/4 weeks. Her employer had promised her a job
when she recovered, but on her return she was considered disabled
for punch-press work and there was no opening except packing at
$12 a week, with no possibility of a raise.
She went elsewhere and
secured work, doing exhausting by hand in an electric-lamp factory,
where she stayed until her marriage one and a half years later. For
a year she earned $14 a week and then was raised to $16.50.
TYPICAL CASES OP SPEEDING AT PIECEWORK

Case No. 23.—An American worker, 25 years old, with a seventhgrade education, had two years’ experience as a machine operator at
$3 a week in a metal-goods factory prior to her marriage at 19.
After four months at home she began working again as a foot punchpress operator on metal goods, earning $8 a week. After one and a
half years she stopped for the birth of a child and remained at home
11 months.
She then got handwork in an ammunition factory, her
earnings increasing from $16 to $20 a week, but in six months she
was laid off. xlt this time her husband deserted her, and it was
necessary for her to support herself and child. She found work as a
power punch-press operator, although she had to start at $14 a week.
At the time of the accident, nearly three years later, she was earning
$18.50. She was living with her mother but was entirely self-sup
porting, paying board for herself and child. She was paid on a
piecework basis and when the accident occurred was speeding. To
save time she used her fingers to remove an imperfect stamping which
was sticking to the forming die, a thing she had often done before.
The right middle finger was caught by the die and was traumatically
amputated at the middle joint. Her mother helped her for a while
after the accident and then her husband heard of the accident and
returned. She was disabled four weeks and five days. Medical
bills were paid, and compensation covered a period of 33% weeks in
all. Her husband’ went to work, and she remained at home. A
second child was born 11 months following the accident and while
she was in the hospital her husband deserted again. When the child
was a month old, although the woman was not strong, she had to go
to work because of lack of money. As punch-press work paid best,
she returned to it, averaging $17 a week. Two months after her
return she had trouble with her press because the material stuck to
it. She reported the difficulty to the foreman, who said that he
would make the repair next day and in the meantime gave her a

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

piece of tin with which to push the pieces out. Before noon the right
thumb was caught and amputated at the distal joint. An infection
set in, so serious that there was danger of her losing her hand, but
after one month she returned to work although the thumb was not
healed. Machine work was out of the question both because of the
shock which the injuries had given her and because of the loss of the
two members on her right hand which were most useful in operating.
She labeled cans by hand for a grocery company at $12 a week, and
at the time of the interview two years later was at the same work
and had been unable to increase her wage, even though it wTas neces
sary for her to support her two children and herself. Her mother
did some of her housework, but as the mother had seven other chil
dren at home she was kept too busy to be of very much assistance.
Case No. 21h—An American-born negro girl, 20 years old, a liighschool graduate, was single and living with her father, mother, and
six brothers and sisters. At the time of her accident a brother and
a sister also vTero employed, the combined income being $50 a week.
She had started work at 15 as a domestic servant, at $7 plus her
board, changed in one month to go into an ammunition factory
as a waitress in the plant restaurant at $12, and three weeks later
was made a general helper in the machine shop of this same factory,
where she stayed for the three months preceding the armistice,
advancing from $12 to $16.50 during that time. Then she returned
to housework, at $10 and her board, but she did not like the long
hours, and a year and four months later she found work as a power
punch-press operator in a metal-goods factory. At the time of the
accident she had had two weeks’ experience on this machine and
wTas earning $12.50 a week. She became nervous because the foreman
was fussing with the girl behind her and urging her to make more
speed. Her left index finger was caught under the die, and half
the distal phalanx was amputated. There was a small tin guard on
the machine, but with space above and below for the material to
be fed in. The guard kept the hand out but not the fingers. She
was disabled six and a half weeks. Two days before the accident
her father, who had been sick for several months, had gone to a
hospital, where he remained three 'weeks. He “ got rates at the hos
pital, but things were bad for a while.” Medical bills were paid,
and compensation was allowed over a period of 22^ weeks in all.
When she went back to work, the finger was sore and stiff. She
was put on a foot punch press. The other girls knocked the ma
chined pieces out with the index finger and she had to use the middle
finger, which lessened her speed. Working as fast as possible she
was unable to earn more than $7 a week, and she left after one and
a half months. After that she went back to housework. She liked

INJURY THROUGH HAZARDOUS CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT 153

the factory best, because of the regular hours and good pay, but after
the accident she did not want to work at a power machine again,
as the speeding made her nervous. At the time of the interview
she had worked continuously at housework for three years and was
earning only $10 a week, but she was “through with factory jobs.”
She did not use the index finger at all in any work. It stuck straight
out, and she used the middle finger instead.
TYPICAL CASES OP OTHER HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS OF
EMPLOYMENT

Case No. 25.—An American-born woman, 57 years old, was living
with an invalid husband, a widowed daughter, and two grandsons,
and she and her daughter worked, their combined earnings being $40
a week. She had begun to work when a child of 11 at domestic
service. When she was 15 a kick on the right shin caused a running
sore, which laid her up for two years, but the leg had since been as
strong as ever, having given her' no trouble after that time. She
had married at 18 and had always worked hard, doing practical
nursing, washing, or cleaning by the day, or keeping boarders. The
winter before the accident she had kept house and done all the work
for nine people, and a short time before the accident she and her
daughter had walked a mile and a half to a place which they had
bought and had spaded the ground for the foundation of their
house. At that time she was 57, her husband was ill, and her
daughter was the only wage earner, receiving $25 a week. She de
cided that she could help the family more by getting a regular job,
and she applied for work at an automobile factory, where she was
accepted as a hand and machine sewer at a wage of $15 a week.
She had not yet been taken to the workroom when, in going from
one part of the plant to another, she fell from a stairway which she
claimed was dark and unprotected by a handrail. Her right hip
was fractured. The company refused to pay compensation, con
tending that she was not an employee, as she “ had not gone through
all the channels required before an applicant is an employee of the
company.” However, the commission decided that the relation of
master and servant existed, as she “was under the direction and
control of the company,” and that compensation should be paid.
In the next two years five medical examinations were made and
several X rays were taken, the company contending that part of her
disability was due to the childhood injury, as a sore had developed
at the site of this injury three months after the accident, and be
cause many of her symptoms were subjective, adding, “the pain
complained of in the back is a rather common symptom in women.”
The report of the final medical examination by a doctor for the corn430940—27----- 11

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

mission was as follows: “Some improvement of the right hip and
leg; able to walk about the house without a crutch or cane. Com
plains of pain in the back and weakness of the hip. There is exter
nal rotation of the femur, and corresponding eversion of the foot.
The sinus below the knee is not so large nor so badly inflamed, nor
discharging so freely. Claimant states the hip is growing stronger,
and if given sufficient time to overcome the soreness of muscles of
the thigh and leg, believes she would be amply compensated for the
injury she has received.” Ten and a half weeks after this the case
was closed, compensation being allowed for a healing period of 1123/7
weeks. Some medical bills were paid, but the woman stated that
she had paid about $150 herself for medical treatment, as she con
tinued to consult a doctor until three and a half years after the acci
dent. One month after compensation ceased she got work as a
folder in an apron factory, at $7 a week. This job required stand
ing and was too hard. She kept it two weeks, but she felt that the
two weeks’ standing set her back considerably. Three months later
she got a job of doing hand sewing on draperies at $15 a week. This
wras sitting work, which she was able to do, but after three weeks
she was laid off and was not sent for again. At the time of the
interview she walked slowly about the house, apparently putting the
most weight on the uninjured leg. There wras almost constant pain
in the small of the back. She did not sleep well and had lost 23
pounds since the accident. She looked like a woman of 70. There
were three in the household, her daughter, one grandson, and her
self. She had become entirely dependent on her daughter after the
compensation ceased. She managed the housework when her daugh
ter was working, but did it very slowly, a little at a time, stopping
frequently to rest. Two weeks before, the daughter had had a nerv
ous breakdown and had been obliged to stop work, but was trying
to do a little fancy work at home. The two were deeply in debt
and felt very insecure and uncertain as to their future.
Case No. 26.—An American-born woman, 48 years old and with
an eighth-grade education, lived with her husband, one daughter, and
a grandchild. She and her husband were working, their combined
income being $47 a week. The family was buying a home at this
time. She had begun to do practical nursing when 27 years old,
when she could be spared^rom home duties, and she had worked
at this off and on over a period of 14 years. Then she took regular
work as a saleswoman in a store and at the time of the accident had
had seven years and nine months of experience and had advanced
from $9 to $29 a week. While carrying a package to the office of
the store her heel caught in a loose rubber stair covering and she fell
headlong down the stairs. She was severely bruised on hands, left

INJURY THROUGH HAZARDOUS CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT 155

elbow, left hip, and knee. The mammary gland was injured, the
left eye was bruised, and nasal bones were broken. X rays of the
right hand and left elbow showed no fracture. There was a small
punctured wound on the left thigh, which later became infected and
finally developed into an abscess. She was in a hospital for a week.
A daughter who was working away from home left her work and
came to help keep house and care for her mother, remaining three
months. Ten months after the accident the woman was still under
a doctor’s care. She was having severe pain in the right hip, and the
physician advised an X ray. This showed “ what we believe to be
an inner capsular fracture just outside the acetabulum. There is no
displacement.” It was concluded that this fracture could not explain
the disability present, but that the cause must be “ a rupture of a
part of the ileo-formal ligament,” and that the disability was perma
nent. She was in a wheel chair until about one and a half years
after the accident. At that time a medical report stated: “ She
walked with a distinct limp, dragging the toe of the left foot; there
was limited mobility of the left hip joint; the left foot rotated out
ward ; there was about one-fourth inch shortening of the leg.”
Medical bills were paid, except for $10 which she paid herself in
order to have a private room in the hospital. Compensation was
allowed for a healing period of 1034/7 weeks. She stated that after
being in a wheel chair for 18 months she used a crutch or cane for
nearly 18 months longer, and that it was 10 months later before
she was able to walk to town and back (half a mile each way). At
the time of the interview she had been earning for the first time,
helping a sick neighbor for about three weeks. The work entailed
going next door and being in the house to answer the telephone
and doorbell and to wait on the sick woman during the day. For
this she received $10 a week. There was constant soreness on the
outer side of the right thigh, pain at the point of the left shoulder
and left elbow, and also in the lower part of the left breast, the latter
so sharp that it sometimes wakened her in the night. Her strength
and endurance had been much reduced by the accident. She said
it had aged her 10 years. She had done none of the heavy work
in the house since her injury. She seemed a naturally active, ener
getic, ambitious woman, bearing out the medical reports that there
was no suspicion of malingering in her case. The husband largely
supported her and the family, the make-up of which was the same
as at the time of the injury, and the daughter did practically all
the housework.
Case No. 27.—A woman of 20, American born and with a seventhgrade education, was single and living with a widowed mother.
The latter did a little washing for others and had one boarder, but

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the girl was the chief wage earner. At 16 she had begun work as a
wrapper and cashier in a store, advancing from $4 to $6 a week in
two years, but changed then to hand assembling at $7 in a factory
making fans and generators, shifting to machine work after one
month. She operated drill presses, turret lathes, and milling ma
chines, setting up her own jobs and making all adjustments. After
22 months’ experience her earnings were sometimes as much as $37.50.
Her work required that she lift to her machine stators varying in
weight from 10 to 20 pounds. The constant strain caused an in
creasing amount of pain in her side and after a period of six months
she was forced to stop work. For the last two weeks of this time
she “ could hardly go.” The muscles of the left lumbar region and
left hip were much inflamed and swollen. An ice pack was kept on
the abdomen for nine days, and she wras in bed eight weeks. She
and her mother went into debt, although an uncle sent them money.
She was unable to work for 6 months, 10 weeks longer than was
allowed for the healing period. Medical bills were paid at the time,
but later treatment necessitated by the injury cost the family at
least $30. She returned to work before her own doctor thought ad
visable, as no compensation was paid until eight months after she
had left work because of the accident, and her earnings were badly
needed. She continued to operate the same machines, but was given
lighter material to work on as much as possible. At the time of the
interview there was still a good deal of pain in the lower back and the
side; she had lost about 10 pounds in weight and tired more easily.
There was considerable difficulty at menstrual periods and she stayed
away from work from two to four days each month, although this
had not been necessary before the injury. Because of this loss of
time her earnings averaged $18 a week instead of the $22 she could
earn if she were able to work full time.
Case No. 28.—A 17-year-old girl, American born and a junior at
high school, lived with her father, mother, and six brothers and
sisters. She worked only during vacations. The father was in
business for himself, and she was the only wage earner. This girl
had worked first in the summer vacation before she was 17, operat
ing a power sewing machine in an overall factory, her earnings in
creasing in three months from $4 to $15 a week. At the Christmas
vacation she had become an extra salesgirl in a dry-goods store at
$10 a week and had worked four days when the accident occurred.
She had gone into the storeroom behind the store, where a trapdoor
leading into the basement had been left open while baled paper was
being removed from the cellar. As the room was dark, she did not
notice the opening and fell through to the floor 8 or 9 feet below,
striking on a heavy chain used in hoisting the paper. An X ray

INJURY THROUGH HAZARDOUS CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT 157

showed a comminuted spiral fracture of the right tibia at the junc
ture of middle and lower thirds, and a spiral fracture of the right
fibula 2 inches above the ankle. Temporary pasteboard splints were
applied, which were replaced three days later by a plaster cast.
According to her statement the leg was too swollen for the fracture
to be reduced until three days after it occurred. She was disabled
10 weeks and 4 days. Medical bills were paid and compensation
was allowed for the healing period. At the end of this period she
returned to high school. During the next summer vacation she
went back to the overall factory. At first she used the left foot
on the treadle in starting the machine, but later used the right,
although the constant pressure of the foot on the treadle caused
pain. She graduated from high school the following year, worked
in the overall factory again for about nine months, then took a nine
months’ normal course. On its completion she took up teaching,
and at the time of the interview, 11 months later, was still so en
gaged, earning $20.77 a week. One and a half years after the acci
dent she made claim for permanent disability, not having done so
before, as she had thought the leg would improve. A medical ex
amination showed “ slight or doubtful asymetry of the lower por
tion of the right leg, knee, and ankle. Mobility O. K., repair com
plete, with almost perfect restoration of function. Patellar reflex
O. K. Complains of extreme nervous pain in the leg. No material
evil sequels resulting.” At the time of the interview there was still
a slight but almost constant pain over the point of fracture at the
tibia, increasing if she walked or stood a great deal. During her
nine months in normal school the leg was not strong enough for her
to take gymnasium exercises, nor to walk any distance, nor play
tennis without extreme fatigue and pain. It was only about six
months before the interview that she could begin to walk a reason
able amount without becoming unduly tired. The right foot turned
out a little more than normal, and she walked with a slight drag
of this foot. She found that because of this her shoes. wore out
much more quickly than before. For a year following the accident
menstruation was painful and irregular, but it was normal there
after. She had not been responsible for home duties either before
or after the accident.
Case No. 29.—A 25-year-old worker, American born, had finished
the eighth grade and had then taken high-school subjects at night
for about eight years. She was single, boarding with a married
brother, and each was self-supporting. She had begun work at 13
years of age but had worked very irregularly, because of ill health
or home duties, until she was 22. She had then packed in a food
factory for two years, advancing to $20 a week. Finding the work

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

heavy she had changed to general helper in a knit-underwear factory.
At the time of the accident she had held this job two weeks and was
earning $16 a week. Her chief work was as sample girl, but three or
four times she had assisted on the pressing machine on which the
accident occurred. Two girls worked on this press. One put trays
holding garments into the machine from one side and manipulated
a foot lever, which caused the tray to be pressed against a hot plate
above. When the lever was released, a girl on the opposite side took
the tray out. On this occasion this worker was taking trays from
the machine. As there were no handles on them, it was necessary
to reach into the machine to remove each one. During this perform
ance the machine closed on her left hand without the lever having
been touched. The hand was burned and bruised. She was disabled
17 weeks and 4 days, and 10 vTeeks and 4 days of this time was
allowed as a healing period. Medical bills were paid, except a
small one of her own doctor. The wound had left scar tissue on
the dorsal surface of the index finger involving the distal joint,
of the middle finger involving the middle and distal joints, and of
the ring finger involving the middle and distal joints. The nail of
the little finger came off, otherwise the finger was normal. The
permanent injury was rated as 10 per cent loss of use of the middle
and ring fingers at the middle joint of each. Compensation covered
a period of 12y3 weeks. She returned to her former employer and
continued as sample girl and general helper. There was no loss of
wage, as she was a time worker. After two and one-third years she
left to be married, and at the time of the interview she had not
returned to industry. Her husband supported her father, who was
blind, and herself. She had been hampered in doing housework,
as she could not depend on the left hand in picking up or holding
objects, but managed to do all her own work.
Case No. 30.—A 17-year-old girl, foreign born, was single and
living with her parents and brothers and sisters, being one of three
earners in a family of six. At 15, having completed the ninth grade,
she had begun work as a salesgirl at $5 a week, and after five months
had changed to packing lamps for six months and then to diamond
polishing for five months, each time getting an increase in pay. Af>
the time of the accident she had been for nine months a wrapper
layer on an automatic cigar machine and had advanced from $10.56
to $24 a week. The evening before the accident men had been
repairing the machine and in testing it had left brushes under it
which kept the power on so that the machine would begin to operate
when a safety lever was pulled. The machine required a team of
four girls and was usually started by two of the girls placing their
feet on pedals. In the morning this worker came to her job, and not

INJURY THROUGH HAZARDOUS CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

159

knowing that the power was on, fed in some work and pulled the
safety lever while her hand was in the machine. It started and her
hand was caught between the roller and carrier. It was severely
cut on both surfaces and when it healed left scars like welts. She
was unable to work for 12 weeks, a month longer than was allowed
for the healing period. The result was 25 per cent loss of use of the
right hand. Medical bills were paid. She received compensation
for 43% weeks in all. She returned to her former employer, who
wanted her to go back on the same machine but she was disabled for
the work and also had a fear of machinery. She was given packing
to do at $15 a week, but as she could not work fast enough because
of the injured hand, she was laid off after one month. She finally
got work packing lamps again, beginning at $12 and advancing to
$13 a week. After six months she was married, and she had not
returned to industry at the time of the interview.
CASES ILLUSTRATING INJURY IN AN OCCUPATION
EXCLUDED FROM MANY LAWS

In New Jersey women who had received a permanent injury while
working as domestic servants were compensated. A study of the ex
tent of their disabilities and of their experiences in looking for work
is illuminating to the need for including domestic servants in the
compensation law of all States. There seems to be no objection to
their inclusion in New Jersey, and the over-all expense involved both
in insurance and in compensation administration has called forth
no evident opposition. Figures from State records have already been
referred to in the section on occupations included by law, and there
follows here information secured from interviews with the women
themselves.
Case No. 31.—A 51-year-old American woman, with a seventhgrade education, had gone into housework when she left school at
the age of 12 and had continued at housework 39 years. At the time
of the accident she was a cook earning $15 a week plus her board and
lodging. She fell down the stairs in the house where she was work
ing and broke and tore the left arm. Since she had no one who could
take care of her, she was sent to a hospital for three weeks, but when
she was released it was necessary for her to rent a room, where she
lived alone. It was very difficult and painful for her to dress her
self, cook, care for her room, and so on. She was disabled 13 weeks.
At the end of that time it was found that she had lost 50 per cent of
the use of the left hand. Medical bills were paid, and compensation
was allowed over a period of 86 weeks in all. She had difficulty in
getting work but finally found, a place which paid $9 a week. Be
cause of her disability she was laid off after two months. Then she

160

INDTJSTBIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

thought she would try factory work, thinking that if she could sit
in one place and work regular hours it would be less tiring. After
two months she found a job screwing caps on bottles at $12 a week.
She thought that would be as good for her hand as a massage, but
she found she was “ too old to start at a factory job.” Speeding
for 10 hours straight tired her all out, she said. She stayed home a
year with the compensation to live on and then went back to her old
work as cook, but during the year and a half which had elapsed be
fore the interview she had not been able to earn more than $11.50
a week. However, she had her room, board, and laundry taken care
of and she was better off than on the factory wage.
Case No. 32.—An American-born negro woman, single, and about
50 years old, had always worked in domestic service and when in
jured had been employed by one family for about 26 years. She
was earning $9.63 a week plus her board and lodging. At the time
of the accident she was standing on a ladder cleaning a bay window,
when the ladder toppled over and she fell, fracturing the right ankle.
She was sent to a hospital, and she says, “ I didn’t leave the hospital
till I was perfectly well.” Her healing period covered 22^ weeks,
and compensation was paid over a period of 33Vt weeks in all.
Medical bills were allowed. The resulting permanent disability was
rated as 10 per cent loss of use of the right foot. She was reinstated
by her former employer, and at the time of the interview, three years
and three months later, she was still working there at the same wage
as before the accident. She felt she had been very fairly treated,
and was reticent lest any statement she made regarding her disabil
ity be construed as dissatisfaction with some action of her employer.
CASES ILLUSTRATING INJURY INFLICTED IN A WAY NOT
RECOGNIZED IN MANY LAWS

Elsewhere in this report appears material from State records on
injuries included as compensable by law. A group over the inclu
sion of which there has been a good deal of dispute throughout the
country is the occupational-disease group, that is, injuries in which
the effects usually come on gradually, due to exposure, over a period
of time, to harmful substances or conditions of employment. Of the
compensated cases included in the three States, 93 were cases of occu
pational disease. A large number of these injuries were temporary
in extent. However, there were 14 which resulted in permanent im
pairment. The interviews in such cases indicate a direct connection
between the occupation and the injury, and therefore show the jus
tice of including this type of injury as compensable.
Case No. 33.—-A 41-year-old American woman, a high-school grad
uate, had been a saleswoman in a department store for 16 years, and

INJURY INFLICTED IN A WAY NOT RECOGNIZED IN MANY LAWS

161

her earnings had increased in that time from $6 to $22. She was
single, and with the aid of her brother was supporting her mother.
Regarding the injury the doctor reported, “streptococcic infection
of the thumb contracted from dye in merchandise handled, a palmar
abscess and cellulitis of the right forearm, and lymphangitis involv
ing the entire right arm.” There was a question as to whether a
previous abrasion did or did not occur in the course of employment,
on the settlement of which depended the compensability of the
injury caused by contact with the dye. She was in a hospital seven
weeks and under medical care between four and five months. At
the end of that time the doctor reported “ stiff thumb and fingers ”
and advised the breaking up of adhesions under an anaesthetic.
Medical bills were paid, and, since there was not complete stiffness at
any joint, the case was compensated on a temporary disability basis,
a healing period of 18 V7 weeks being allowed. Until two and a
half years after the accident the right thumb was closed into the
palm of the hand and she was unable to straighten it. Then an
operation was performed, paid for by the woman, which released
the thumb, but there was almost complete stiffness at the distal
joint. Also considerable stiffness remained in each of the four
fingers. She was unable to return to her former work, but her
employer placed her at billing in a drug store. As she was a be
ginner, she made only $15 a week for three or four months and was
then advanced to $20. She could not handle paper well with the
right hand, nor handle heavy things at all, but was given a helper
to do what she could not do herself. A year later the store went
bankrupt. After that she stayed at home two years, during her
mother’s illness and death. A little less than a year before the inter
view she had again become a saleswoman in a department store.
This was harder than the work in the drug store, as it involved
much standing, so that she felt able to work only afternoons and
Saturdays. Tor this she received $17.50 a week. She stated that
since the accident her endurance had been lowered and she tired
easily. She was much hampered in anything she tried to do with
the right hand, which was still tender. She and her brother had
gone to live with an aunt and cousin, but the aunt was also a wage
earner and could not do all the housework. The disabled woman
could not pick up small articles, could not sew with any ease, and
could not do her laundry work. She had had to give up piano play
ing, as well as her plans for becoming a bookkeeper, in preparation
for which she had been attending night school for some time.
Case No. 3/j.—An 18-year-old American girl, with an eighth-grade
education, single and living alone, had begun work at 16 as a time
keeper in an ammunition factory at $18.60 a week, but left after one

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

year because of long hours. She then became a typist in a factory
office at $12 a week. After a year at this work she scratched the
right middle finger on a file and, although it was painted with iodine
at once, the finger became poisoned by carbon paper which she
handled. She was disabled three weeks and was paid full wage
during this time. Medical bills were paid as well. The permanent
disability was rated as 90 per cent loss of use of the right middle
finger. In all, compensation covered a period of 284/7 weeks. She
had begun a night-school course on commercial subjects before the
accident, but gave it up afterwards, as the injured finger interfered
with her typing. On her return to work she did filing for a month,
then went back to typing, not using the disabled finger. However,
in a year she advanced to $17, then left to be married, and at the
time of the interview had not returned to industry. The finger was
stiff and in her way, hampering her in housework.
Case No. 35.—A 37-year-old American woman, a high-school grad
uate, single, was living with her parents and was one of two earners
in a family of four. Her father’s income would have supported his
family, but at 32 she had started to work for a welfare organization
at a wage of $11.55 a week. She became interested in industrial
conditions, and after six months went into placement work with an
employment bureau, for the sake of the experience, continuing at
that for a year and a half and earning $17.32 a week. She was then
employed in the personnel department of a factory. With 11
months’ experience her wage had increased from $23.09 to $28.80 a
week. As part of her work she had charge of the first-aid depart
ment, and while taking care of an employee she contracted an infec
tion in the right index finger, which finally involved the hand and
arm. She was disabled for five weeks. No medical bills were paid,
as she preferred to employ her own physician and the nurse whom
he provided, and no claim was made for these bills. The permanent
result was rated as 100 per cent loss of use of the right index finger
at the middle joint and 50 per cent loss of use of the same finger at
the proximal joint. At the time of the interview the loss of use
was complete at the proximal joint f however, she had never ques
tioned the award in any way, and compensation was paid over a
period of 25.8 weeks. She returned to her former work without loss
of wage. She stated that the only inconvenience she experienced in
her work was in writing, and she learned to do this witli the middle
finger. In sewing at home she also used the middle finger. After
one and a half years she stopped work because of illness at home.
At one time after that she had returned to her former employers to
help them out for two months, but for the remainder of the time she
had been needed at home. She was reticent and inclined to minimize
the result of the accident. There was no economic stress.

INJURY INFLICTED IN A WAY NOT RECOGNIZED IN MANY LAWS

163

Case No. 36.—A 36-year-old woman, of American birth and a
high-school graduate, had first gone to work at 34, when she left
her husband. She had two children. She had obtained clerical
work in a department store for four months at $15 a week, then,
after a short illness, she found work as a trimmer in a wholesale
millinery establishment, also at $15 a week. At the time of her
disability she had been there a year and a half. For the last
four months of this time her right thumb had been going out of
joint constantly at the distal and proximal joints whenever she
pushed a needle threaded with raffia through straw. She con
tinued to work during these four months and then went to a doctor,
who found the tendons badly stretched and put the thumb in splints
for two months. During this period, as she could not sew, cook, nor
wash, and other work was difficult, she took her children and went
to live -with her mother for a month. The mother did the house
work, and the worker paid part of the expenses, using her savings
for this purpose. On her return to work after eight weeks she put
in a claim for compensation. The company disputed all her state
ments, and a hearing was arranged at which it was determined that
the injury had arisen out of her employment, and the permanent
disability was rated as 10 per cent loss of the use of the thumb at the
distal joint, a healing period of three weeks being allowed. The total
compensation paid covered a period of 5.4 weeks. Before the dis
ability jslie had done trimming, but was disabled for it, as the
doctor told her the same thing would happen again. She had
been promised work as a buyer, at from $35 to $45 a week, after
a few more months’ experience as a trimmer, but this opportunity
was now closed to her. She stayed as a saleswoman at $15 a week
for 11 months, but it was necessary for her to earn more, and as
there seemed no opportunity in this establishment she went into
business for herself in a beauty shop. At the time of the interview,
two years and two months later, she was still conducting this busi
ness, with her daughter, who helped her on Saturdays. She esti
mated that she cleared from $20 to $25 a week.
Case No. 37.—A 25-year-old American worker, with a seventhgrade education, was married and had one child. She and her
husband were working, and their combined income amounted to
$44.04 a week. At 18 she had begun work as a power sewing-machine
operator, at $11 a week, and had remained at that work until her mar
riage a year and a half later. After staying at home for two and
a half years she had worked twice as a sewing-machine operator,
two weeks at one time, six months at another, but had left each time
because of her work at home. At the time of the accident, about
five and a half years after her marriage, she was polishing bottles

164

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

with acid in a glass factory, where she was earning $14 a week after
six weeks’ experience. She had picked up a pair of pinchers that
had acid (sulphuric and hydrochloric) on them, and the acid burned
the palm of the left hand and the tips of the index, middle, and ring
fingers severely, disabling her for 166/7 weeks. During much of
that time her mother came in and did her washing and ironing, and
her sisters came and helped with the cooking. Her husband also
helped with the work. She returned to her former employer, al
though she was disabled for polishing, and was given light work
placing bottles on a board, but the left index and middle fingers
were so stiff and eaten off by the acid, and the hand was so tender,
that it was impossible to continue and she left after three weeks.
The permanent injury was rated as a total loss of use of the
index and middle fingers and a third loss of use of the ring finger,
due to ankylosis. Medical bills were paid and compensation was
allowed for 87% weeks. Two and a half years after the accident
she returned to work for four months, on a conveyor in the same
plant, earning $16 and then $17 a week. For the remainder of the
time she had stayed at home. She found it took most of her energy
merely getting her housework done, as she was so handicapped by
the injured hand. She was afraid of knocking it and extremely
sensitive about the deformity.
Case No. 38.—A 15-year-old American girl, with a seventh-grade
education, single and living alone, had begun work at 14 as a core
maker, earning $11 a week. After a year she tired of this work
and became a telephone operator. At the time of the accident she
had had six weeks’ experience and was earning $10.50 a week. The
rubber was worn off the switchboard plug which she used, leaving
a brass wire protruding, and a splinter of this wire penetrated her
right index finger. The day after the accident the finger became
very sore, and a serious infection set in, causing her to leave her
work. There was surgery for drainage, two of the incisions being
over the head of the index metacarpal. She said that her jaws were
locked for two weeks after the last lancing, her right side was
paralyzed, and she had convulsions. The doctor sent for her family,
not expecting her to live. She was out of work ll6/7 weeks. A settle
ment was made, covering the permanent disability equivalent to 50
per cent loss of use of index finger at proximal joint, with the under
standing that if there were subsequent wage loss due to the disa
bility this money would be applied thereon. The compensation cov
ered a period of 284/7 weeks. The claim was disputed; no compensa
tion was paid for over a year, and she went in debt to her landlady,
although she had some financial assistance from a friend. She did
not return to her former employer, as the finger was still too sore

INJURY INFLICTED IN A WAY NOT RECOGNIZED IN MANY LAWS 165

to handle the plugs. Instead she found work sorting tin in a sheetmetal factory at $16.50 a week, but after a month work was slack
and she was laid off. She then returned to core making. She
worked 10 days for one firm, making about $13.75 a week at piece
rates, but the injured finger interfered with her grasp and she left.
At a second foundry, where she secured a job almost immediately,
she earned $15 a week at core making, but was laid off in a short
time because work was slack. She then returned to the telephone
exchange and was employed as an instructor at $12.60 a week, leav
ing after six weeks to marry. At the; time of the interview she had
not again returned to industry. She stated that the right side of her
arm, face, and back would still “ break out ” at times, her fingers
ached in cold weather, she was unable to sew much, though formerly
she had made all her own clothing, she could not play the piano,
and she was hampered in her housework, dropping things which she
tried to pick up. The firm, which was self-insured, disputed the
claim and brought it before the commission for adjustment. The
employer said that the girl left work and did not report the acci
dent until four days later, that the apparatus which she had used
was carefully inspected, and that it was practically impossible for
her to be injured in the manner described. The claimant made affi
davit that she had notified a supervisor of the accident at the time
of its occurrence (this supervisor was no longer with the firm at
the time of the controversy) and also had called the attention of a
fellow employee to the accident, and that a fragment of brass was
removed by a friend the same day. The fellow employee working
next her made affidavit that the claimant had told her of the injury
and that she herself had had a similar accident. The final conclusion
of the commission was “ claimant received the injury in the course
of employment and is entitled to compensation for a healing period
of ll5/7 weeks, and proper and necessary medical bills. She had
sustained no impairment in earning capacity. Medical proof would
indicate that claimant had not sustained such a permanent partial
disability due to ankylosis as would make the finger or part of such
finger more than useless as is contemplated in the law.” The firm
agreed to pay $125 “ as compensation for partial loss of use of the
finger.” She had employed a lawyer to assist her and gave him
half the award.
Case No. 39.—An American woman of about 25, with a seventhgrade education, single, and living alone, was injured on her first
job, silvering lenses, at which work she had advanced from $11 to
$12.50 a week. She had picked up a lens to dip it into a bucket, when
the lens slipped from her fingers and dropped into an acid solution,
which splashed into her eye. The resulting acid burns involved the

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

conjunctiva and a fourth of the cornea. She was disabled ll3/7 weeks.
Medical bills were paid. She returned to her former work without
loss of pay. After working three months she left to be married. At
about this time, a medical examination into the extent of permanent
disability rated it as 25 per cent loss of vision of the left eye and
compensation was allowed for S5l/2 weeks. At the time of the inter
view there had been no change in the condition of the eye. She had
not returned to industry. She did not use her eyes closely for any
length of time. She never had headaches.
Case No. Jfi.—A Polish woman of 21, who had attended school
in Poland for 10 years, was a widow, living alone. She had been a
silk weaver for six months before her marriage at 18 and had then
remained at home. After two years she had been widowed and had
gone to work again as a saleswoman in a department store at $16
a week, but since this required work three nights a week she had
returned to the silk industry after four months. There she had done
packing and made samples for four months, advancing from $12
to $14 a week. She had then been transferred to inspecting and
cleaning silk at $16, and eight months later, while removing a ticket
from a piece of silk, she scratched the right ring finger on a pin.
A felon developed, due to the constant rubbing of the injured finger
while rolling silk over a stick in inspecting. A week after the acci
dent she stopped work one day, worked the next, and then was
disabled about two months. At the end of that time she returned,
worked one week, and was again disabled for nearly two months.
It had been necessary to amputate the ring finger between the distal
and the middle joints. Many baking treatments were given to relieve
stiffness of the stump of the finger. Some medical bills were paid
but she spent $7 for treatments. Compensation was allowed for
35y3 weeks, which included a healing period of 16 weeks and 5 days.
On her return she found herself hampered because the finger seemed
clumsy and in her way. However, there was no wage loss, since
she was on a time rate. After working 20 months she married and
at the time of the interview had not returned to industry.
CASES ILLUSTRATING DIFFICULTY IN MEETING
EXPENSES BETWEEN ACCIDENT AND RECEIPT OF
COMPENSATION
The median of the week’s earnings of the women who were
injured was $14.95. That is, one-half of the women were earn
ing an average of more and one-half an average of less than that
amount when they were injured. A study of the prices of food
and clothing and other commodities necessary to an estimate of
the cost of living would indicate that in many cases these women

DIFFICULTY IN MEETING EXPENSES

167

must have had difficulty in meeting their usual expenses. It is
evident that when this meager income was cut oft', even for a short
period, there was real hardship in addition to the suffering and the
worry as to what the future might hold for a person with a per
manent handicap.
Compensation during the period of temporary total disability
was designed to counteract this hardship. From the point of view
of efficient administration of the workmen’s compensation law, the
need for promptness of payments is second in importance only to
the need for full payment of what is due under the law. It is
impossible to secure exact information in regard to promptness
when it is necessary to rely solely on the memory of the injured
person, but in the present study there were instances of markedly
delayed payment, the woman’s testimony in which is of interest
and value.
Even in cases where the time of payment is in accordance with
law, if the legal waiting period is one week (as in Ohio and
Wisconsin at the time of the survey) checks do not begin to come
until the beginning of the third week; and if the waiting period
is 10 days (as in New Jersey at the time of the survey) it is nearly
three weeks before any money can be expected. It is of interest
to note, therefore, cases in which, though payment was prompt,
hardship was incurred during the period when no money wras com
ing in because the family was already near the poverty line. Testi
mony of this nature indicates clearly the burden upon the injured
person of a long legal waiting period.
Two reasons are given for the establishment of the legal waiting
period: First, administration of cases in which only a short period
of time is lost would be excessively burdensome; and, second, the
malingerer would stay away from work a day or so without just
cause if he were to be paid for his time. It would appear, however,
that a waiting period of three days would relieve the administration
of the handling of short-time claims. As to malingering, the fact
that the compensation paid is so much lower than the wage earned,
and that medical testimony to the existence and extent of dis
ability is required in all cases, would act as a deterrent. A long
waiting period defeats the purpose of indemnity for temporary total
disability, for such indemnity was designed to relieve the worker
during the healing period. Administrative procedure could be pro
vided to deal with what few dishonest claimants might appear,
instead of regularly penalizing all injured workers.
Case No. 41—An American-born negro, 27 years old and with a
fifth-grade education, was living with a married sister, she and her
brother-in-law being the only earners in a family of eight. Their

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

combined income was $33.52. She had begun work at 16 as a stripper
in a cigar factory, at $7 a week, and had stayed there until the
factory moved, a year and a half later. She had then gone into
domestic service for nearly nine years, beginning at $4 a week and
advancing to $8. As a friend had told her factory work was much
better, with its regular hours and other good features, she had left
washing and had got a job in a factory on a foot-power punch press.
She began work at 7.30 one morning, and at 9.30 she was at home
with the first joint of the right middle and ring fingers gone. Her
hand had been caught while operating and the two fingers were
traumatically amputated at the distal joint. She stayed in bed for
two weeks, except when her sister dressed her and her brother-in-law
took her to the hospital. She went once a day the first week and
then twice a week for three months. Her sister was pregnant and
was confined four weeks after the accident. The washing had to be
sent out and her brother-in-law did the cooking. They had a very
difficult time. After she was discharged by the company doctor she
went to their family doctor for a month. This bill she paid herself.
A healing period of 10 weeks was allowed and compensation was
paid for 33% weeks in all. It was seven months, however, before
she received the first payment. She finally returned to work one
year after the accident. Being disabled for the punch press she
returned to the cigar factory and became a hand roller at $6 a week.
At the end of the first year she was making $8 and at the time of the
interview, after two and a third years’ experience, she had advanced
to $12 a week.
Case No. 1$.—An American woman of 38, with a seventh-grade
education, was living with her mother, who was a nurse and the chief
wage earner. The daughter had become an earner for the first time
when 25 years old, starting a small store and averaging a weekly
income of $10 to $12. After four years she had given it up and
become a saleswoman in a coal and feed store at $3 a week and
“ extras,” which she could not estimate, but after seven years the firm
had gone out of business. She had stayed at home two years and
had then gone into a factory for the first time, packing food products.
At the time of the injury she had had two months’ experience and
was earning $11 a week. While she was packing horseradish in
bottles, a bottle broke in her hand and a sliver of glass entered the
left middle finger. The doctor who dressed the wound said that it
was a mere scratch and that stiffness was due to her nervousness,
but that when it was healed there could be an operation to straighten
the finger. The mother thought there should be an operation at
once, if at all, and refused to wait until later. They went to a
specialist, who stated that nerve, tendon, and artery had been severed,

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169

and that an operation would help very little. The insurance com
pany offered her $7, and later $25, in settlement. She refused both.
Then they told her to return to the doctor who had first treated her,
for his statement. This doctor now recognized the disability and
rated it as total loss of use of the left middle 'finger at the middle
joint. Medical bills, with the exception of $5 to the specialist,
were paid. A healing period of eight weeks and five days was al
lowed. Compensation covered a period of 10.1 weeks in all. This
final settlement was made about two and a half months after the
accident and no compensation had been paid during that time. The
woman wanted work at the end of the temporary disability period,
and since her former employer had gone out of business, she tried
packing in another food plant at $12 a week. Her finger was still
painful, and after a week she was forced to leave. At the time of
the interview she had not again returned to industry. She did the
lighter work at home for a long time, working with one hand. The
mother did the heavy work or some one else was paid to do it.
Case No. 1$.—A girl of 17, American born, and having a tenthgrade education, was living with her father, mother, sister, and
brother. Her father and sister also were working, the combined in
come being $37.29 a week. This girl had begun work when 15. At
the time of the accident she had been on her first machine job for
three weeks, her wage being $13.75. While sewing belts on a power
machine in a rubber factory, she turned off the power to clean her
machine and thinks some one must have turned it on again by mis
take, for her right index finger was caught and the end crushed.
It was necessary to amputate most of the distal phalanx. She was
disabled four and four-sevenths weeks. At this time her mother was
ill, and her sister, working half-time, cared for both of them after
working hours. As no compensation payments were made until some
months after the accident, the family had considerable financial
difficulty. Medical bills were paid. Compensation was finally al
lowed for 15y3 weeks. The worker stated that she was not disabled
for her accident job, but that her mother, afraid lest she be hurt
again, would not let her return to it. Work was slack at the time,
and it was three months before she finally succeeded in getting work
as a power sewing-machine operator in a tailor shop. Here she was
obliged to work for $10 a week, and for eight months received no
increase. She could have earned more if she had been able to do
hand sewing, but her injury prevented this. She then found the
same type of work in another shop at $19 a week. At the time of
the interview she was still operating a power sewing machine and
for over three years had averaged $19 a week. She thought she
worked more slowly than if uninjured but could not judge the extent
43094°—27----- 12

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

of the handicap. She was unable to do hand sewing for herself be
cause she could not hold a needle. In cold weather she felt pain in
the injured finger and when she bumped it she “nearly jumped to
the ceiling.”
Case, No. U-~As> her husband was ill and away from home, an
American woman of 29 became the sole support of her family, which
comprised husband, self, and two children. At 13 she had entered
domestic service, continuing at this work for 14 years. She had then
found work in an electrical-supply factory as an inspector at $19 a
week, but after 22 months had become a punch-press operator at
$20.68. After three months on this machine she met with an accident,
due to a faulty guard and resulting in amputation of the right
middle and ring fingers at the distal joint. She lost three months
following this injury. Just one week after returning to work she
was again injured while operating this machine; “suddenly the
guard failed to work,” she stated, and the right thumb and 'index
finger were caught under the die. She was out of work six weeks,
and it wras more than six weeks before she received any compensation!
The nurses gave her some food and clothing to help her through the
emergency. Her children did all the cooking and cleaning. Medical
bills were paid and compensation was allowed for four and sixsevenths weeks. The finger and thumb were flattened at the ends,
and this, added to the previous impairment, disabled her for operat
ing a punch press. Also she became unstrung after the first accident
and felt that she should not have returned to the press; so after the
second accident the idea of any machine work seemed impossible
to her. She was given inspecting at $12 a week and after three
months was laid off. At the time of the interview she was decorating
electi ic sweepers, at $12 a week. Her husband was not strong enough
to work regularly. The two children did a great deal of the house
work, as she was unable to sew and was considerably hampered in
cooking.
. Case NoAn American girl of 18, with a sixth-grade educa
tion, was living with her father, mother, and four brothers and
sisters, she and her father being the only earners. She had begun
work when 16, doing hand sewing and earning $4 or $5 a week.
After a few months she had become a power sewing-machine operator
at $6 a week. At the time of the accident she had had two and a half
years’ experience on this machine and was earning $20 in an overall
factory. One day the needle pierced the end of the left middle
finger, infection developed, and 16 days after the accident she was
obliged to stop work for U‘/7 weeks. The family of seven lived
on the father’s earnings. No compensation was paid until 16 weeks
after the accident, when she received the whole amount. “ It’s a pity

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171

they can’t pay you when you "heed the money,” she said to the inter
viewer. Medical bills were paid. Compensation covered the healing
period. She returned to her former work but lost some wage at
first, as she was on piecework and had to get up her speed again. At
the time of the interview, three years and eight months later, she
and her father were still supporting the family of seven. She was
working on the same job and had regained but not exceeded her
preaccident rate of $20 a week. She stated that the distal joint of
the middle finger was numb; there was only passive motion, and
she could not use the finger in picking up objects.
Case No. lj.6.—An American woman of 28 years, with a sixth-grade
education, was married and had four children. She and her hus
band were working, their combined income being $33 a week. At
14 she had become a wage earner, working for about three years in
three different factories. During this period she had married and
she stopped work for the birth of a child. She did not return to
work for several years, and in that time four children were born.
About a year before the accident she had felt it necessary to supple
ment her husband’s earnings. For six weeks she had done hand
gluing in a casket factory, at $8 a week; she then had become a
waitress for 10 months, earning $6 to $7 a week; and after a short
illness she had found work in a thermometer factory. For three
weeks she had done hand work at $9 a -week, and then had been pro
moted to operating an embossing press. At the time of the accident
she had had two weeks’ experience and had advanced from $10 to
$11 a week. While feeding the press the right hand was caught
between type and work, and was held by red-hot type under a pres
sure of 21/9 tons. The hand was badly crushed, one-half the distal
phalanx of the middle and the ring fingers was amputated trau
matically, and bones of the fingers and two carpal bones were broken,
11 fractures in all. There was considerable infection. She was in
a hospital 17 days. For about 10 weeks after the accident her hus
band continued at work, cared for the children, and helped about
the house, but he then deserted the family. Still disabled, and hav
ing as yet received no compensation, she at once moved her family
into cheaper quarters, and the oldest of the four children, a boy of
11, sold his paper route and his wagon for $8.50, which paid the rent
for a little while. This boy then sold papers on the street, averaging
about 75 cents a day, which bought the food. The woman was able
to borrow some money from her employer, and 14 weeks after the
accident she returned to work although the hand had not completely
healed. The next day the first compensation payment, covering five
weeks’ temporary total disability, was received. After three days
she slipped on the ice, reopened the wounds, and stopped work for

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a month longer. On her return her employer wrote to the commis
sion, stating that she had been disabled longer than the time allowed
and that she had a permanent disability. The permanent injury was
rated as total loss of use of the middle, ring, and little fingers and
two-thirds loss of use of the index finger. Medical bills were paid,
and the total compensation allowed was for 105% weeks. On her
return to work, since she was disabled for her former occupation, she
was given a job sealing thermometers, at $12. “I was given a raise
because he knew’ I needed it,” she said. The sealing was done by
melting the glass. Tiny splinters of glass often broke off, and she
was afraid of getting them in her injured hand; so in two weeks she
found work in a paper-box factory, also at $12 a week. She tried
“turning in,” but had to use the thumb and finger of the injured
hand and the pressure made them sore; she then found that she could
do labeling with the left hand, but she was slow at it. She worked
at the box factory two and three-fourths years. During this period
she married, and finally left for the birth of a child, and had not
again become a wage earner. After the accident she had lost weight
and her endurance had been reduced, but at the time of the interview,
having no economic worries, she was in much better health. Her
husband did the sweeping and wrote her letters, the washing was
sent out, and a sister helped her with the sewing; she herself could do
plain sewing on a machine. She did the remainder of her housev7ork
with the children’s help, working slowly with the left hand.
Case No. 47.—An American woman, 30 years old, because of sep
aration from her husband had returned to work in order to support
herself and her 6-year-old son. She had a sixth-grade education,
and before her marriage at 20 had worked for five years as a checker
in a laundry and as a buttonhole-machine operator in a shirt factory.
After her marriage she had continued to work at the shirt factory,
on a part-time job, and later as waitress or food checker in restau
rants or hotels. Six months before the accident she had become
a saleswoman in a grocery store, and in this time had advanced from
$15 to $16 a week. At the time of the injury she was unloading
pails of candy from a truck, the shelf of which was 2 or 3 feet
above the floor. While she was lifting a pail of candy the handle
broke, and in order to save the candy, she jumped, caught the pail,
and held it with both hands against her body while she carried it a
distance of 12 feet. She felt a sudden sharp pain at the side of
the stomach and in the lower abdomen, and went to the rest room,
but the pain was so severe that she was unable to straighten, and
she was taken unconscious to a hospital. When she regained con
sciousness she insisted on being taken home, as she was not willing
to leave her little girl. For two weeks a practical nurse cared for

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173

her at her home. The doctor reported, “ severe abdominal pain both
right and left lower quadrants in the right hypochondrium; tem
perature 99% °, pulse 88; menorrhagia, hemorrhage, backache, retro
version of the uterus, displacement of ovary. Two years before
she had had an appendectomy and one of the fallopian tubes had been
removed. In addition to the results already stated, the injury had
aggravated and torn loose the walls of the old injury, causing
leucorrhea.” She was disabled 10y2 weeks. No compensation was
paid until after her return to work, and she went into debt for
groceries, gas, and other things and borrowed from her mother.
Medical bills were paid. On her return she worked three days a
week, as she was not strong enough to do more. As she found she
could not endure even that much standing, she left after six weeks.
Compensation covered the temporary total disability period and the
period during which there was loss of wage. After leaving the
part-time job at the grocery store she became a checker in a restau
rant, work at which she could sit. She began at $20 a week, and at
the time of the interview three and a half years later was making
$82. She had been strong and well before the accident, but since
then her general health had been impaired and her endurance re
duced. She could do very little standing or lifting and hired some
one to do her washing. She felt pain at times in the left side of
the abdomen, more especially before menstruation, and menstruation
was more painful than formerly.
Case No. 48.—A girl of 16, who had completed the eighth grade
and had graduated from a business college, was living with her par
ents and a brother and sister. Her father had been out of work for
several months and she and her brother were supporting the family
on their combined income of $33.50 a week. She had begun work
soon after she was 16, as a clerk-typist at $12 a week, but had left
after a month for better pay. She had turned to factory work and
had become a packer in a plant manufacturing buckles, beginning at
a wage of $10 and advancing to $11.50 six months later. At the
same time she had played a piano in an orchestra once a week, receiv
ing $5, and she occasionally earned $2.50 by substituting for the
pianist in a moving-picture theater. Two days before the accident
she had been transferred to work on a foot punch press, taking the
place of a girl who had been injured on it. While operating, her
left middle finger was caught and smashed at the distal joint and
one-fifth of the distal phalanx was traumatically amputated. She
was in bed three weeks from shock and was disabled for work for
seven weeks after that. The family went into debt, as the brother,
who earned $17 a week, was the only support of the group of five.
Medical bills were paid, and compensation was allowed for 11%

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weeks. She could not return to her former employer as she was
afraid of machines and there was no other opening available at the
plant. “ You couldn’t get me to go back on a machine,” she said.
She later was made forelady. She worked there for three years
and was advanced steadily from $8 to $25. This factory burned
down, and at the time of the interview the worker had been testing
flashlights for two weeks, earning $16.34 a week.
Case No. 40.—A girl of 18, American born, and with a fourthgrade education, was living with her parents and five brothers and
sisters. Her father, a contractor, was out of work in the winter, so
that she and one sister were the only earners, their combined income
being $27 a week. She had begun working when 16, as an operator
on a heel-building machine, and two years’ experience had increased
her earnings from $12 to $15 a week. While she was operating the
machine, her left index finger was caught under the die and ampu
tated at the distal joint. She was disabled four and a seventh weeks,
and the family of eight, having now but one wage earner, went into
debt. Medical bills were paid and compensation was allowed over
a period of 12 weeks in all. Since the worker was a minor, com
pensation was based on a prospective wage of $22.50 a week. She
returned to her former job, but at a time rate, as she was not able
to work so fast as before. This entailed a loss of $1 a week for
the seven months that she worked. She then married, and up to
the time of the interview had not again become a wage earner.
Case No. 50.—A girl of 18, foreign born but having completed the
third grade of schooling in the United States, was living with her
parents and six brothers and sisters. Beginning work at 14 years
of age, she had been for a year and a half a machine helper in a food
factory, earning from $7 to $9 a week. Because opportunity for
promotion seemed slight, she then had become a punch-press opera
tor in a factory making chemical products, and after two years’
experience her wage had advanced from $12 to $15 a week. While
operating, the left index finger was caught under the die and badly
lacerated. It was necessary to amputate three-fourths of the distal
phalanx. She was disabled for 151/2 weeks. Her father was ill at
the time of the accident and she was the only earner in the family
of nine. Relatives assisted them, as they were exceedingly hard
pressed before compensation payments began. Medical bills then
were paid and compensation covered a period of 27 weeks in all.
On her return to work she was afraid to attempt operating a punch
press, although she was physically able to do so. For this reason
she worked on another machine, but experienced no wage loss. She

DIFFICULTY IN MEETING EXPENSES

175

married soon after, and at the time of the interview had not again
worked outside her home. The finger was stiff and deformed at the
distal joint, and she was unable to do her washing.
Case No. 51.—An American woman of 50, with a seventh-grade
education, had worked before marriage as a shaker, ironer, and folder
in laundries, never earning more than $8.50 a week. She had re
turned to work after separating from her husband about a year
before she was injured. She had done cleaning and chambermaid
work for a while, and at the time of the accident had been for nearly
six months a dishwasher in a retail store at $10.45 a week. She went
to the storeroom for supplies, and when leaving the room turned off
the light, according to instructions. In the meantime a cleaner had
moved a pair of scales into the aisle, and in the dark passage outside
the storeroom she bumped into them, striking the left shin, and
fainted. She did not stop work until seven weeks later, when an
ulcer formed at the point of injury, this condition being aggravated
by the presence of varicose veins. Because she lived alone and had
not been able to save on her $10.45 weekly income she was in great
difficulty before payments began. Friends cooked food and brought
it to her; her landlady also provided food and waited on her during
the healing period, and the manager of the store gave $4 for her
room rent out of his own pocket. She herself paid for a rubber
stocking costing $9.50, ordered by the doctor, and also for liniment,
but other medical bills were paid. She was disabled eight and twosevenths weeks, and compensation covered the healing period. Just
before her injury became so painful as to oblige her to leave work
she had been made matron at the store, at the same wage, $10.45 a
week. On her return she found some one in her place and no other
opening for her. She became a dishwasher in another store but had
to give it up in one and a half months, as she could not endure
standing. Iler next job, secured through a friend, was as janitress
for a telephone company at $18 a week, but after six months she was
laid off. However, she was in doubt as to whether she could have
continued much longer, as she found the work hard and made doubly
so because of the injured leg. She then turned to practical nursing,
which she was doing at the time of the interview. The leg was still
weak and painful and she had had ulcers at the point of injury from
time to time since the accident, the scars of four being visible. At
times she was totally disabled because of the ulcers and varicose
veins. She still wore the rubber stocking and it was necessary to
bathe the leg with warm witch hazel. Going up and down stairs
was hard for her, and continued standing was impossible.

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CASES ILLUSTRATING THAT COMPENSATION FOR TEM
PORARY TOTAL DISABILITY DID NOT COINCIDE WITH
HEALING PERIOD
The time during which the injured person is unable to perform
work because of the accident is called the healing period. The dura
tion of this period is set by the doctor who has treated the injury.
In some cases either because of a belief that any work is better than
none or from a desire to minimize the lost time due to accidents, the
injured person is urged to go back before she has returned to normal
health, and she is given some lighter task until she is able to resume
her regular work. This may prolong the actual healing period
and increase the permanent incapacity. In other cases her com
pensated period is terminated before she considers herself able to
return to work, so that there is a period when temporary total dis
ability payments have ceased and earnings have not begun. The
fact that at this time she may be receiving indemnity because of
her permanent disability does not better the situation. Temporary
total disability payments are designed to meet current living ex
penses during the healing period, and indemnity for a permanent
disability is designed to assist the injured persons, after they are
pronounced able to work, to regain their industrial status and to
make a satisfactory social and home adjustment in spite of a physical
handicap.
Case No. 52.—An American woman of 27, with a sixth-grade
education, was single and living with her mother, sister, and two
brothers. She and the two brothers were working, their combined
income being $40 a week. At 20 she had begun work on a power
punch press at $6 a week, and at the time of the accident she was
working in a sheet-metal-goods factory, operating a press and also
acting as forelady, at $18 a week. While inserting work her left
index finger was caught between the punch and the die. Her
employer told her that if she did not stay out on account of the
accident she would get more money. She remained at work and
was made a time keeper temporarily, since the sore finger disabled
her for operating a machine. For this work she was paid $8.25 a
week, as she was told that she was not worth more in her disabled
condition. Infection set in and did not clear up until four weeks
after the injury. The permanent disability was rated as 10 per cent
loss of use of the finger, and compensation covered a period of three
and a half weeks. Medical bills were paid. After five weeks she was
put back on her old job, but it took her months to regain her former
ability. At the time of the interview she had just changed to
punch-press operating in a fountain-pen factory. She was starting
at $18 a week but considered the prospects for promotion good. The

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177

girl stated that as forclady before her accident she had been in
structed to lay off, under pretense of insufficient work, anyone who
wTas injured at work, so that the firm might run no more risks. She
had laid off some workers in obedience to these instructions.
Case No. 53.—A woman of 50, widowed and living alone, was a
foreigner, speaking Hungarian, Slovak, and a little English. At 16
she had gone to work for the first time as a domestic servant in
Hungary, and six years later had come with her husband to the
United States. Here she had been for nine years a machine operator
in a handkerchief factory, then had become a spinner in a worsted
mill. At the time of the accident she had been working there for 19
years, having advanced to $18.25 a week. She was injured while
cleaning the machine in motion. The left index finger was caught
in the rollers and badly lacerated. The foreman told her that “ she
would have to come to work every day in spite of her injury; if she
didn’t feel like doing anything she didn’t have to, but she’d have to
appear or she’d lose her job.” She used to cry at nights, as she was
so tired and unstrung. The finger was slow in healing and she had
to pay a woman to cook, wash, and clean for her, and even though
it cost a great deal she kept the woman five weeks. She felt very
helpless without her husband. Four years previously she had had
an accident, also while cleaning the machine. Her rag had been
caught, the left middle finger pulled in and the tip taken off. Her
husband was living then “but not working regular.” Afraid of
losing her job she had not reported the accident but had caught
up her finger in her apron and run home, remaining there for two
days. She had told the boss she had hit it when chopping wood.
The distal joint of the finger had been stiff as a result of the injury.
At the time of the second injury she was alone, and as she spoke
English poorly she did not know where to go for assistance. The
medical bills were paid. The permanent disability was rated as 60
per cent loss of use of the index finger, compensation for which
covered a period of 21 weeks. After the accident she continued
on the spinning frame with no lost time, but with two injured fingers
she worked slowly for a while, earning $14. At the time of the
interview, two years and four months later, she was receiving $16 a
week.
Case No. 5U—A 17-year-old American girl, with a sixth-grade
education, lived with a foster mother and sister, and the combined
earnings of the two girls were $29.82 a week. On leaving school she
had worked in a hosiery mill for two weeks, folding at $6 a week.
She had then got a job with more opportunity for advancement in a
paper-box factory, where she operated a doming machine. In a
year she had increased her earnings from $7 to $14.82 a week. While

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

operating her machine, the right hand was caught between the pres
sure block and the steel die and the index finger was traumatically
amputated at the middle joint. The middle finger was severely
lacerated on the flexor surface from the tip to the middle joint,
the injury exposing the flexor tendon and resulting in complete
ankylosis at the distal joint. After six weeks and five days she was
told she would have to go to work or she would get no money for
the permanent disability. The fingers were not yet healed and were
very sore, but she felt she must return. She was given handwork as
a paster at $12 a week. Medical bills were paid and compensation
was allowed for 33y2 weeks in all. She was unable to operate the
doming machine again but after four weeks was placed on other
machine work at $12 a week. At the time of the interview, three
and a half years later, she was making only $13. The sister had mar
ried, and the worker and her mother had moved to a little two-room
house. Her mother was “ too old to work,” but she owned a little
land on the other side of town where she raised a few vegetables in
summer. The girl could not sew or do housework with any speed.
She supported herself and mother, although it was “hard to make
$13 go round.” She thought there wTas not much hope for a raise
because she was “no good on piecework since the accident.”
Case No. 55.—An American girl of 15, with a sixth-grade educa
tion, was living with her mother and four brothers and sisters. She
and one brother supported the family, their combined income being
$35 a week. On leaving school she had gone to work as a looper in
a hosiery mill at $10 a week. A month later she was injured. New
machinery was being added to the shaft near her machine, the win
dows were open, and the wind caught her skirt in the moving belt,
pulling her forcibly to the floor. The left shoulder was sprained,
and the head of the humerus fractured at the epiphyseal line, the
fracture extending 2 inches down the shaft. The doctor reported,
“ It has united in fair position but the head of the bone is tilted
inward so as to bring the greater tuberosity up under the acromio
clavicular joint, interfering with the free upward motion of the
humerus. The girl is 15 and the acromioclavicular joint is not yet
calcified. This fact had a distinct bearing on the case as it is
possible as time goes on the joint may give way somewhat to
make way for the upward sweep of the left arm. I would not
do anything toward a settlement with this girl as the longer
you wrait the better the arm will be.” During her disability she
was constantly urged to return to work, and after 11 weeks and
2 days she did go back. For this lost time she was compensated, and
medical bills were paid. She -was kept only two -weeks and then
laid off. She had not been able to work and her mother stated she
“ was never right ” after the accident, because of her youth and inex

COMPENSATION AND HEALING PERIOD

179

perience and of the shock and fright. “ She never cared to do any
thing afterwards.” She stayed home constantly but did not even
“ do anything around the house ” after the accident. Eight months
later she died of pneumonia. At a hearing two years after the acci
dent the permanent disability was set at 10 per cent loss of use of the
arm at the shoulder, for which compensation was allowed for 25y2
weeks. The company had compensated her on a basis of a wage of
$10 a week. At this same hearing, since she was a minor, the wage
basis was adjusted to her probable earnings at 21 years, $15 a week.
Case No. 56.—A Russian woman of 29, who had had four years
of schooling in her own country but was unable to read or write
English, had come to the United States in 1913. Her husband had
planned to follow with their 3-year-old child, but had been prevented
by the war. Not having enough money to go back, for six years
she had worked as a mule spinner in a woolen mill, always hoping
her husband would be able to come. During this time she had ad
vanced from $9 to $23 a week. On the day of the injury the side
of her shoe caught in the carriage track while she was spinning, and
she was knocked down, striking on the right knee, which was badly
strained. The leg was infected and seriously swollen. For six
months, part of which time she spent in a hospital, she was com
pletely disabled. The neighbors helped her financially and attended
to her personal needs. She had headaches and “ felt sick all the
time.” The foreman kept sending for her to return to work, and
as her compensation for the healing period had stopped after 22
weeks, she returned to work at the end of six months although the
leg was still swollen and sore. In two weeks she was completely
used up, went to the hospital again, and was away from work three
additional months. Then for a year she worked as she was able, be
cause she needed the money, but she lost much time. She could no
longer do spinning but was made a general helper, receiving only
$12 to $14 a week for her work. She “ couldn’t be quick on the
job,” and all the time the foreman kept hurrying her with, “What’s
the matter? You no want to work, you’re lazy.” Finally, after
working irregularly for a year, she got enough money to pay for her
passage to Europe to her husband and mother. She died two weeks
after joining them. The permanent injury was rated as 50 per cent
loss of use of the leg, and with the 22 weeks allowed for a healing
period, compensation was paid for 108If-, weeks in all.
Case No. 57.—An American woman of 29, with an eighth-grade
education, was living with her husband, mother, and father. She
and her husband worked, their combined income being $38.86 a
week. She had worked as a domestic servant for live years before
her marriage at 22, then after four years at home had returned to

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work, as she felt responsible for assuming some of the expenses for
her father and mother. She had become an operator of shirt and
collar presses in a laundry, sometimes working as a feeder on a
flat-work ironer. After three years she was earning $10 a week.
While feeding the flat-work ironer the fingers of the left hand
became entangled in a piece of cloth and were drawn between the
hot roll and drum and held under a pressure of 80 pounds for
almost a minute, because it was necessary for some one to cross
the room to shut off the power. The severe burns resulting involved
the whole palm of the hand and fingers and were so deep at the
proximal joints that the tendons passing to the fingers and the
deep palmar fascia were affected. An artery in the middle finger
was severed and there were nine hemorrhages the first week after
the accident. She lost a year and 10 months and her hand was
bandaged a year and 3 months of that time. She received medical
treatment for seven and a half weeks and after that continued to
massage the hand herself with hot oil to prevent contracture. At
a medical examination nine months after the accident it was deter
mined that there was total loss of use of the four fingers because
of scar tissue, which caused stiffness and rendered the hand tender
and sensitive. She was asked to file a wage statement showing
work she had performed or what effort she had made to secure
work if unemployed. Her statement showed that in the nine months
following the accident she had worked a half day and was unable
to contiuue as the hand had become swollen and sore. Medical
bills were paid and the final award was for compensation over a
period of 132x/7 weeks, 33‘/7 being allowed for the healing period.
On her return to work she did marking, sorting, and bundling at
the laundry, since she was disabled for operating a machine. She
began at $10 a week, her former wage, and in one and a quarter
years had advanced to $15. The laundry then changed hands,
and wages were so reduced that it did not pay her to remain. She
lived in a small town where industrial opportunities were limited,
so after that time she did light cleaning by the day, averaging
about two days’ work a week. At the time of the interview she
was occupied in that way. The scars were still sensitive. In spite
of the disability, as her mother was getting feeble she did most
of the housework, and as her husband’s earnings were low she even
did the washing, rubbing the pieces clean on a board with her right
hand.
.
Case No. 58.—A 60-year-old American woman, with a fourthgrade education, was a widow, living with one grandchild whom she
supported. She had been in domestic service off and on almost
all her life. At the time of the accident she had been four years

COMPENSATION AND HEALING PERIOD

181

on her first factory job, operating an unhairing machine in a fur
dyeing and dressing plant at $11 a week. In pinning fur on the
apron of the machine the right middle finger was caught and ampu
tated near the middle joint. She was disabled 22 weeks and 3 days,
but only 9 weeks and 3 days were allowed for the healing period.
Her son paid her rent during the healing period. Medical bills
were paid and compensation was allowed for 28 weeks in all. She
returned to her former employer and operated the machine for one
week at $8, but she was so hampered by the injury that it was
necessary for her to quit. Finally she found work for a few months,
pasting labels on suit cases, at $8 a week. After that she left factory
work entirely, and at the time of the interview she was living with
a married daughter and helping her do washings at home, by which
she earned $4 or $5 a week.
Case No. 59.—A woman of German birth, 47 years old and literate
in both German and English, having had seven years’ schooling, was
single and living alone. For 18 years she had been a saleswoman,
15 years in one bakery and 3 years in a second, beginning at $9 a
week and advancing to $18. Her account of the accident was that
the foreman called to her from the bakery; she could not hear him,
and so ran up some steps to the shop. These steps were broken,
her foot was caught, and she fell, bruising the right side of the face
and fracturing the right little finger. She went to her own doctor
for treatment and he placed the finger in a cast for two months.
She paid her own medical bills. She was disabled seven and a half
weeks and the permanent disability was rated as one-third loss of use
of the little finger. The employer reported that she slipped and
fell in the bakery shop, where she had no business, as she was em
ployed in the store. She said she agreed to accept the five weeks’
compensation due for the permanent disability and did not make
any claim for the time lost since then, because, when she learned
that he was uninsured, she did not want to press her employer too
hard. Her employer had told her when she had begun to work for
him that he was insured, but after the accident she found that he
was not. The State record reported that she lost no time. No com
pensation was paid until over six months after the accident, and
one-third of it went to her lawyer. At the end of the healing period
she would not return to her former employer because of his attitude
regarding her accident. After seeking two weeks she secured sim
ilar work in another bakery and at the time of the interview three
years later was still at the same place. There was no loss of wage
due to the accident.
Case No. 60.—An American woman of 58, with an eleventh-grade
education, was a widow, living with her son and his wife and child.

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She and her son were earning, their combined income being $38.85 a
week. Before her marriage she had done clerical work and also
had been a saleswoman. After some years at home she had begun
working again when 56 years old, irregularly, at what she was able to
find, including cafeteria work, and selling and hand sewing in a de
partment store. At the time of the accident she was doing hand sew
ing on draperies, at $10 a week. The rungs of the high stool on which
she sat at work had come loose, and one was wedged in wdth a nail.
The stool gave way and she fell, striking on the base of her spine.
It was three months before she was able to work at all steadily. She
had no doctor. She did not return to the store, but wrote to the
superintendent asking for a settlement. He sent a check covering a
healing period of four w’eeks and a receipt to be signed. Following
the accident there seemed to be a disability not present before. As
nearly as she could describe it there was a weakness in the hips,
which she noticed especially when she tried to get up from a low
chair. She had no notion of methods of handling a case. She dwelt
especially on the responsibility of the firm for the accident because
the stool was defective. Since the accident she had worked irregu
larly as a domestic servant. The work required of her had always
been light and had not included scrubbing, washing, nor ironing, so
that she had not felt the effects of any disability. When she was
not earning anything, her son supported her.
Case No. 61.—An American woman of 33, With a seventh-grade
education, was the only earner for her family of five, her husband
being out of work. She had gone to work at 20 as a ribbon weaver
at $6 a week and after 10 years’ experience and an advance to $12 a
week had become a picker at $12.50. At the time of the accident
three years later she had advanced to $13. The accident occurred
because a fellow employee pulled her chair away when she stood up
for a moment, and when she sat down she fell on the edge of the
chair, injuring her spine. She was much hurt but went home with
out saying anything. She could not sit down in the street car. She
was disabled for 17 weeks, although a healing period of only 9 weeks
was allowed. Medical bills were paid and the permanent impair
ment was rated as 10 per cent of permanent total disability. Com
pensation was paid for 47% weeks in all. She returned to work as
a picker for a year and during that time was not able to make more
than $12 a week. She then left and at the time of the interview had
not again returned to industry. She had extremely severe head
aches, to which she had not been subject before the accident. Her
back still bothered her and she was unable to do her own washing.
She had had twin babies the year before, and she found it very hard
to lift and carry them.

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183

Case No. 62.—An American woman of 27, with a sixth-grade educa
tion, was single and living with her parents and eight brothers and
sisters. All but the mother and one sister were earning. This
woman had begun work when 12 years old and had been employed
steadily since that time as a power sewing-machine operator, advanc
ing from $1.50 to $!30 a week in 15 years. Her injury occurred when
the machine on which she was operating broke and a piece of casting
struck the right cornea. She also complained of pain over the
vertebrae in the region of the sacrum and coccyx. An X ray of the
dorsal spine, sacrum, and coccyx showed no gross evidence of bone
injury or disease. The doctor told her she could go back to work
after nine and a seventh weeks, but the eye was still painful and she
felt eyestrain as well as headaches, so that she was not able to
continue working. She stayed out six months in all. The doctor’s
bills were paid, but she paid $12 for glasses which she had to have
at this time. Compensation covered the healing period reported
by the doctor. She returned to her former job although at first she
was extremely afraid lest the machine break again. At the time of
the interview, three and two-thirds years later, she was still at the
same place. She had experienced no loss of wage when working full
time, but whenever she had the severe headaches which had occurred
since the eye injury she was much handicapped in her work and
sometimes had to stop entirely. She had given up reading and
sewing at night as the headaches often followed attempts to read a
newspaper or to watch moving pictures. She had worn glasses
constantly since the accident and was conscious of strain.
Case No. 63.—An American woman of about 45 was a widow,
living alone. She had been a domestic servant for one year, earning
$15 at times, and had then become a cleaner in a theater, at $12 a
week. Six months later, while on her knees scrubbing some marble
steps, her left hand had slipped from a soapy step and her weight
was thrown on it, the accident causing a sprained wrist. She did
not give up her job at once, doing very light work for two or three
days, but after that was unable to continue. She went to a doctor
a few times, beginning the day of the accident. He strapped the
wrist with adhesive and later she did this for herself. She went to
another doctor, who advised a rubber bandage, which she got and
wore for three years. No X ray was taken. She paid her own
doctors’ bills and bought adhesive and bandages. She was disabled
about six months in all. During this time she tried to work at sweep
ing only, but found the wrist not strong enough and stopped after
two weeks. She lived alternately with two married daughters, who
cared for and supported her during the disability period. She
was able to do a little light housework but could not wash nor sweep.
After six months she returned to the theater and was able to do all

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kinds of cleaning except “ hand-and-knee scrubbing.” After three
years and two months she left, as she found the use of heavy suction
cleaners too tiring. She got work in a laundry, but after two weeks
she fell down at home, breaking the right wrist. Then again she
went to live with one of her daughters. At the time of the interview
she was still there, not yet strong enough to work. For three years
following the accident there was considerable pain in the left wrist
in cold weather or when she struck the hand. At the time of the
interview there was about 25 per cent loss of flexion of the left thumb.
She said that no compensation had been paid and that there was no
doctor’s report on file. She said that she delayed taking the papers
to the doctor to fill out until about two months after the accident.
She supposed the papers had been sent in, but she had not seen them.
Case No. <%.—An American girl of 23, with an eighth-grade educa
tion, was living at home, where a sister, a brother, and herself were
supporting a family of seven on an income of $29 a week. At 21
she had started work as a telephone operator but after two weeks had
changed to the job of weaving fabric for garden hose, remaining at
this work for two years, at $6 a week. She then had got work op
erating a box-filler machine in a printing establishment. She had
had three weeks’ experience and was earning $13 a week. One day,
while she was sitting with her foot under the machine, the power was
started and an uninclosed rod struck her foot and crushed it. Medi
cal bills were paid and a healing period of six weeks was allowed, but
it was six months before she could walk well and felt able to return
to work. The permanent disability was rated as 5 per cent loss of
use of the foot at the ankle. Compensation was paid over a period
of 11 weeks. She was disabled for her former work and found an
opening as a power sewing-machine operator in a garment factory,
where she began at $8 a week and at the time of the interview
three years later was earning $12.
Case No. 65.—An American girl of 18 had completed the eleventh
grade and taken a six months’ business course. She was living with
her father, mother, and brother, and she and her father together
earned $66.38 a week. Just before she was 18 she had gone to work
for the first time as a stenographer and typist in a department store,
and after nine months’ experience had advanced from $15 to $19 a
week. The injury was reported as caused by “ accidentally bruising
finger on typewriter while pushing carriage back.” She could not
remember any special accident, and the doctor thought that the
injury was due to bruising the bone by use over a period of time.
The finger became swollen and painful, appearing like a felon. She
went to a doctor one week after leaving work. The infection spread
down the tendon sheath into the palm of the hand; the bone became

■

COMPENSATION AND HEALING PERIOD

185

necrosed, and it was necessary to amputate at the distal joint. After
10 weeks away from work she returned, although she was not fully re
covered. Her employer had not urged this, but she went back with
out consulting the doctor because she felt that she was needed and
knew that her job was being held for her. After working 24 days
she stopped again, as rest was imperative. This time she was dis
abled for 12 weeks. Altogether she was disabled for about 23 weeks,
14 weeks longer than was allowed for the healing period. Medical
bills were paid, the permanent injury wTas rated as one-third loss of
the left index finger by amputation, and compensation was allowed
for 18% weeks in all. It was nine weeks before she received the first
payment. She did not return to her former employer, as she secured
a better position, secretarial work paying $25 a week. After seven
months she changed to clerical work with a law firm. At the time of
the interview she had held this position three years and was earning
$27.61 a week. She had no difficulty in doing the usual clerical and
stenographic work after she had regained her strength. She used
pneumatic cushions on her typewriter keys. There was considerable
stiffness in the injured finger at the middle joint, making the finger
of little use to her.
CASES ILLUSTRATING THAT CLAIMANT EXPERIENCED
DIFFICULTY IN REGARD TO PERSONAL NEEDS

Restoring impaired persons to their preaccident status as wage
earners has occupied the attention of rehabilitation experts almost
to the exclusion of interest in family and social adjustment. This
is a natural development, since a large percentage of injured persons
are men and their chief concern has been to resume remunerative work.
They must play the role of wage earner if they are to stay out of the
poorhouse. Women wage earners also are, in the majority of in
stances, compulsory breadwinners, and in addition to their industrial
work all the activities which are included in “ keeping house ” tradi
tionally fall to their share. In the case of disabled women it is nec
essary to consider the incapacity in terms of housework as well as of
industrial work.
It is sometimes assumed that if a woman can be “ fitted into a
family ” there is no further compensation or rehabilitation problem.
The fact that the arduous tasks of a homemaker are rendered very
much more arduous by reason of a stiff wrist or a lame knee is not
taken into account. As the hours of work in the housekeeping pro
fession ordinarily are not regulated, there is no concern when these
hours are extraordinarily lengthened. Incapacity for household
tasks at the end of the compensated period, in the case of more serious
43094°—27-----13

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

permanent disabilities, indicates the need for careful revision of the
compensation law.
In Ohio, when an accident results in permanent total disability,
the injured person receives compensation for life, while in New Jer
sey and Wisconsin compensation stops after some years, expressed in
weeks. In New Jersey and Wisconsin, when an accident results in
a major permanent disability, compensation must be paid for a
specified number of weeks; in Ohio the same method is used in cases
of amputation or of ankylosis, but in cases of partial loss of use
the compensation depends upon the submission of reports showing
actual or probable wage loss due to the accident. In the case of
minor permanent disability, payment of compensation during a speci
fied number of weeks may be expected to tide the injured women
over the rehabilitation period, and when it ceases she is supposed to
have regained her preaccident status; that is to say, she has been
able to make a satisfactory adjustment as a wage earner and in
regard to her work at home. If in cases of major permanent dis
ability, as a result of the accident, there is considerable permanent
incapacity for home as well as for outside work, it would seem that
the injured might receive a percentage of her earnings in considera
tion of that, the percentage depending upon the extent of the physical
disability.
'
When an injured woman lives with relatives or friends they assist
in any nursing which may be needed or in her household activities
during the healing period. Such duties may overburden a person
already hard-working, but in times of emergency the extra pressure is
accepted without protest. That there is considerable work involved
in caring for the personal needs of the injured woman and in per
forming her home tasks is made more evident from a study of the
cases of injured wbmen living alone or as part of a household in
which there were children and only one other wuige earner. If it
were possible to pay for the necessary service of that nature it would
seem that the results in terms of shorter healing periods and reduced
inconvenience would be well worth while.
Case No. 66.—An American girl of 20 was self-supporting, board
ing with a married sister. At the time of the accident she wras on
her first job, having come from her home in a small town to earn
her living. She had been feeding a pad-making machine in a metalbed factory for two months and was earning $12 a week; The
safety inspector gave the following account of the accident: “ Ma
chine tenders were placing a roll of paper in the machine. They
did not shut off the power while doing this work. The girl was
standing on platform waiting to start to work again. She noticed
a piece of excelsior on the rolls, reached in to pick it off and was
caught by rolls. In trying to release right hand, left was caught.

difficulty in begakd to peesonal needs

187

Rolls were not safely guarded.” The right arm was traumatically
amputated 4 inches below the elbow joint, the left forearm was badly
lacerated and both bones were fractured, and the extensor tendon of
the left thumb was severed. She was taken at once to a hospital,
where she remained two months. She was totally disabled for eight
months. As her married sister had left town just after the accident,
the girl had to board with a neighbor when she came from the hos
pital. She was very unstrung and weak and had to be helped in
dressing, combing her hair, and so forth. The permanent disability
was rated as loss of the right arm at the elbow and 10 per cent loss
of use of the left hand at the wrist. Medical bills were paid and
compensation was allowed for 299.2 weeks in all. At the end of the
healing period she returned to her former employer and was given a
job as checker at $6 a week. She marked with her left hand. She
could not have got work elsewhere. She worked intermittently for
1 year and 10 months. During this time she boarded or lived in a
hotel. Her married brother in the town in which she had grown
up offered her no assistance except to petition the commission for a
lump sum, with the understanding that it be invested for her future
and that she live on the $6 a week which she was being paid, as he
thought that on account of the shock she was not responsible for
her actions. The commission ruled $6 too small an amount to cover
her living costs and therefore set the rate at $72.91 a month. She
was then committed to an institution for the mentally defective and
was still there at the time of the interview. The superintendent of
this institution stated that “ she ranks mentally as a high-grade
moron * * *. She is employed in our kitchen, where she is doing
fairly good work. Naturally she is somewhat handicapped by the
loss of her right hand, but she has become quite adept in the use of
her left hand and the remnant of her right arm. I do not believe
her disability affected in any way the condition of her mind.”
Case No. 67.—A foreign-born woman, 53 years old and literate in
English, was single and living alone. Her first work had been as
forelady in a fuse factory, where she had been employed for many
years. She then had become a sewing-machine operator in a cloth
ing factory and after one year’s experience had earned $13 a week.
When injured she was crossing the aisle. She tumbled over a shaft
connecting two rows of machines and fell forward on the concrete
floor, breaking both wrists and striking her head and side. Her
glasses were broken, her face was black and blue, and there was a
large lump on her side. The healing period was set at 14y2 weeks,
but it was not till some time later that she felt able to work. For
several weeks after the accident she could not help herself in the least.
Her landlady washed, dressed, and undressed her, and massaged the
lump on her side. For these services the latter received and expected

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

no return. Some, but not all, of the medical bills were paid. While
she was unable to work, relatives assisted her financially. Her per
manent injury was rated as 5 per cent of permanent total disability.
She received compensation for 33 weeks in all. It was necessary
for her to return to work as soon as possible, as she had only herself
to depend upon. She was disabled for power-machine sewing and
finally found light work in a factory making surgical dressings,
where she was earning $12 a week and supporting herself at the time
of the interview. She was very unstrung and “ odd ” and was con
sidered “ a little queer in the head ” since the accident.
Case No. 68.—An American woman of 33 with a seventh-grade
education was living alone. She had begun working when 26 as
a saleswoman in a candy store at $20 a week. After two years she
had changed to lasting overshoes, beginning at $15 and advancing in
three years to $40 a week. She had given up this job because the
firm had moved and at the time of the accident she had been demon
strating an electric coffee grinder at a food show for two weeks,
working as much as 14 hours a day. She was employed by two
grocery companies, one of which paid her $20, the other $15. The
accident was reported by the first of these two firms. The wage was
reported as $20, and the compensation was based on this wage. She
did not realize how compensation was calculated and did not correct
the report. She stated that she was cleaning the grinder, having
turned off the power, when a boy turned it on by mistake, and her
right index finger was caught and severed halfway through the
distal phalanx. The finger was dressed with an aluminum thimble,
but the wound became seriously infected, causing swelling of the
hand and arm, and hospital treatment became necessary. She was
in the hospital three days, and the finger was amputated between the
distal and the middle joints. She was disabled for 146/7 weeks. For
a time after the accident she could neither dress nor feed herself.
She also had to have water heated in the night to keep her finger in
when it hurt so badly that she could not sleep, and she paid room
rent so that a friend could stay with her and wait on her. Medical
bills were paid and compensation was allowed for 37% weeks in all,
but it was a year before she received any compensation. She was
disabled for the work she had been doing, and also for her previous
work of lasting overshoes. The grocery company, having no work
for her, helped her to secure a position as housekeeper in a hotel at
$34.62 a week. After two and a half years the wage was cut to
$19.62 a week. She left and went into business for herself, becoming
owner and manager of a hotel. At the time of the interview she had
been in this business 20 months and was making about $30 a week.
Case No. 69.—An American woman of 53, with a fifth-grade educa
tion, was single and living alone. She had first worked as a domestic

DIFFICULTY IN REGARD TO PERSONAL NEEDS

189

servant, but at 20 years of age she had gone to work in a woolen mill
as a spooler and twister at $3 a week, changing after two months to
weaving. At the time of the injury she had had 28 years of experi
ence on a loom and had advanced from $3 to $14 a week. When
leaving the mill the day of the accident she tripped over a box and
fell, striking her knee on another box, but did not mention it, as she
did not know about compensation. Although the knee was painful
from the first, it was 23 days before she went to a doctor, who re
ported synovitis at the knee joint. He treated her three times and
the last time advised her to stay in bed, but as she was alone and
had nothing to depend on except a small savings account, she did
not give up, but worked for six weeks after the accident. This de
layed her recovery. A second doctor reported tuberculous infection
when he saw her three days after she had stopped work. He was her
family physician and stated that there was no history of tuberculosis
in the family. No one had seen the accident and she submitted an
affidavit stating what had occurred, and also that the knee had not
been previously injured. Medical bills were paid, but she was
disabled four months and had to have a woman in the house to
care for her for five weeks. After that two neighbors helped her
from time to time and when she needed something she pounded on
the floor with her cane. She paid about $40 for this care during
disability. Compensation was allowed for a healing period of 171/?
weeks. For three weeks after her return to work she stayed at home
one day a week, as she was not strong enough to work full time,
thereby redifcing her earnings to $12 a week. There was constant
pain in the knee for a year, and at the time of the interview it was
still so tender that she had to be careful not to bump it. She felt
also that her endurance had been reduced by the accident. She was
still working at the time of the interview, earning $15 a week. Also
she was still living alone and doing her own housework, which she
said she could do if she “ took it slowly.”
Case No. 70.—An American-born negro girl, 20 years old and with
a fourth-grade education, was single and living alone. At 19 she
had gone to work operating a power punch press in a factory manu
facturing metal goods. After one year’s experience her earnings
had increased from $6 to $10 a week. While operating her press
the left index finger was caught under the die and one-half of the
distal phalanx of .this finger was traumatically amputated. She
lost one week from work. Medical bills were paid and compensation
was allowed over a period of eight and three-fourths weeks in all.
She returned to her former job, this time at $12 a week. After six
and a half months she had a second accident, this- one affecting the
right hand. The middle and ring fingers were caught and severely

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

lacerated and contused. It was necessary to amputate the middle
finger at the middle joint and the major part of the distal phalanx
of the ring finger. She was disabled four and a half weeks. Since
she was quite alone she paid a woman $2 a day to wait on her and
do her work, but she had not enough savings to see her through the
healing period. She had to “ pinch ” and went into debt. Medical
bills were paid and compensation was allowed for 40y2 weeks. On
her return she was disabled for her former work and for five months
did hand assembling at $7 a week. She then returned to punch-press
work, making $10 a week; but after three weeks she decided to leave
factory work for domestic service. For two years she did housework
at $12 a week plus her room and board, and six months before the
interview she returned to punch-press work on metal goods at from
$19 to $20 a week.
Case No. 71.—An American woman of 24, with a sixth-grade
education, was single and living alone. She had begun work when
19 as a punch-press operator earning $16 a week, and at the time of
the accident was still operating a press and earning $26.40. Her
machine was out of order and she had reported it to the foreman,
but he had neither made repairs nor transferred her to another.
After the accident he admitted that the press repeated; he had it
repaired and put a guard on it. Her hand was caught by the die,
the distal phalanx of the right middle finger being traumatically
amputated and the end of the index finger badly bruised. She was
disabled three and six-sevenths weeks. During this time she paid
her landlady $10 to wait on her and help her dress. *No compensa
tion was received until 12 weeks after the injury, and she asked
the landlady to wait for payment for room and board. Medical
bills were allowed and compensation covered a period of 126/7 weeks
in all. She did not return to her former employer although she did
not consider herself disabled for punch-press work. Instead she
found employment assembling motors at $25 a week. When she
left to be married, a year and nine months later, she was earning $28
a week. The finger was still tender and hampered her a little in sew
ing and in holding things.
Case No. 72.—A 39-year-old woman of Italian birth, with no
schooling and very little English, lived with her husband and five
children. As it had seemed necessary that she supplement her
husband’s earnings of $22 a week, five months before the accident
she had begun work in a bakery, where she was feeding a dough
roller at $17 a week. While feeding the roller her lingers were
caught between the rolls, bruised, and crushed. The healing period
covered 13y2 weeks. The hand was sore and painful during this
time and her husband did the housework after his factory hours.

DIFFICULTY IN REGARD TO PERSONAL NEEDS

191

The laundry had to be sent out. The family did not at first realize
that medical treatment would be furnished, and paid for three visits
to their own doctor. They then went to the factory to make inquiry
and the woman received further treatment through the insurance
company. The permanent injury was rated as 25 per cent loss of
use of the right index and middle fingers. She was disabled for the
work she had been doing, and because the fingers were stiff and
awkward she had not attempted to return to industry. Although the
family income was low they “ got along ” without her earnings.
Case No. 73.—A n American woman of 40, with a fifth-grade edu
cation, was a widow with three children to support. She had been
working about five years, first at domestic service, then as a mender
in a hosiery mill, and later stitching in a shoe factory, where she had
advanced to $17.20 a week. Four weeks before the injury she had
left this work to become a weaver in a woolen mill because the
pay was better. She had advanced from $17 to $20. While putting
up filling threads she slipped, and tier hand was caught and squeezed
against the beam. She stated that there were bolts on the loom that
were out of order. Her left hand was bruised and one bone was
fractured. She lost 55 weeks from work on account of the injury.
For one week and one day she was in a hospital; the fracture was re
duced and the hand was put in a cast. While there she paid for the
care of the children, whom she had placed in different persons’ homes.
For two months after she returned home, while her hand was in a cast,
she paid $1.50 a week for laundry work. The children did the rest
of the housework. Her mother helped her with coal and rent, and
she was obliged to go into debt for other necessaries. At the doctor’s
advice she went back to work, operating a twister, since she was dis
abled for weaving, but after one week and four days at $4.94 a week
(for which time she was compensated for the loss of wage) the hand
became so sore with use that the doctor had her stop again. An
operation was performed on the hand to break up adhesions. Medi
cal bills were paid, and the permanent effects were rated as 25 per
cent disability to palm of hand where thumb remains. She received
compensation for 80Vo weeks. When able to work she was disabled
for weaving and, although she could have had other work with her
old employer, she was able to get a higher time rate elsewhere. She
went to a shoe factory, where she did stitching, at which she was
experienced. She began at $14.85 and at the time of the interview
had advanced to $16.50. She stated that she was not hampered for
this particular work but that rates were lower than when she had
done it before the accident. At the time of the interview there was
considerable loss of strength in the hand, although the loss of mo
tion was slight. The palm was stiff but was improving. The hand

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was smaller than the right one. It was painful in bad weather and
got lame when she did laundry work. Wringing or rubbing clothes
was especially difficult. She was still the sole support of her three s
children.
Case No. 7£.—A foreign-born worker, 50 years old, was literate in
German, having had six years’ schooling, and spoke English as well
as German. The family consisted of herself and husband, both
working, their combined income being $32 a week. She had been
employed as a domestic servant over a period of 30 years. In the
summers, since the families she worked for went away, she had got
a job as a cleaner in a theater in order to have more steady work.
At the time of the accident she had worked at one theater for four
years and was earning $10 a week. There was a very heavy door
at the theater, with no handle on one side. In closing it her right
hand was caught between the door and jamb. The fingers were
crushed and bones were broken in two of them. She did not return
to work. Medical bills were paid and the permanent injury was
rated as 25 per cent loss of use of index finger, total loss of middle
finger by amputation, total loss of use of ring finger, and 25 per
cent loss of use of little finger. Compensation was paid for 330
weeks in all. At the time of the interview, three years later, she
could use the thumb and index finger slightly; otherwise she seemed
to have practically lost the use of the right arm, which was still
bandaged. The right eye was drawn and twitching, and the right
side of her face had been drawn to one side since the accident. She
was in an extremely unstrung condition. She was still being treated
at the State rehabilitation clinic three times a week. Since the acci
dent she had sent the washing out, though she had always done it
herself before, and her husband did all the scrubbing and cleaning.
They had put oilcloth rugs throughout the house to facilitate clean
ing. She could dust with her left hand, but her share of the housework was done very laboriously. She said she could hardly endure
having nothing regular to do and seeing no one. She was anxious
to work just to occupy her time, but obviously was still disabled.
Case No. 76.—An American girl of 17, with a seventh-grade education, had started to work when she was not quite 14 because of
the death of her father. At that time she and a brother supported
her mother and three brothers and sisters of school age. At first
she had been a hand dipper in a candy factory, advancing from $10
to $13 a week in two years. Then she had changed to operating
a taping machine in a paper-box factory, at $14 a week, and in nine
months she had advanced to $20 a week. When she was laid off
there, she found work operating a sealing machine in a paper-can
factory, and at the time of the accident, after two and a half weeks’
experience, was earning $12 a week. The family make-up was the

difficulty in regard to personal needs

193

same as when she had first gone to work, and her brother’s and her
earnings amounted to $42 a week. Her mother went to work after
the accident, doing washings at $2 a day. Soon afterwards the
brother married and left home. The economic situation was very pre
carious. An investigator from the safety department reported on
the accident as follows: “ A revolving table with six openings. Cans
are automatically fed in and kicked out. If they kick out halfway
they catch at a shearing point. Then operator stops the machine,
bhe tried to push one out but was caught with the can at the shear
ing point.” According to the girl’s statement the machine was not
in repair; the cans were sticking. She pushed the belt off and put
her right hand in to take out a can. The machine started and her
hand and arm were caught and fractured in several places. The man
working next to her stopped the machine and pulled her hand out,
losing his thumb in so doing. She was in a hospital for four months;
the disability was complicated by infection. Then she went to a neigh
boring city for nine months, and daily attended a clinic where skingial't operations were performed and electrical treatment and mas
sage were supplied. Altogether it was two years before she was
able to work again. The medical report of the disability stated:
Scars on anterior and posterior aspects of forearm and hand
* * * the appearance of which indicates that there has been an
infectious process, and that the wounds extended to and involved
the muscles and tendon sheaths, so that there is some fixation, espe
cially of the thumb, index, and middle fingers, and extensors of the
wrist. Limitation of both flexion and extension of the wrist, marked
lack of grasping power in the hand, especially in the function of
the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Adduction and extension of
the thumb are limited, the thumb being held in adduction. Ab
sence or marked diminution in sensation of thumb, index finger, part
of middle finger, and parts of the hand supplied by the radial nerve,
which indicates this nerve is either caught in scar tissue or was
divided at the time of the original injury.” She was told that she
would be paid compensation for eight weeks and at a rate based on
her actual wage. She secured a lawyer, who brought the case befoie the commission for a hearing. The rate was adjusted, based
on her probable earnings at 21 years. A healing period of 32 weeks
was allowed, and the permanent disability was rated as 75 per cent
loss of use of the hand at the wrist. Compensation was allowed for
176 weeks in all. The settlement for the permanent disability had
been delayed until the extent could be determined. It was made
about two years and five months after the accident. She paid the
lawyer $200. She was disabled for factory work but finally suc
ceeded in getting work as a salesgirl in a store, two years after the

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accident. Here she earned $10 a week. After eight months she left
to be married, and had not returned to industry. At the time of
the interview she had one child. In cold weather or when she tried
to do much with her arm it pained from the elbow down. The hand
got stiff and felt numb and dead. There was no sensation in the
thumb, nor in the index and middle fingers. Her mother and sister
lived near by, and the mother did her washing and ironing, and the
sister her sewing. She kept the house and cared for her baby herself,
largely with her left hand. Her husband helped with the harder
housework.
Case No 76.—An American girl of 17, with an eighth-grade edu
cation, was living with her parents and six brothers and sisters.
Her father and one sister as well as herself were working, the family
income being $55.23 a week. She had begun to earn at the age of
15, as a clerical worker at $8 a week. One year later, in order to
earn more, she changed to punch-press operating in a can factory,
and in five months had advanced from $15 to $18. AA hen she was
laid off there, after the armistice, she took a job as a punch-press
operator in a toy factory, at $14.85 a week, and at the time of the
accident had worked at this place two and a half months, thus having
had seven and a half months’ experience on a punch press. While,
operating, the right hand was caught under the die. The ring finger
was traumatically amputated between the distal and middle joints,
and the index and middle fingers were so badly crushed that it was
necessary at once to amputate them between the middle and proximal
joints. She stated that her nerves were “ all shot to pieces ” by the
accident and she could not sleep well. She had weighed 115 pounds,
and she lost about 25 pounds. Eight weeks were allowed for the
healing period, but she said that she was disabled for 414/? weeks
and that even then she returned to work sooner than she should have
done because the Aveekly income was so small in comparison with
the size of the family. Medical bills were paid at the time, but she
had later spent a great deal of money for medical treatment. Com
pensation was allowed for 78% weeks in all. She returned to her
former employer and was given clerical work at $13 a week. She
was afraid of machines, finding the noise of them trying when work
ing in the same building with them. After two months she stopped,
still unstrung because of the accident. For a time after this the
doctor would not allow her even to help with the housework at home,
but ordered complete rest for her. She held two other jobs for a short
time, one as a clerical worker at $15, one as a telephone operator at
$14 a week. In hunting for work she was refused at two places
where she asked for clerical work, because of the amputated fingers.

DIFFICULTY IN REGARD TO PERSONAL NEEDS

195

She married about five months before the interview. Housework
was difficult for her. She was unable to wash, iron, sweep, scrub, or
sew, as she could not grasp anything, and she was very awkward in
peeling vegetables. She could bend the stumps of the three fingers
at the proximal joints, but this caused pain. They were in the way
and were constantly getting burned when she cooked. They were
sensitive when struck and became swollen in cold weather. She could
not play the piano so well as formerly and had given up taking violin
lessons. She was still under weight and her strength and endurance
were much reduced.
Case No. 77.—An 18-year-old American girl, with an eighth-grade
education, was living with her parents and three sisters, and she and
her father were working, their combined income being $42. Four
months before the injury she had gone to work for the first time,
feeding a job press in a printing office, and during that period she
had advanced from $10 to $18 a week. In attempting to straighten
paper while feeding the press, her right hand was caught. The
index and middle fingers were badly crushed and lacerated, and the
bone of the proximal phalanx of the middle finger was fractured.
She was disabled for work 193/7 weeks. The first compensation was
paid three months after the accident. The final medical examina
tion for extent of permanent disability showed: “ Middle finger'
functionless and useless, partial ankylosis of index, flexor tendon
impaired, middle and distal joints functionless; total loss of use
of the middle finger, and loss of use of the index finger at the distal
and middle joints.” Compensation was allowed for 7l5/7 weeks. At
the end of the healing period she returned to work at the printing
office, doing odd jobs, at $12 a week, but stopped after three weeks,
as she found herself unable to work. Medical bills were paid up to
this time; she stated, however, that she met further expense herself.
She said, also, that eight weeks after the accident she fainted at the
sight of the machine on which the accident had occurred and was
in an unstrung condition for two years after the accident, being
constantly under the doctor’s care during that time. At the time of
the interview she had married and had one child. Her husband
was supporting the family. The hand was weak, she had little
grasping power, and there was much pain in the fingers when
struck. Constant noise of any kind bothered her, reminding her
of machinery. She was unable to use a sewing machine or electric
washer. Washing was sent out. Her husband helped with the
housework, and occasionally a sister came in and rendered aid. The
family lived in three rooms in order to reduce the necessary labor.

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CASES ILLUSTRATING DIFFICULTY OF ADJUSTING COM
PENSATION TO WAGE LOSS—IMPAIRMENT CASES
The theory behind the regulation in Ohio was that adequate com
pensation in the case of definite loss due to amputation or ankylosis
consisted of paying a scheduled amount according to the member
so affected, but that in the case of loss of use of a member the com
pensation should depend on wage loss. Since compensation is de
signed to make up for the economic cost of injury, this arrangement
seems eminently sound. However, its success depends upon the
ability in each case of impairment to secure from perhaps a number
of employers accurate wage statements for a considerable period of
time following the injury. Even though the commission has worked
out an exceedingly careful technique for supervision, which in
cludes notifying all women so disabled, as well as their employers, of
their rights under the law, the problem of securing wage reports
is not solved. Furthermore, in many instances when the woman
does not return to work there is disability which makes housework
arduous but which is difficult to express in terms of wage loss. The
solution in the two other States has been to compensate partial im
pairment of a member according to the extent of disability present,
as is done in all three States in the case of amputation or ankylosis.
Case No. 78.—An American girl of 17, with a ninth-grade educa
tion, was living with her father, mother, brother, and two sisters.
Her father and one sister as well as herself were working to support
the family, their combined income being $69 a week. At 16 she had
begun work as a milling-machine operator, at $15 a week. After
four months there had been a general lay-off, following the armis
tice, and for a month she had done labeling in a food factory at
$13.75, but had stopped because the work was hard. She then had
found a job feeding a flat-work ironer in a laundry, and after one
year’s experience was earning $12 a week. The power was low on
the day of the injury, the sheets did not catch in the rolls well, and
it was necessary to feed with hands close to the rolls. There was
no guard. The fingers of her right hand were caught, and the hand
pulled in against the hot roll. A foot treadle was used to stop the
machine, but it did not stop promptly. Serious third-degree burns
covered the entire palmar surface of the hand, extending from the
tips of the fingers to the base of the thumb. The skin was burned
entirely from the edges of the burn and there was much surface to
close. Infection and sloughing followed. Medical bills were paid.
She was out of work 19+/7 weeks and received compensation for that
healing period. In his final report three and a half months after
the accident the doctor stated that there was some permanent con-

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197

tracture. However, since this was not complete at any joint the
injury was not compensable. On her return to work she was dis
abled for operating the flat-work ironer, and her former employer
told her he had no other work for her. For three months she did
bundling and inspecting in a glove factory at $12 a week. Then this
plant shut down and thereafter the only opportunities for her in the
small town in which she lived were as a saleswoman or as a domestic
servant. She worked twice in a store, four months in all, but could
not get a regular position. On these temporary jobs she earned $9
a week. For the remainder of the time she did housework, and for
the first 14 months made only $5 a week. At the time of the inter
view she had been earning $10 a week, plus her room and board, for
nearly two years. There were heavy scars on the palmar surface of
the index, middle, ring, and little fingers, extending about halfway
into the palm at the base of the index, middle, and ring fingers.
These three fingers were joined by scar tissue for about one-fourth
of an inch. They were contracted by the scars so that the distal
phalanx of each was at about right angles to the straight line of the
hand. The little finger was slightly contracted. The fingers could
be flexed completely but not extended beyond the position just de
scribed, except very slightly by passive motion. She had attempted
unsuccessfully to straighten them by binding them to a metal plate
at night. This was painful, and usually she could not keep the plate
on all night. The circulation was poor and the hand got cold easily
and pained in bad weather. The fingers w7ere abnormally thin. The
strength and grasp of the hand were much reduced. Her greatest
difficulty in housework was in preparing vegetables. Ironing was
hard, since grasping anything for any length of time tired the hand.
She could do very little sewing and missed being able to play the
piano. Although finally she received the same wage, this young girl
had a very real handicap following the compensated period, both as
a wage earner and at home.
Case No. 70.—An American woman of 44, with a tenth-grade
education, was a widow, living alone. She had become a wage
earner for the first time when 43 years of age, taking employment
as an elevator operator in a store, at $14 a week. At the time of the
injury she had been at this work for one year. In trying to shut off
an electric fan her right hand was caught in the revolving blades.
The metacarpal bones of the right index and ring fingers were
fractured. The tendons affecting the right little finger were severed,
and there w7as loss of considerable bony tissue of the ring metacarpal.
An X i ay taken four days after the accident showed some displace
ment of one fragment of the ring metacarpal. In his final report
the doctor stated that there was permanent inability to flex com-

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pletely the ring and little fingers. She was disabled six weeks and
two days. Medical bills were paid, and compensation covered the
healing period. She returned to her former job, but about seven
months later some customers remarked that they intended to
“ make it hot ” for the employer because of the elevator operator’s
crippled hand. The manager overheard this and transferred the
woman to work on the switchboard. She worked there one year,
receiving only a beginner’s wage of $12 a week, and was then laid
off. For two and a half years after this she earned $18 and $20 at
switchboard and semiclerical work. At the end of that time she
stopped work because of ill health, and at the date of the interview,
six months later, had not returned to industry. She was living with
her mother. There was about 75 per cent loss of use of the ring
linger. The knuckle was displaced toward the middle finger. Un
able to wash or iron, she paid some one to do this. As she could not
grasp nor pick up small objects well with her disabled hand, she
used the left as much as possible. There was constant pain in the
knuckle of the ring finger. In this case there was no wage loss for
seven months after the close of the compensated period, but for a
year after that, on account of the injury, the woman earned $2 a
week loss than her preaccident Avage.
Case No. SO.—An American women of 34, with an eighth-grade
education, was employed, the combined income of herself and
husband being $23 a week. She had begun to work for wages
when 21 years old, cooking in a restaurant “ off and. on ” for 13
years, advancing from $10 to $20 a week. Then she had turned
to factory work and assembled roller bearings at a weekly wage
of $13. Six months after taking this job, Avhile walking through
an aisle to lay finished bearings away, she stumbled over a wire
basket of finished goods and fell, striking her left knee. The
floor Avas brick and the knee was badly sprained, but she did not
stop work at once. She had been stiff before, she said; “ I thought
I Avould wear it out, but it wore me out.” It kept getting Avorse,
and two weeks after the accident it sAvelled rapidly to tAviee its
normal size. She was treated in the company hospital for about
two weeks and then stopped Avork. An X ray was taken, showing
a hyper-arthritic condition. The employers questioned whether the
arthritis was due to the injury in their plant. The case Avas in
vestigated. A Wasserman test shoAved no syphilitic condition.
The medical report stated that the condition unquestionably was
caused by the industrial accident, and the claim was approved.
Medical bills Avere paid, and compensation was alloAved for a heal
ing period of 14 weeks. This time loss Avas not continuous. For the
first five Aveeks that she Avas disabled a niece came and did all

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199

the housework, and for about nine weeks longer her husband did
it after his work hours. At the end of the compensated period
she attempted to work again. She returned to her former em
ployment and was paid $13 a week as before. The knee was still
sore, and at first she had to be helped on and off street cars. Her
knee was so painful after she had been on it for a time that she
used to cry. It kept getting worse, and after four months she
stopped again. The doctor told her the knee would never be well
and strong. At the time of the interview there was a sore spot on
the knee at the site of the injury, and she used camphor and liniment
on it at night. She went upstairs one step at a time, and hardly ever
went out, as she hated “ to go limping.” She held the foot up
when she stood and was unable to stand long. She cried while
doing the washing, because it was so painful. She could not scrub,
as she was unable to get down on the floor. The fact that she
weighed 200 pounds aggravated the difficulty. She could have
performed a sitting job if she had had some way of getting back
and forth to work. There was about 25 per cent loss of motion
at the knee. In this case the woman was left with a distinct im
pairment for her work at home, although she had not established a
wage loss.
Case No. 81.—A woman of 67, English born but with only about
three years of schooling, had gone to work as a domestic servant
when she was 13, on the death of her father, and had continued
there until her marriage at 22. She had come to this country with
her husband before the war, but he had died in 1917 and within a
year she had used up her savings and it had been necessary for her
to go to work. She had got a job buckling straps in a leather-goods
factory, at $9.50 a week. At the time of the accident she had had
1 year and 10 months of experience and had advanced to $12.50
a week. She was living with a sister and brother-in-law. As she
pushed her chair back from the worktable, she struck her hand against
the point of a knife in a fellow employee’s pocket. There was a
deep cut on the back of the left hand and the injury was complicated
by a serious infection, so that the hand was puffed and inflamed.
The doctor at the factory dressed it with iodine. A few days later
she went to her own doctor, who sent her to a hospital, where she
remained about six weeks. The entire arm became swollen, there
was a high temperature, and for a time her life was in danger.
After her discharge from the hospital she went there about five times
a month over a period of nearly a year for actinic rays and massage
treatment. A healing period of 142/7 weeks was allowed. Not all
medical bills were paid. She stopped going to a doctor when she
was no longer able to afford treatment. She paid one-third of her

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Industrial

accidents to women

hospital bill also. At the time of the interview there appeared to
be 50 per cent loss of use of the hand at the wrist; there was
very little strength and she was unable to close her hand. The wrist
was painful when used. She lived in a small community, there were
few opportunities, and she had been unsuccessful in finding work.
Her brother-in-law had died, and the two sisters continued to live
together. She wras entirely dependent financially but attempted
some housework. She did a little sewing and mending, dusted her
own room, did a little cooking, but could do no heavy work. “If I
had to make my own living I couldn’t live,” she said. In this case
also the woman had a distinct impairment for her work at home,
although she had not established a wage loss.
Case No. 82.-—A widow of 38, American born, was supporting
herself and two children. She had begun working five years before,
at $10 a week, on a power sewing machine, in an overall factory,
becoming assistant forelady three years later at $14. Then she had
operated a buttonhole machine because of the higher pay, and at
the time of the accident had been operating that machine for 13
months, earning $18 a week. While descending an iron stairway
at the factory she fell and struck her back on the edge of a step.
She did not stop work until five days afterwards, when she went
to a doctor. He found the back bruised, sprained, discolored, and
tender to touch. There was “ involvement of the sacral perios
teum.” Treatment consisted of demobilization of the sacro-iliac
region, and massage. She was completely disabled for 153/7 weeks.
A niece came and cared for her during this time. She paid the
niece small amounts as she could. Medical bills were paid, and
compensation was allowed for the healing period. At the end of
this time she returned to work. She was not fully recovered, but
felt that she could not afford to stay away longer. She was dis
abled for her old machine and was put on lighter work, but for
305/7 weeks she could work only two or three days a week and was
compensated on a temporary partial disability basis for this loss of
wage. The final medical report, filed a year after the accident,
stated, “Weakness of back; it seems that she will always have to do
lighter work; there is overanxiety to work for two growing boys;
underfeeding; she weighs 79 pounds, has fear of meeting high cost
of living.” At the end of the 305/7 weeks she worked full time but
was not able to earn more than $12 or $13 a week. After one year
and three months at this work she remarried, and at the time of
the interview had not again returned to industry. Her back was
still painful and weak at the site of the injury, especially during
the menstrual period. She could do no washing, ironing, nor heavy
cleaning. In this case there was a wage loss following the
compensated period and disablement for home activities.

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201

Case No. 83.—An American woman of 50 was a widow, living with
a single daughter who was also a wage earner. Their combined
income amounted to $47 a week. A married daughter and her hus
band boarded with them. At 27 years of age, after the death of her
husband, this woman had gone to work to support herself and her
four young children. At first she had cooked in a club at $7 a
week, but after three years she had got work as a cook in a factory
restaurant. She had been in this position for 20 years at the time
of the accident, and had advanced from $8 to $25 a week. On the
day of the accident she was leaving the factory, when she slipped
and fell on the stone steps and sustained a Colles fracture of the right
wrist. She stayed away from work 10 weeks and then returned to
sign the compensation papers. She was not able to use her hand
and arm, but was persuaded to try to supervise the work. However,
after two weeks she had to leave. She received temporary total
compensation for the 10 weeks she lost immediately following the
accident, but though she had to give up her job again because of the
condition of right hand and arm, which she constantly needed as
cook, her employer told her there was no more compensation coming
to her. As she knew nothing about the law, she got a lawyer to
assist her, agreeing to pay him half the amount he recovered. He
requested a hearing. A medical examination at this time showed,
“ The wrist deformed and the wrist mobility and flexion of the
fingers limited.” This took place seven months after the accident.
A week before the examination she had attempted to do light work
in a restaurant, but had stopped after two hours. Nine months
later, after several unsuccessful attempts, she found light work run
ning errands, telephoning, doing light housework, and marketing,
which paid $6 a week. She stayed at this job 11 weeks, but was
unable to continue, as the wrist and hand became increasingly sore.
Three months later the wrist was operated on, and a chip of the
ulna was removed from the wrist. Two months after this operation,
the doctor reported her able to do any but heavy work. The case
was closed, medical bills were paid, and compensation was allowed
for total disability for 664/7 weeks and for partial disability for
435/7 weeks. When the compensation ended she had not regained
her preaccident status. She had worked hard and steadily up to
the time of her injury, having stayed in one factory for 20 years,
and after her industrial hours she had done all the housework and
washing for her children and herself. Afterward, when she first
stopped work, her married daughter had gone to work. During the
healing period the girls stayed home at times to care for her. Later
the married daughter and her husband moved away. At the time
43004° —27------14

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of the interview the single daughter was supporting her mother and
also doing the heavier housework. The woman cooked a little and
did a little sweeping and dusting. She tried everywhere to get
work, as she did not want to be a burden to her daughter. She
said, “ If I had ever had any other kind of experience I might be
able to get something, but I always cooked. No one will take me
for that and I would not be strong enough to last.” In this case,
after the compensated period the woman had been unable to find
woik which she could do and was disabled for much of her housework.
Case No. 84. An English woman, 55 years old, was a widow
and living with an unmarried son who also was working, their
joint income amounting to $38 a week. Her husband had been
killed 15 years before, and she had supported their four children
until they were able to support themselves. For 12 years she had
washed and cleaned by the day, earning about $6 a week. Then
she had become a weigher in a macaroni factory, beginning at $10
and advancing to $13 during the three years and two months which
pieceded the accident. Her work chair was high and was not stable,
because it was on casters. One day as she was getting up on it,
it moved and she fell, striking the cement floor on her left side,
bruising her left knee, and bruising and spraining her left shoulder.
She attempted to continue at work, but after two days found that
she could not do so. She stayed away two weeks, receiving medical
treatment; then returned to work, but was obliged to stop again
on account of disability. An X ray taken after some additional
medical treatment showed a sprained fracture of the tuberocity
of the humerus. Consequently the arm was immobilized for more
than two months. When she was first disabled, her daughter came
in night and morning to care for her. Later, as she was unable
to comb her hair and dress herself, much less keep house, she had
to give up her home and go to live with this daughter, the house
hold consisting of herself, the son, and the daughter and grand
child. The injured woman was not able to do anything which
required strength of the left hand or arm. Dusting was possible,
but washing and drying dishes, sewing, dressing the baby, or any
activity which necessitated picking up or holding an object was out
of the question. For lT54/7 weeks she was compensated as totally
disabled. During this time she was given medical examinations to
determine the extent of the permanent disability and the summary of
the findings showed, “ The left arm is swollen from the shoulder
to the fingers. There is considerable tenderness present through
out the arm, with partial ankylosis at wrist, shoulder, and elbow
joints. All motions of the arm are greatly limited and there is
marked general stiffness of all digits. It is evident that the claim-

ADJUSTING COMPENSATION TO WAGE LOSS

203

ant has a disability which is permanent * * *. She assists about
the house, doing such light work as she is able to with one hand.
The work is not in any way remunerative, but if she were paid in
dollars and cents she would be able to earn $2 or $3 a week. She
should be compensated on a partial disability basis.” At the end
of the temporary disability she was compensated as though earning
$2 a week; that is, at $7.33 a week. This basis was still in effect
at the time of the interview. She had had a good deal of rehabili
tative medical treatment, and it seemed that the degree of permanent
disability of the arm would not become less. She was still living
with her daughter, granddaughter, and son. The daughter, who
had not been well since her child was born, did all the sweeping,
washing, ironing, and part of the cooking. The son, aged 32, sup
ported the family. He was not strong, and she felt insecure as to
their future. Since her accident they had moved seven times,
always into smaller and cheaper quarters. Her condition had not
improved. She felt as though the muscles were paralyzed in the
side and arm. The arm was cold, and there was no strength what
ever at the wrist. There was also some loss of strength in the knee.
She limped a little and could not bear her weight on it very long.
In this case wage loss due to injury had been estimated and com
pensation had been paid during the disability period. The amount
already received was equivalent to that allowed for ankylosis of the
arm at the shoulder, plus an extra 18 weeks toward a healing period.
CASES ILLUSTRATING INJURY INVOLVING THE CENTRAL
NERVOUS SYSTEM NOT ADEQUATELY COMPENSATED
Injuries involving the central nervous system numbered 77 of
the total of 3,285 injuries. Of this number, the State records indi
cated no permanent disturbance in 46 cases. In 5 others the injury
was classified by the State as organic and permanent. In the re
maining 26 no organic lesion was noted, but the recovery was incom
plete. In the last-mentioned group, however, since physical exami
nation of the patient uncovered no demonstrable impairment, com
pensation was paid only during the period of the temporary total
disability directly following the injury. A study of the subsequent
work history of some of these women in their homes and as wage
earners seems to indicate that this method is not satisfactory. A
more adequate procedure should be evolved for handling this type
of case. Because the examining doctor has been unable to find an
organic lesion of the central nervous system following an injury to
the skull or spine does not always mean that there will be no dis
ability. Also the disability may not be continuous, but may appear
a considerable time after'the short healing period (in some cases only

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ten days or two Aveeks was alloAved) has elapsed. Technique for
detecting changes in the nervous system wh ich were not apparent by
present methods is not impossible of discovery. In the meantime,
the referring to a neurologist, for diagnosis and treatment, of persons
Avho have suffered an injury which might involve the brain or spinal
cord, and the payment of compensation during the period in which
thig authority considers the patient unable to work, Avould seem to
be equitable procedure.
Case No. 85.-—An American Avoman of 45, with an eighth-grade
education, was widowed and living with her mother and two
sons. Her mother had a small income and the older boy worked after
school. She had gone to work for the first time when 43 years old,
doing handAvork in an ammunition factory at $14.45 a Aveek. When
laid off, after four and a half months, she had sewed at home for
eight and a half months, and then had looked for a factory job
because of its regularity. She had got a job inspecting motors, in
a factory manufacturing fans and motors, at $14.45 a week. After
four months she had been transferred to hand assembling at the
same wage. At the time of the accident she had had five months’
experience on this second job and Avith a piece rate could make as
high as $27.50 a Aveek. She was leaving an elevator in the factory
when the elevator operator dropped the gate before she was off and
she Avas struck forcibly on the head and knocked unconscious, remain
ing so for half an hour. There Avere contusion and abrasion of the
scalp over the occiput, slight concussion of the brain, and nervous
shock. Relatives gave her financial assistance during the emergency.
She was aAvay from Avork 18 days, and then returned to her former
job. She was not given the rush orders which were paid for at piece
rates, but Avork which paid only a time rate of $14.45. This resulted
in considerable loss of Avage and caused her much discouragement.
After three weeks her doctor advised her to stop work. She was
still very upset, and the noise of the machines bothered her. He dis
missed her one week later, although she was still “ nervous and fit
for nothing.” Medical bills were paid, and compensation was alloAved
for a healing period of four weeks and one day. She did not attempt
to return to a factory but began doing sewing at home. The older
son left school and got full-time Avork, and the younger one Avorked
part time to help meet the living expenses. She did sewing at home
about two and a half years. She continued to have severe head
aches and went to an osteopath, who relieved them and the “ nervous ”
condition to some extent. These treatments she paid for herself,
and stopped because she felt she could no longer afford them. About
one year before the interview she had begun working in a tailor shop,
hoping to increase her earnings. She could make $3 a day, but was

INJURY INVOLVING THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

205

seldom strong enough to work a full week, two or three days being
much more common. She still suffered severe pain in the back of the
head, her strength was reduced, and she had not regained the weight
she had lost (15 pounds) after the accident.
Case No. 86.—An American woman of 46, with a high-school edu
cation, was single and living alone. She had gone to work for the
first time 15 months before the injury, as a saleswoman in a retail
store, and had advanced from $7.25 to $9 a week. On the day of
the accident she was sitting on a stool behind the counter when a
casting came loose at the bottom of the seat, causing the top part to
fall. She struck her head and the base of the spine. After she
regained consciousness she was extremely nauseated. She was taken
to a hospital and knew no one for four or five days. It was five
weeks before she was clearly conscious of what was going on. Her
temperature was 101° at first. There was pain and soreness in the
region of the right kidney and in the lumbar region, and pain in
the back of the head. She was in the hospital 10y2 weeks. After
leaving she stayed two weeks with a friend and then stayed with a
brother until her return to work. She paid no board to either of
these. She was disabled 18 weeks. The medical expenses exceeded
$200 (the maximum set by law in ordinary cases), and she paid the
excess, $76.50, herself. Compensation covered the healing period.
After her return to her job, at her doctor’s advice she worked only
half time. Several times she consulted him about working full
time, but he always advised against it. For her work on afternoons
and Saturdays she received $5 a week. To supplement this income
she did some crocheting at home. There was still pain and sore
ness at times on the right side over the kidney. She tired more
easily, especially from standing and reaching in the store, than she
had done before the accident. Her weight had been 183 pounds,
after coming from the hospital it was 98 pounds, and at the time of
the interview she weighed 168 pounds.
Case No. 87.—An American woman of 36, with a sixth-grade edu
cation, was a widow with three sons, one of whom was just old
enough to work. She received a small mother’s pension, making the
family income $34.65 a week. She had begun work at 33 as a spooler
in a blanket mill, at $7 a week. After three weeks she had been
transferred to weaving, and with three years’ experience had ad
vanced from $10.50 to $22.27. In the mill where she was working at
the time of the accident, as there were no screens to stop the shuttles
she had been struck several times by a shuttle flying from a loom.
On the day of the accident she was struck on the head in that way.
The doctor reported, “A deep cut in the right parietal region 2y2
inches above the right ear, with marked concussion, fracture of the

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inner table, blood clot pressure symptoms, partial paralysis, dizzi
ness and limitation of the field of vision of the left eye and unequal
pupils.” Six and a half weeks after the accident, at the end of the
medical treatment, he reported, “ Complete recovery as far as symp
toms show to-day. Possibility of Jacksonian epilepsy.” The
woman stated that the wound bled very freely, also that she had
considerable nose bleeding. She was in bed for two weeks, during
which time the boys kept house. She lost six weeks and two days
from work; medical bills were paid, and compensation covered the
healing period. She returned to work before the doctor advised it,
as it was necessary for her to be earning, but was still weak,
had to stop at times to rest, and could not work so fast as before.
This cut down her earnings to about $18 a week, and it was two
months before she regained her former earning power. About one
year after the accident she remarried and stayed at home two years.
In this time a child was born. Her husband left her. She returned
to work and was still a weaver at the time of the interview. She
said that wlien she took cold it caused a sharp pain at the point
of the injury. She was still unstrung. “ I go all to pieces at times,”
she volunteered. Then the same sharp pain would return and her
back would ache. She tired more quickly than before the accident
and had lost 15 pounds in weight. She continued to do the house
work but with greater difficulty because of her reduced strength.
The boys were very helpful.
Case No. 88 —An American girl of 18, with a seventh-grade educa
tion, was living with her mother and seven brothers and sisters.
A brother and a sister were earning, besides herself, the weekly in
come being $40. Beginning work at 14 she had been a domestic serv
ant for two years, advancing from $1.75 to $3 a week cash wage.
Then she had become a winder in a hosiery mill at $8.40 a week, and
at the time of the accident had had two years’ experience at that
work and was earning $18. The workroom floor was oily, and she
slipped, striking her head on a steel doorcasing. The left parietal
region was involved in the abrasion, and she was unconscious for a
time. Later there was dizziness, headache, nausea, and fainting.
She tried to work after two days but could not, as she was too dizzy.
The doctor who came to her home sent her to a specialist for diag
nosis. She returned to work three, and a half weeks after the ac
cident, and this healing period was compensated. Medical expenses
were paid. There seemed no permanent disability at the time.
About two weeks after her return there was a discharge in her
thioat, which, according to the medical report, was 41 sinus trouble
probably due to the injury.” She was treated three times, paying
$3 for each treatment. As she could not afford this, she went to a

INJURY INVOLVING THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

207

free clinic, where the only expense was for medicine and spray. She
continued treatment at the clinic for a year and eight months and
seemed cured, but the sinus trouble had recurred at intervals since
that time. She continued to have headaches, experienced dizziness
when she became tired, and often had “ pain like an iron band around
her head.” She had not reported to the company this subsequent
trouble, as she thought it would do no good, since the case had been
closed. After the healing period she returned to her former job,
but for a while could not work full time and earned only $14 a week.
Also she lost three hours a week during the year and eight months
she went to the clinic for treatment. At the time of the interview
she was earning $20 a week.
Case No. 89.—An American woman of 58 had gone to work 13
years earlier, wThen she and her husband had separated, and at the
time of the accident she still had two children of school age to sup
port. She had worked continuously in the bisque warehouse of a
pottery plant, and during the 13 years her wage had increased from
$11 to' $15.84 a week. She was doing Sunday overtime work, be
cause of the drawing of a kiln on that day, when the injury occuired.
She slipped on the sandy cement floor and fell, striking the side of
her head with great force on the floor and also breaking her left
wrist. She stayed one hour more to finish drawing the kiln and
then went home and to bed. Two hours after leaving she called the
forewoman. Her head and eyes were black and swollen, and she
was in great pain. She suffered from almost continuous headaches
over the seat of the contusion of the frontal bone, and there was
considerable dizziness. Four months after the accident the attend
ing doctor reported, “ I am afraid this condition will never be any
better, owing to age of woman and nature of injury to head.” Seven
months after the accident a second medical report stated, ‘- Com
plains of pain over right eye and temple corresponding to point of
injury * * *. Marked tenderness on pressure over this region.
Complains of severe headaches which are present practically all the
time but apparently much worse at night.” Compensation was al
lowed for a healing period of 31 weeks and medical bills were paid.
She was never able to work again because of the pam, the reduced
endurance, and the unstrung condition which followed the accident.
The severe headaches were practically continuous. After the close
of the healing period a medical report stated, “ Patient has a fatty
heart and is attributing her condition to the injury,’ and a letter
from the employer read, “ Injured does not intend to work, as her
duties at home are of such a nature that all her time will be required
there.” She was almost an invalid. Her married daughters helped
her financially and went in and did her housework for her. One
and a half years after the accident she died. During that period

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the most energetic thing she was able to do was to walk two blocks
to the home of a friend because she “ got so lonely.” This she did
on three occasions. She had worked continuously during the 13
years preceding the injury, and, according to her forewoman, there
was “ no one steadier in the bisque warehouse. She was willing to
do any kind of work necessary, never lost time, worked a good deal
of overtime, and often worked Sundays when they drew the kiln on
that day.” Tn addition she had done all her work at home after
hours. “ If she had any heart trouble it had no effect on her work
before the accident,” when there was no stronger incentive to work
than afterwards. Such a case, in which an injury perhaps lights up
a preexisting pathology, presents an especially difficult problem for
the injured person.
Case No. 90 —An American girl of 18, with an eighth-grade educa
tion, was living alone. She had begun work when 14 and had changed
jobs several times, doing domestic service and laundry, factory, and
store work. Beginning at $8 in a laundry, she had made as much as
$30 for a week’s work as a drill-press operator. Then the factory
had closed at the time of the armistice and she later found work sell
ing in a candy store. At the time of the accident she had been there
one year and two months and was earning $16 a week. An overhead
tank attached to a toilet fell when she pulled the chain, striking her
on the head. After being unconscious for two hours she was taken to
a hospital. Her head ached severely, and she was unable to move
about. She stayed in bed two months. Once in that time she tried
to get up and fainted. She lost 20 pounds in weight. She was
disabled 16 weeks and received full wage during that time. She
stated that the insurance company wanted her to sign a release after
she had received 16 weeks’ full pay. “You are only entitled to
$10.67 a week, but sign and we’ll let it go at that,” she was told. As
she was still suffering from the injury, she employed a lawyer, who
made a settlement for $1,000 for her, taking $400 of it as his share.
As her employer would not take her back at the end of the healing
period, she found work as a saleswoman in a retail store where she
received $16 a week. She married soon afterwards and left one and
a half years later for the birth of a child. She had not again
returned to industry. The headaches continued to recur. About one
daj^ a week she would be laid up, because, as she said, “ my head and
back ache so that I almost go crazy with it.” At these times her
husband did the work. While in the store she had lost about one
day a week on account of the pain in her head and back.
Case No. 91.—An American woman of 44, with a sixth-grade
education, was a widow, living with a daughter who also was work
ing, their combined income being $29 a week. For eight years she

INJURY INVOLVING THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

209

had done house-to-house selling, making an average of $9 a week.
She then had found work in a department store, marking goods
in the receiving department. At the time of the accident she had
been there two years and was earning $11 a week. While she was
sitting at work, a young man whose father had quarreled with her
passed and hit her a heavy blow on the head with a board or piece of
corrugated paper. A comb in her hair was forced down, raising welts
on the top of her head. The company furnished medical treatment
for 12 weeks; then the doctor told her she was all right and should
return to work. A healing period of this length was compensated.
She had continued under a doctor’s care up to the time of the inter
view four years later, estimating that she had spent $150 for treat
ment. She was disabled for work for 28 weeks in all. She then
began house-to-house selling again but could not work more than
part of one or two days a week, earning about $3 in that time. Her
daughter had married and she lived with her and her son-in-law
at the time of the interview, being largely dependent upon them.
Since the accident she had had dizzy spells, and while walking about
always held on to something for fear of falling. She could not stoop
over to pick things up, nor could she do heavy lifting. She had
been unstrung and suffered from pain in the region of the stomach.
Case No. 92.—An American-born negro woman, 28 years old, with
an eighth-grade education, was married to a man who owned a shoeshine stand. She had entered domestic service at 26 and after two
years had become a freight-elevator operator in a shoe factory. At
the time of the accident she had been there eight months and was
earning $8 a week. While going through the hall at lunch time a
dumb waiter, which fell because its rope broke, struck her on the
back of the head, knocking her unconscious. The doctor reported,
“ Concussion of the brain and nausea.” For three weeks her husband
stayed at home to care for her and hired a boy to look after his
stand. Medical bills were paid at the time, but afterward she had
to pay for additional medical treatment and medicine for the pain in
the head resulting from the injury. For a month she had trouble
with her eyes. “I could see,” she said, “but everything looked
gloomy.” It was 22 days before she returned to work. The healing
period allowed was 15 days. As it was, she still felt weak and un
strung, but she was afraid her job would not be held for her if
she stayed out longer. On her return she asked to be put on the
passenger elevator, which would have been easier, but her employer
insisted that she go back on the freight elevator. She could not stand
the work, was forced to leave after a week, and stayed at home two
weeks longer. Then she became a stockkeeper in a store at $9. Af
ter seven months she left to avoid being changed to other work, and

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

stayed at home one year. Then for a year following she operated
a flat-work ironer in a laundry, at $9. During all this time she was
having a good deal of pain in her head and her endurance had been
reduced. The last work was particularly hard on her; she had head
aches and frequently felt sick and nervous. She had to give up the
laundry job and then worked irregularly, doing cleaning or washing
by the day, making from $12 to $18 a week. At the time of the
interview she still suffered a severe pain in the head that nearly
drove her crazy, she said. Her eyes seemed to be affected at times,
and she had never been so strong as before the accident. If she
worked away from home she was not able to do all her own house
work and would then pay to have her washing and cleaning done.
Case No. 93.—An American woman of 52 was living alone, having
separated from her husband 10 years before. She had put her son
in a home, and had gone to work in a department store, earning $20 a
week. After three years her son had left the institution and had
gone to work, and she had stopped working and made a home for
him. Six years later he had died in the Army, and she had gone to
work as an examiner in an ammunition factory at $25. When the
plant had closed, after two months, she had got similar work in an
electrical-supply factory at $20 a week. At the time of the accident
she had been working in this second factory eight months. A tray
fell from an overhead conveyor, striking her a severe blow on the
head. She was in a semiconscious condition at first and later was
dizzy and unstrung; she was out of her head for two weeks. There
was a queer “ nervous ” condition of the left eye, and her hearing
seemed impaired. While she was disabled, a roomer, a friend of riel's,
gave her the only care that she received and helped her with her
housework. Medical treatment covered two weeks, which time was
allowed as the healing period. However, it was three months before
she could attempt to work. During this time she was unable to walk
very far, felt as though she would fall, had dizzy spells, cried fre
quently, and suffered continuously from headache. She would not
return to the factory where she had been hurt, even for her back
wages, but went to another electrical-supply plant where she was
given assembling to do, at $15 a week. She said, “ I did my best to
last, would get soaking wet trying to work,” but in three weeks
she was “ through,” unstrung and dizzy. This time she stayed at
home two months. After the accident she had taken two roomers,
and when unable to work she had some income from them. She
tried assembling in another electrical-supply factory, this time earn
ing $20 a week, but after four months the heat and noise of the
factory wore her out, and she left. Although she preferred factory
work, she went back to her position as saleswoman in a department

INJURY INVOLVING THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

211

store. At the time of the interview she had been on this job nearly
four years and had ad vanced from $20 to $25 a week.
Case No. 94.—A 85-year-old foreign-born worker, who had at
tended school for four years in her own country, was married and
living with her husband and three children. The combined earnings
of herself and her husband were $65. She had gone to work for the
first time when 21 years old as a machine operator in a tannery. Here
she remained for two years, her wage increasing from $4.50 to $8 a
week. She had left for better-paid work as a power sewing-machine
operator in a clothing factory, where she had been employed off and
on during the following 13 years, about 10 year's’ work in all, and her
earnings had advanced from $10 to as much as $35 a week during
that time. She was working at the time of the accident to help pay
for a home. The guard surrounding the shaft under her machine
had been removed. She put her head under the table to pick up some
object and her hair was caught on the shaft and the scalp was torn
off. She was in a hospital 13 weeks, and three skin-grafting opera
tions were performed. She was under a doctor’s care for between
eight and nine months before the scalp healed. Altogether she
stayed away from work 65 weeks and 4 days on account of the
accident, and compensation was paid for the full time. In addition
a settlement of $750 was made on account of the permanent dis
figurement, and 15 per cent of the total was added to the compensa
tion received because a safety order had been violated. On her
return to her former occupation she found the accident had been so
severe a shock that she was unable to remain, and she gave it up
after four days. She could not even run a sewing machine at home.
Hie scalp was painful at times, especially in changing weather. The
left side of the head had been most seriously injured, and she was
unable to sleep on that side. She had not again attempted to return
to industry.
Case No. 95.—A 72-year-old American woman, with an eighthgrade education, was a widow living alone. Her husband had died
17 years before and had been sick for some time before that. At 43
years of age she had become a wage earner to support him, their
three children, and herself. At first she had sewed for private fami
lies, earning $4 and $5 a week. After nine years she had become a
hand ironer in a laundry, beginning at $4 a week. At the time of the
accident she had been working 21 years at the same laundry and was
earning $11. The children were all grown up and married. On
the day of the accident a fire alarm was sounded. Everyone thought
it was a joke, until smoke began to pour from the dry-house. She
was working on the second floor. All the other workers ran, but she
was afraid to go fast for fear she would be knocked down. They ran
past her down the stairs, and it seemed a long time before she got

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out. As she was wearing a sleeveless, low-necked waist, she grabbed
her street clothes on her left arm. Her right arm was bare, and
that and other exposed parts—shoulders, neck, face, ears, and left
elbow—were badly burned. She was partially overcome by the smoke.
As she reached the bottom step she was struck on the top of the head
by some falling object, a pane of glass or a brick. Outside all was
excitement. People were “struggling for their clothes, getting out
the safe, and so forth.” She crawded along the fence for two blocks
to get a doctor, hardly knowing what she was doing. She was ter
ribly dizzy. “ I was scared to death,” she said. “ It was the shock
of my life.” Medical treatment covered a period of six and a half
weeks. She could not lie down, because the neck and back were so
badly burned, and for six weeks she sat in a chair. Her right arm
was in a sling during this time. Her daughter came and did all her
housework. It was 17 weeks before she could return to work, but
compensation was allowed only until the time she was able to get
around the house—six weeks and two days after the accident. She
had a great deal of dizziness before returning to work, and was un
able to go out alone because the dizzy spells came on so suddenly.
She would have gone sooner if it had been at all possible, for after
compensation ceased she was dependent on her son, who had a wife
and three children to support and was not in good health. Besides
there was a mortgage on her house, w7hich she was trying to pay off.
On her return to work she had to begin working full time at once.
The laundry was hot, she stood all day, and the arm still bothered
her. The dizziness which had come over her at intervals since the
accident was the hardest disability of all to work under. She had to
stop at times and hold on to the ironing board to keep from falling,
but she did not tell any one, as she was afraid of losing her job.
With the coming of warm weather the next summer this dizziness
came more frequently, and the foreman told her she could have a
vacation, as she looked so bad he was afraid she’d fall over. She
stayed home three months and then returned, not wishing to be de
pendent on her children. The next two summers she again took
vacations of three months each. In the winter, about three
months before the interview, she seemed to be getting worse. The
closeness and steam of the laundry bothered her. She did not know
what she would do if she lost her job, but she told the foreman that
if he could not move her from the middle of the room to a place
near a wdndow she would have to leave; so he moved her. She was
very uncomplaining. Her final comment was, “ I get along, but I’ve
had a bad time of it.”
Case No. 96.—An American woman of 45, with an eleventh-grade
education, was separated from her husband and living with her
mother, whom she supported. For 11 years before her separation

INJURY INVOLVING

THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

2l3

she had helped to manage a drug business. She then had become a
saleswoman in a department store, and had worked 11 years in one
store at $24 a week. On the day of the accident, while she was
seated at a counter, a scaffold which was being used in connection
with some alterations fell, striking her on the back of the neck and
between the shoulders. She received medical treatment for 11 days
beginning on the day of the injury. The doctor reported, “ Sprained
back and injured spinal nerves.” An X ray taken at this time
showed “no evidence of bone injury in the cervical or dorsal spine.”
She was out of work twTo weeks and six days. The firm had urged
her to return sooner, and she had tried to do so, but she began to
cry when she got to the store and she was sent home. Medical bills
were paid at the time, but she had afterwards consulted doctors be
cause of the injury and paid the bills herself. Compensation was
allowed for the healing period. When she was disabled she was
alone in the house, as her mother was on a visit, and a friend gave
up her work for a time and stayed with her. Then the landlady
returned and cared for her. She sent her laundry out. She had
borrowed money because compensation payments were delayed until
the fourth week. After her return she continued work as a sales
woman, with no loss of wage due to the accident. At the time of the
interview she was still subject to extreme pain, beginning at the
back of the neck, going up into the head, and down the spine. This
pain would begin about a week before her menstrual periods, and
continue through them, so that she would lose one or two days from
work each month. She estimated that in the first year following the
accident she had lost nine weeks in all. There was almost continu
ous pain in the back. She did not sit up straight and she held her
head to one side “ to lessen the pain in the neck.” She was extremely
unstrung and several times had fainted at work. Before the acci
dent she had not had any of these symptoms and had worked
steadily.
Case No. 97.—An American girl of 16, with a third-grade educa
tion, was living with her mother and aunt. She and her aunt were
working, their combined income being $42.11 a week. She had be
come an earner 11 months earlier, taking a job as a waitress, and had
advanced from $13 to $15 a week. On the day of the accident she
was going down a flight of marble stairs after lunch. They had
just been scrubbed and were still covered with soapsuds. She
slipped and fell from the top to the bottom, striking the lumbar
region of the spine just below the waist. Her head and shoulders as
well as her back were severely bruised. “ I went to get up but
couldn’t move,” she said. The doctor reported that the bruising of
the back just above the pelvic bones had made her very nervous
and might be the cause of a recurrence of St. Vitus’s dance with

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which she was afflicted when a child. She received medical treat
ment for 18 days. Medical bills were paid and compensation was
allowed for a healing period of one week and three days. Her back
was bruised and sore and she was very unstrung. As her employer
had been urging her to come back, she tried it for a week, after
seven months’ absence, but then had to stop. “ Being a waitress is
no job with a weak back,” she stated. Following this attempt she
stayed at home for nine months longer. She then got a job of seal
ing in an electric-lamp factory, work at which she could sit down.
At the time of the interview she was still doing this work and her
wage had increased from $14 to $17 for a full week’s work. She
had not been able to work steadily, however, and at one time had
stopped entirely for eight months. Before the accident, although
never very strong, she had always worked steadily. The bruised area
on her back was still tender and painful, especially when she got over
tired. She had married a few days before the interview, and was
doing all her own housework, but very slowly.
Case No. 98.—An American-born negro woman, 42 years of age,
with a fourth-grade education, was married and had two children.
For three years she had been assisting her husband in their support,
and the combined income was $33 a week. She had done laundry
work for private families for a time, then had got a job of stamping
meat in a packing plant, and had had six months’ experience there,
advancing from $12.50 to $13 a week. On the day of the accident
she was coming down a cement incline which was wet and slippery,
when she fell backward, striking her head and right shoulder. There
was some concussion of the brain, as well as a sprain of the right
shoulder and right wrist. She was unconscious for a time, but went
home alone and did not call a doctor until two days later. Treat
ment consisting of cold applications and liniment was continued a
little over a month. She was disabled nine weeks, but the healing
period allowed was five weeks and four days. Medical bills were
paid. She returned to her former work but was afraid of the place
and soon left. After doing laundry work for a time she got a job in
another packing plant, handling meat in the smokehouse at $10 a
week, but at the end of two weeks she stated that she left because
her “ nerves gave way, the work was so monotonous.” She then
received permission to cook and serve lunches at this same plant
and earned $12 to $14 a week in this way. After a month she gave it
up as too hot. From that time until the date of the interview she
had done laundry work irregularly, earning about $12 a week.
She stated that from time to time ever since the accident she would
have a feeling as though she were about to fall. She had been deaf
in the left ear, her eyes seemed weak and sore (she wore glasses), and

INJURY INVOLVING THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

215

there were occasional headaches. A weak, unstrung condition made
it impossible for her to work steadily. She stated that all these
difficulties had appeared only since the accident.
Case No. 99.—An American girl of 21, with a sixth-grade educa
tion, was living with her mother and brother. She and her brother
were the earners, their combined income being $49.60 a week. At
18 she had become a salesgirl in a 5-and-10-cent store at $12 a week,
six months later changing to department-store work, which she had
continued during the three and a half years preceding the accident,
advancing from $12 to $15 a week. While getting stock in the stock
room she fell from a stepladder, striking the lower part of the spine.
The entire coccyx was displaced to the left and lay in a transverse
position. She was out of work at first for 28y2 weeks. The perma
nent disability was rated as 15 per cent of permanent total impair
ment. She stated that the medical expenses much exceeded the legal
limit and that she paid the excess. She had receipted doctors’ bills
for $80.50 and stated that there were other items also. Compensa
tion covered a period of 87 weeks in all. On her return to work she
could not endure standing and left after three days. She then stayed
at home for about a year and a half. Even lifter that she did not
find work which she felt she could do, as she wanted a job with
opportunity to sit down much of the time. Four months before the
interview she had again tried selling in a store, at $13 a week, but
was discharged in three weeks, as her employer, in looking up ref
erences, learned of her accident from the store where she had been
injured and was not willing to “take a chance on her.” She stated
that she had had an unpleasant experience with the first employer,
which she believed accounted for this attitude and refusal to recom
mend her. The company had insisted that she submit to an opera
tion and she had refused, on the advice of her own physician,
doubting that such procedure could reduce the disability. Then the
insurance company had wished to settle the permanent disability for
$300, but the State bureau awarded her $600. About two months
after losing this last job she found employment making calendars in
a factory by hand at $14 a week. Her back still bothered her, but
as she could sit at work she felt that she would be able to stay. The
mother did the major part of the housework both before and after
the accident.
Case No. 100.—An American woman of 43 was living alone, at
tending to her household duties as well as supporting herself finan
cially, her income being $13.05 a week. She had been employed in
three different soap factories, since becoming an earner, always doing
handwork, and was loading empty cans on trucks at the time of
the injury. While she was stooping over, filling cans on a truck,

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

another loaded truck struck the one she was working on, and she was
thrown violently to the floor. She suffered severe pains and head
aches and was taken to a hospital a week later. An X ray showed
“ a linear fracture extending from a point 1 inch external to the
superorbital ridge upward and backward to the superior temporal
region. There was no sign of bone depression or of intracranial
pressure.” X rays also were taken of the dorsal, lumbar, and cervical
regions of the spine. “The fifth lumbar vertebra showed fracture
of the body on the left side near the margin. No displacement or
deformity.” During this time she complained of headaches, general
nervous condition, and pain in limbs and chest. Examination
showed some spinal symptoms and some anaesthesia of both legs.
After seven weeks in the hospital she was sent to a sanitarium for
three and a half weeks, and then returned to a hospital for explora
tory laparotomy. According to the report there was “ ptosis of
stomach and transverse colon, both on floor of pelvis. Parts were
restored to normal position and fixed there*.” On her discharge
from the hospital five weeks later she went to live with a married
son. At the time of the interview she was still being compensated
as totally disabled. Examinations had been made from time to time.
Seventeen months after the accident a neurologist reported, “ trau
matic neurosis. I think that especially with the legs there is much
exaggeration, but as to weakness and general ‘ nervousness ’ I am
inclined to place credence in her statements. No organic disease
of the central nervous system; her reflexes are intact; Wassermann
negative, no sciatica, leg weakness idiogenic.” A later medical exam
ination reported her “ emaciated, sallow, general condition one of
nervous debility, totally disabled,” and the final report before the
interview recorded the following: “ Claimant complains of feeling
worse—headaches, dizziness, impaired vision, impaired hearing, pain
in abdomen, cramps in legs, insomnia, loss of appetite, sinking and
falling spells, general weakness. She states that she is not able
to do any work * * * all symptoms subjective.” At the date
of the interview (four years and three months after the accident)
the daughter-in-law stated that the injured woman’s condition was
no better, that she was in fact apparently weaker, and that the
daughter-in-law thought she would not live long- The pain in the
head and back continued, she fainted occasionally, and had to stay
in bed a good deal. At her best she would cook a little, wash dishes,
and tend a few flowers. The daughter-in-law did the other house
work and took care of her. A neurological examination and com
pensation during disability were both provided in this case.
Case No. 101.—An American woman of 39, with a seventh-grade
education, was a widow with one child to support. She had gone to
work for the first time five and a half months before the accident,

INJURY INVOLVING THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

217

when her son, who had supported the family of three, had died in the
Army. She had had no training in industrial life, but in her job, con
sisting of hand sewing, she had advanced from $18 to $21 a week.
One day, when she was riding on a freight elevator, the gate was
not securely fastened, and the sliding doors caught on the fire doors
and were thrown violently out of place, striking her forcibly in the
lumbar and sacral regions of the back. At the time of the interview
she was still disabled for work. She had received medical treatment
for five weeks and had then been discharged as a malingerer. Fol
lowing this a second doctor had taken an X ray of the lumbar spine,
which showed “ no fracture or dislocation.” Nineteen weeks after the
accident an orthopedic surgeon made an examination and reported:
“Claimant states that immediately after the accident she had pain
in the lower portion of back, vomited, was troubled with frequent
urinations for about two weeks, during which period she was in bed.
She was unable to walk erect. She complains of pain throughout
entire course of spine, especially over lumbar vertebrae, and right
sacro-iliac region. She has headaches daily. She menstruated regu
larly until the time of the injury, following which there was cessa
tion for 10 weeks. She had two attacks recently in which there was
some disturbance of consciousness for two or three hours. She is now
able to do light work in her room but continues to have pain in the
back of the head when active. Family history negative; personal
history negative; color good; well nourished. She walks rather
guardedly, attitude slightly forward, holding spine rigid. In stoop
ing she does not flex the spine. There is no local evidence of injury,
no curvature of spine, or any palpable evidence of deformity. She
calls attention to a slight nodular mass, small and movable, which
only on most careful deep palpation can be elicited in right superior
gluteal region. It is evidently gradually disappearing. I am confi
dent that it is not responsible for any disability that may exist.
Passively we get movement of the spine in all directions, but with
some resistance. She complained of pain on pressure over spine from
cervical to lower sacral region, also over right sacro-iliac region.
Examination of cranial nerve is negative. Tendon reflexes are all
brisk, equal right and left. There is no clonus. I would advise rest
for a month, then work.” Following this, examinations were made
at intervals and she was still reported unable to work. A little over
a year after the accident “ hospitalization with diagnosis by a special
ist ” was advised. Three months later this was arranged for. After
two months’ observation the attending doctor reported “ traumatic
neurosis.” Temporary total compensation was continued. At this
time the 13-year-old daughter attempted to secure work, as the in
jured woman feared compensation would be discontinued. Later a
43094°—27----- 15

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

medical report stated, “ injury to sciatic nerve, traumatic sciatica.”
She was compensated as totally disabled for 1465/7 weeks. She was
then reported as earning $4 a week by furnishing lunches to two men
and doing some mending. Thereafter, up to the time of the inter
view, she was compensated on a wage-loss basis. Medical expenses
were paid. At the time of the interview she was living in a hotel
room and was unable to work. Her daughter stayed with a brother
in the winter when she attended school and with her in the summer.
Neighbors brought the woman her food, and a sister came in and
cleaned her room. It was heated, so she did not have to worry about
that. She managed to do what cooking was done. She walked with
a limp. “ I used to swim and dance,” she said, “ never nervous, lots
of pep, now I just sit in my room. It’s so hard to get around, so
painful.” It was only when her daughter was home that she was able
to earn a little, serving lunches to two men, and as her only income
was the compensation, she felt constantly insecure and fearful lest it
be discontinued, not realizing that the obscure nature of her dis
ability necessitated frequent examinations. A neurological examina
tion and compensation during disability both were provided in this
case.
CASES ILLUSTRATING THAT PAYMENTS FOR SCHED
ULED NUMBER OF WEEKS DID NOT COMPENSATE
FOR PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT
There were considerable legislative differences in the three States
in regard to the compensation paid according to extent of disability.
These differences have been dealt with somewhat in detail in another
section of this report (see Part II). This legislation embodies the
theory that payments of money over a number of weeks, the time
depending on the extent of physical disability, adequately com
pensate a woman for a permanent disability. This theory may be
justified in the case of the woman who has been left with a minor
permanent disability, but in the case of a more serious impairment,
although the woman may have secured work by the close of the
compensated period—due to a humane employer, an interested em
ployment agency, or a rehabilitation service—she has an actual
handicap throughout the rest of her life, and in many instances the
woman is disabled for all available work. This inadequacy, from
the point of view of the injured woman, indicates not that there is
shortcoming in administrative procedure, although in some cases
she would have benefited by contact with a rehabilitation or an em
ployment agency, but that change in legislation, providing for fur
ther compensation, is of first importance.

Payments

did noy compensate foe

Impaiemekt

219

Case No, 10%.—An American woman of 38 wTas supporting an
invalid husband and herself. She had been a teacher for two years
before her marriage, but had stopped work when she married.
When her husband had joined the Army during the war she had
taken a job, operating a skirt-knitting machine at $20.50 a week.
After two years her husband had returned, they had moved, and
at the time of the accident she had for five days been a knitter in
another skirt factory at $20 a week. The machine at the first fac
tory had a revolving bottom and a stationary top, while on the new
machine this arrangement was reversed. She stopped the machine
to fix a broken needle, started it, and put up her left hand, as had
been her custom with the old machine, and was caught between the
revolving arm and the machine, so that the left hand was thrown
into “the driving point of contact.” There was a compound com
minuted fracture of the middle phalanx of the index finger, with
lacerations. The middle finger was traumatically amputated at the
middle joint, and the ring finger at the distal joint. The injury to
the index finger caused complete stiffness at the distal joint. Medical
bills were paid and compensation was allowed for 49% weeks, this
including a healing period of 12®/7 weeks. For three months her
husband did all the housework. She was unable to return to work
until 134/7 weeks after the accident. Then she was told that the only
job for her was as forelady in the winding department, work which
also entailed operating a winder. She was extremely nervous about
any machine operation, but it was necessary for her to earn money,
as her husband was sick much of the time. Although she began
at $20 a week, her wage was reduced to $15, as she was much slower
after the accident. She had been a steady operator before the acci
dent, but it left her exceedingly unstrung and shaky. After two
years she was given clerical work in the office, earning $17 and later
$18 a week, while girls on the knitting machines were making as
much as $25. She worried for fear she should lose her job, because
it would have been “impossible to find another,” since winding and
knitting were the only kinds of work in which she had had experi
ence, and she was slow at one and disabled for the other. “If
they ever told me I was through there I’d be done. No firm that
didn’t feel they owed me something would take me.” Because she
could not grasp objects with her left hand, she was not able to do
her washing, ironing, or sewing. She sent the laundry out and
bought her clothes. She stated that it took her longer to do her
housekeeping after the accident than before.
Case No. 103.—A foreign-born worker, 54 years old, who had had
eight years of schooling and spoke both English and German, was
living with her husband, their combined income being $84.50 a week.

220

INDUSTRIAL ACC IDF. NTS TO WOMF.jf

They had no children at home. She had worked for 18 years as a
mender in a worsted mill in Germany. The family had come to the
United States, and she had got work in a worsted mill here as
forelady in the mending department. At the time of the accident
she had held this position for 18 years and had advanced from $9
to $29.50 a week. She was walking downstairs when some boys
rushed past her, and she was tripped and fell, striking her right
knee. She stayed away from work 25 days, returned and worked a
week, and was then laid up for five months and one week. During
this time a daughter came home to help her. The permanent injury
was rated as 5 per cent loss of use of the right leg. Medical bills
were paid and compensation was allowed for 33i/3 weeks, which
included a healing period of six months. As the knee was still
bothering her at the end of the healing period, she decided that they
would have to get along on her husband’s earnings. About two
years after the accident her husband died, after an illness of four
months. During his illness she tried everywhere to get work. She
was not able to return to her former job, as it involved constant
getting up and down or standing, which she could not do. At last,
through a friend, she got a job at napping, in a worsted mill. At
the time of the interview she had been working there for a year
and four months. Beginning at $16 she had advanced to $19, still
$10 less than she was earning before the accident.
Case No. 104.—An American woman of 35, with a fourth-grade
education, was single and supporting herself and her mother, who
was 76 years old. She had gone to work at 16 in a silversmith’s
establishment and had remained there steadily for 19 years, doing a
variety of work as required. At the time of the accident she was
earning $24.50 a week. She was polishing a frame on a lathe, when
her right hand was caught and part of the thumb was torn off. The
entire thumb was surgically amputated later. While she was dis
abled her mother did cleaning and washing to pay their expenses.
The daughter lost 10 weeks and 4 days, 3% weeks of which was
allowed as a healing period. Medical bills were paid, and compensa
tion was allowed for 62 weeks in all. On her return she found
herself partially- disabled for her former work. She operated the
same machines but her speed was very much reduced, and she could
earn only $15 a week. At the end of two years she was laid off.
After that she was able to get only housework, at $3 a day, and as
this was irregular she seldom averaged as much as $9 a week. Since
the accident her mother also had attempted to supplement their
income by doing housework when she was able. Their standard of
living had been decidedly lowered since the injury, and they felt
very insecure in regard to their future.

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221

Case No. 105.—An American girl of 16 was living with her parents,
a brother, and two sisters-in-law. She, her father, and the brother
supported the family. Her first work had been as a wrapper in a
food factory, at $6 a week, but she had left after one month to work
in a metal-goods plant as a punch-press operator at $15.30. At the
time of the accident she had been there just, a month. She stated that
her machine was faulty and that she had reported the fact several
times. The press repeated, catching and severely lacerating the
four fingers of her right hand. Later it was necessary to amputate
the index and little fingers at the distal joint, and the middle and
ring fingers at the middle joint. The hand healed without infection
but was very tender, and she was able to do nothing at home for
three months. Medical bills were paid, and compensation covered
43% weeks. She attempted to return to work at the end of the
healing period allowed (six weeks and two days) while the fingers
were still tender. She was given hand assembling at $12 a week,
but was laid off in two weeks. After that she was disabled for five
weeks longer. When she returned to work she was afraid of a
machine job and tried housework, but she was unable to earn her
way at that either and was laid off in three weeks. In her search
for work which she could do she was refused five different jobs because
of her injury. Finally she secured employment at catching paper off
a press. Her wage was $13 and in 23 months at this work she was
unable to increase her earnings. During this time she was extremely
sensitive about the appearance of the hand. Two years after the
accident she said she would “ marry and settle her handicap.” Her
husband did a great deal of the housework. She was unable to sew
or to shake things, and washing and ironing were too difficult for
her.
Case No. 106.—A foreign-born woman, literate in Polish and able
to speak English, was married but had no children, and she and her
husband were working, their combined income amounting to $40 a
week. She had gone to work first as a spinner in a silk mill, where
she had stayed for nine years before her marriage, advancing from
$7 to $14 a week. A few months after her marriage she had re
turned to industry as a silk weaver, beginning at $14. At the time
of the accident she had been on this second job two years and was
earning $20. There was a flaw in the warp on one of the looms, and
the shuttle, deflected by it, flew from the loom and struck her forcibly
in the abdomen. There was considerable bruising and internal
injury, which was rated as 5 per cent of permanent total disability.
She was in bed at home for three months and then was six months
in a hospital. Medical bills were paid until she left the hospital.
After that there were other bills which she paid herself. She re-

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

ceivecl compensation for 22 weeks, a healing period of three weeks
and three days being allowed. She was out of wrork for two years
because of the accident. Then she found work in a large bakery at
$11 a week. There she was employed six hours a day, sitting down,
breaking eggs and beating them for cakes. At the time of the
interview she had held this job for two years and was still earning
$11 a week. However, she said that since the accident she had been
“ sick all the time, no feel good, can’t do work at home, can’t wash,
can’t stand up long.” Her husband had a job and also helped around
the house. The laundry was sent out.
Case No. 107 —An American woman of 35, who had an eighthgrade education and had attended business college for a year, lived
with her mother, supporting her financially and attending to the
household activities after working hours. She had begun to teach
at 15, continuing for 10 years, earning $6.93 a week at first and
advancing to $9.24. She then had stopped for a year to attend
business college, and for the next five years had taught in a com
mercial school, beginning at $13.86 and advancing to $17.32 a week.
She was then offered stenographic work in a university office, begin
ning at $18.47 a week, and at the time of the accident had held this
position for four years and two months and was earning $21.93.
In getting up from her desk she caught her foot on the extended
leg of a chair and fell, striking her right arm on a desk drawer
and fracturing the humerus. It was a subcondyloid fracture, ex
tending into the elbow joint and tearing it into three or four
fragments. The ulnar nerve was involved. She could not afford
to keep up their apartment while losing part of her wage. More
over, she was unable to do any housework, and her mother was
too old and feeble to do it. For these reasons they moved at once
into an apartment with a married sister. The fracture was reduced
in a hospital, where she remained for some time. She was unable
to use the arm or hand after this operation. While in the hospital
she practiced writing and taking shorthand with her left hand
and got very expert at it. On return to work four months later
she was much slower in her work, but her employers were very
considerate, relieving her of much routine and hiring a clerk to
type and assist her in other ways. Osteomyelitis developed and
about 15 months after the accident a second operation was per
formed. Infected bone was removed, and the ulnar nerve was
sutured. She then received therapeutic treatment—heat, electrical
treatment, and massage—to maintain muscle tone and restore nerve
function. After this operation she was able to use the right index
and middle fingers and the thumb to some extent, though the ring
and little fingers were still without strength or feeling. Following

PAYMENTS DID NOT COMPENSATE FOR IMPAIRMENT

223

this medical treatment she could type with the right index and
middle finger but she could not write, because she could not control
the movement of a pencil. The strength of the arm and hand were
much reduced and there was limitation of motion of the arm at
the elbow. The permanent disability was rated as 40 per cent loss
of use of the arm at the elbow. Altogether she lost 17'A weeks
from work. Medical bills were paid and compensation was allowed
over a period of 107 V? weeks in all. She continued with the same
employer until about two and three-fourths years after the accident.
Then she took work as an advertising writer for about 10 months,
finally becoming secretary of a music school at $28.80 a week, a
position she had held 14 months at the time of the interview. After
the accident, as she was disabled for housework, she and her mother
continued to live with her married sister. The exposure of the
ulnar nerve had left a constant point of tenderness. There was
atrophy and some wasting away of the muscles supplied by the
ulnar nerve. She was unable to lift objects with the right hand or
to open a door with it. The second operation made it possible for
her to comb her hair. She used the hand as much as possible.
She stated that she had been particularly fortunate since the acci
dent in getting work with people who knew her and had always
relieved her of routine work which would have been difficult, if
not impossible, for her to do. For this reason she had not
experienced any wage loss.
Case No. 108.—An American girl of 19, with a seventh-grade
education, was married and living with her husband and their two
children. Her husband worked but irregularly, their combined
income being $29 a week. She had married at 15, and at 18, after
the second child was born, she had gone out to work, as her husband’s
earnings had been insufficient to support the family. She had worked
in a food factory, first as a paster for three months, then as a machine
labeler for a year and a half, earning $12 a week. Then she had been
transferred to taking bottles off a suction chain conveyor, with a
weekly rate of $14. Three days later her left hand was caught in the
chain. It was necessary to use a hatchet to get it out. She stated
lhat five other girls had been caught in the same way while she had
been working there. The side of the hand was badly torn, the
whole hand was smashed, and “ all the finger joints broken.” For
six weeks her hand was on a board, and she could do very little
around the house. A cousin came to help her, charging a small
amount. She could not afford this after four weeks, and then her
mother, who lived near, helped a little. She lost 13% weeks from
work. Medical bills were paid. The permanent disability was
rated as 50 per cent loss of use of the index finger and total loss of use

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of the little finger. Compensation was allowed for 44% weeks. On
her return to work she was given a hand job, inspecting cans, at $10
a week. It was a wet, dirty job, and it was necessary for her to work
with her hand in water part of the time. She was afraid to let it go,
as she knew of no other factory jobs open to her in the small com
munity in which she lived. She was “ nervous about anything with
power.” She and her husband separated while she was on this job,
and she had herself and two children to support alone. After two
years, during which the hand gave her considerable trouble, she found
work trimming ribbons by hand in a silk mill. She said, “ this goes
much better.” At the time of the interview she had worked at it for
a year and four months, but was still earning only $10 a week. All
four fingers showed 50 per cent loss of use. Tendons and nerves
were involved in the scar tissue. She could bend the hand a little,
but it was not strong. It was painful and tender, more so in cold or
damp weather. Her mother, on whom she had relied for many
things, had died a few months before, and she had only herself to
depend on for their financial support, the housework, the cooking,
and the making of the children’s clothes. She made the latter by
hand, as she could not run a sewing machine and could not afford
to buy them. She could do no lifting with the hand. She became
very tired at the end of her day’s work and felt discouraged and
insecure.
Case No. 109.—An American woman of 28, with a seventh-grade
education, was single and living alone, but contributing irregularly
to her father’s support. During her industrial history of about
12% years she had worked largely at domestic service or as a pantry
worker in restaurants, earning from $6 to $20 a week. The accident
occurred while she was using an electric meat grinder for the first
time. She had used hand grinders, but had had no instruction nor
experience with those driven by power. While running the fingers
of the right hand around the bowl to wipe off bits of meat adhering
to it, her hand was caught by the knives. It took an hour to get
it out of the machine, and it was necessary to give her an anaesthetic
to accomplish it. The four fingers were severely lacerated, the flexor
tendons of the middle and ring fingers were severed, and all extensor
tendons were cut. The condition was complicated by infection. An
X ray showed fractures of the middle phalanx of all four fingers
and of the distal phalanx of the ring finger. The accident caused
severe shock. She was in a hospital 24 days. Medical bills were
paid and a healing period of seven weeks and six days was allowed.
She stated that she was disabled five weeks longer, and then returned
before she was really strong enough because it was necessary for her
to earn. Xo compensation was paid until 87 weeks after the acci-

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225

dent. Full wage was paid for the first two weeks, and a collection
amounting to $100 was taken among her fellow employees to help
her through the emergency. A sister also helped her financially.
About five and a half months after the accident an examination was
made to determine the extent of permanent disability and the report
showed, “ Loss of use of the index finger at middle and distal joints,
total loss of use of the.middle and ring fingers, and loss of use of the
little finger at the distal joint.” Compensation was allowed for
85ys weeks in all. Three months after her return to work, the tea
room where she was employed closed and she was much concerned
about losing her job. There was an opening in another tea room,
but there was much hesitation about employing her until her former
employer recommended her strongly. She felt sure that without
this help she could not have secured work. At the time of the
interview she stated that her greatest handicap was due to a gener
ally reduced endurance, which she ascribed to the accident. She was
extremely unstrung, had lost weight, and tired much more easily.
She used her left hand much more than formerly and learned to
operate hand meat grinders and bread-cutting machines, which was
part of her job, with the left hand. There had been no loss of
wage, as she was a time worker, and being very conscientious she
managed to do all that was required of her. She did her own wash
ing and mending as before but with great difficulty. She was
anxious to get work where she could sit, and was considering looking
for a job as a food checker.
Case A o. 110.—A 65-year-old worker, born in Czechoslovakia and
literate in both Czech and English, was living with her husband.
She was the only earner, as her husband, who was considerably older
than she, worked only in the summer. Her first work was as a
domestic servant when she was 19, but she had married a year later
and remained at home for 40 years. Five children had been brought
up during that time. At 59 years of age she had gone to work
again, as a dishwasher in a hotel at $3 a week, staying about four
years and stopping because of illness. After staying at home for a
few months she found work as a tobacco stemmer, earning $11 a
week, and at the time of the accident she had been at this job two
years. While at work she slipped and fell, sustaining a Colles frac
ture of the left wrist. She went to a hospital at once. The attend
ing doctor reported: “After the splint v’as removed she received
treatment at the hospital, massage, etc. Examination six months
after the accident showed flexion very good; in fact, all wrist move
ments normal, lacking about 5 per cent of complete flexion at wrist.
Anatomically the results are fairly good; circumference of the wrist
is one-half inch greater than of uninjured wrist. Enlargement is at

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the end of the styloid tip of the ulna, a callus of bone. The grip is
not strong. Otherwise I do not believe there will be any permanent
disability, at most 5 per cent at the wrist.” The insurance doctor
rated it as 10 per cent loss of use at the wrist. Medical bills were
paid. A healing period of 12 weeks was allowed and compensation
was paid for 31.2 weeks in all. When she went to the hospital, her
husband went to live with one of the married children; and when
she was discharged she lived with another for a time. “ But the children have enough to do supporting themselves,” she said. She tried
to get her old job back, but “ he wouldn’t give it to me, said I couldn’t
strip fast enough with a sore wrist.” She had not worked again.
Her husband was “ old and tired ” but had worked all the year
round since the accident. The wrist had been sore ever since the
accident, and bothered her with her housework. The husband had
always helped with the housework and continued to do so. “ But
the worst of it was, I lost my job.”
Case No. 111.—A 44-year-old American worker was married and
she and her husband were working to support their four children
on a combined income of $25 a week. Her industrial history had
been long and steady. Beginning at 14, she had been a domestic
servant for 16 years. Then she had married and stayed at home
for eight years, during which time four children had been born.
When injured she had been at work again about five and a third years
and, except for four months as a sander, she had fed flat-work
ironers in laundries. Her earnings had increased from $5 to $12 a
week. While feeding flat work her right hand was caught in a sheet
and drawn into the rolls. There was a bar which acted as a
warning, but which did not keep the hand from 'the rolls. The
flesh was torn from the back of the right hand, and the back of the
fingers and the palm of the hand were severely crushed and burned
(second and third degree burns). Extensor tendons were torn.
The medical examination showed, “ Severe burn covering fingers and
entire palm to the wrist; healing complicated by infection. Exten
sive scar tissue interferes with the motion at the wrist. Limited
motion of thumb. All four fingers in maimed condition.” A year
after the injury the index, middle, and ring fingers were amputated
between proximal and middle joints. When finally examined, the
thumb and little fingers were ankylosed. The permanent disability
was rated as total loss of right hand. A healing period bf 124 weeks
was allowed. Medical bills were paid, and compensation was allowed
for 273 weeks in all. She tried to get work again but it was impossi
ble. She returned to her former employer, thinking he might give
her a job at folding, but he told her there was no such work for her.
She tried another laundry also. Her husband deserted, and she
sent the two older children to work; one remained in school, and one*

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227

had died. They had moved several times, and at the date of the
interview were living in three small, dark rooms. She had con
tracted some medical bills, which she was unable to pay, and for a
month before the interview she had been working for the doctor two
days a week, wiping up the office floor. She had to use the left hand
entirely, and it was very slow and tiring work, but it was enabling
her to pay her debt. She was allowed $2.25 a day for this. She
could do no sewing and had to send out the washing and ironing.
She did the other work herself but was very slow at it. Immediately
after the accident the children had done all the work, but since the
older ones were working (a girl of 16 and a boy of 17) they were
too tired when they came home at night.
Case No. 11%.—A widow, an American, was living with a son
and two daughters. The mother and one daughter were working,
their combined earnings amounting to $27.84, and the two other
children were in school. The mother had started to work at 26 years
of age, upon the death of her husband, becoming a ware brasher in
a pottery, at $12 a week. After eight years she had moved into the
city to put two of her children in school, and had got a job operat
ing a speed lathe in a multigraph factory, where her wage was to be
$15.84 a week. Her work consisted of removing burrs from gears.
On her second day, while pressing the file against a gear, a chip
flew off and struck her left eye. The next day the plant nurse re
moved the steel from the eye, and she stopped work, but no doctorsaw the case until four days after the accident, when the cornea was
entirely ulcerated. The doctor made two calls a day for two weeks,
as the suffering was intense. The ulcer was cauterized twice, and
about four months after the accident it was necessary to enucleate
the eye. She was in a hospital 12 days at this time. The right eye
became infected, and there was danger for a time that the vision of
this eye would be impaired. She received medical treatment over a
period of five months and these expenses were paid. No compensa
tion was paid until the thirtieth week after the accident. The
younger daughter left school and went to work with her sister. A
married sister came to live with them and did the housework for a
year. A healing period of 363/7 weeks was allowed, and she re
ceived compensation for 1353/7 weeks in all. At the time of the in
terview the left eye socket still became infected at times. She could
not wear her artificial eye long at a time, as it was too painful.
The right eye also troubled her a good deal. She had opened a
rooming house, and as the roomers did their own cleaning, she had
little to do. Two of her married sisters lived in the rooming house
and took most of the responsibility. One daughter had married and
left, but the younger daughter was still at home and earning. The

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woman was very unstrung. She rarely went out of the house, and
her rehabilitation would be a very difficult task.
Case No. 113.—An American-born negro girl, 21 years old, with
a seventh-grade education, was single and living with her mother
and three brothers, all of whom were working. She had begun earn
ing when 11 years old, going into domestic service, and worked
through vacations until she had finished school, when she became a
full-time worker. At the age of 20 she had changed to the job of
feeding a flat-work ironer in a laundry, earning $8.86 a week. At
the time of the injury she had been there seven months. While
feeding linen into the ironer the fingers of her left hand were drawn
into the rolls. The palmar surface of the hand was severely burned.
She was given first aid at a hospital. After five months she was still
disabled, and as she had received only one week’s compensation she
presented a claim. A later medical examination showed, “ Index
and middle fingers in position of partial flexion due to heavy
cicatricial scar, which extends into the middle of the palm. These
fingers are joined with a web and scar tissue; distal phalanges of
these two fingers have practically been destroyed. The distal
Phalanx of the ring finger is badly scarred, with almost total de
struction of the soft tissue of the palmar surface. The little finger
is also scarred. The ring and little fingers are straight, but she
can not voluntarily flex them. She is unable to. do any work re
quiring the use of this hand. Surgical treatment is advised.” At
subsequent examinations the prospects for improvement from plastic
surgery were considered slight, and because there was considerable
doubt as to final success it was decided not to operate. At the final
examination the permanent disability was rated as total loss of use
of the four fingers of the left hand by ankylosis. Medical bills
were paid. Compensation was allowed for 1494/7 weeks, which in
cluded a healing period of 504/7 weeks. The first compensation pay
ment had been based on the report of a doctor who stated that she
would be disabled for two weeks, and it was nearly a year before she
received further settlement. She was not able to return to work
after the accident. At the time of the interview she had been mar
ried a few months. The hand was practically useless to her. As
her mother was 70 years old and unable to do much at home, they sent
the washing and ironing out. She w as unable to sew, and her hus
band did his own mending. She cooked slowly, using but one
hand.
Case No. 114..—An American-born negro woman of 29, with a
fifth-grade education, was working so that she and her husband
could support their five children and themselves. Before her mar
riage at 19 she had worked four years as a domestic servant, earning

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229

from $3 to $3.50 a week plus her meals. After that she had remained
at home for about four years, except for an occasional day’s work, and
then had gone to work in a laundry at $2.25 and later $2.50 a day,
working, on an average, three days a week. At the time of the acci
dent six years later she was operating a flat-work ironer. Pier left
hand and lower forearm went under the hot roll and were severely
crushed. She managed to pull the right hand out without injury. It
was necessary to amputate the left arm about 2 inches below the
elbow. Medical bills were paid, a healing period of 17y2 weeks was
allowed, and compensation covered a period of 166 weeks. She was
disabled for all available work. She continued to do her own house
work, but was considerably handicapped at these tasks. She used a
hand-driven machine for washing. An artificial arm was to be fur
nished her, but she was rather dreading the attempt to use it, as any
tight bandaging of the arm was painful.
CASES ILLUSTRATING INADEQUACY OF REHABILITA
TIVE PROCEDURE
“ Fitting a permanently disabled woman into a family,” that is,
finding that there is a father, son, or husband capable of supporting
her, and assuming that the situation will be satisfactory to her and
to the other members of the group if she will do what household
activities she can in view of the nature and degree of her disability,
is a phrase of considerable currency but very misleading. As a
matter of fact, both from her own point of view and from that of her
group, it is as necessary as in the case of her brother that the restora
tion to the preaccident status, socially, industrially, and in the home,
be as complete as possible.
Rehabilitation begins with medical and surgical treatment directly
following the accident, and if that is adequate the further rehabili
tation of the patient obviously is a more simple process. A regula
tion which militates against such proper treatment is the law stating
that medical aid shall not be paid beyond certain limits except in
special cases. If the maximum amount of medical aid which one
person may receive is thus set by law, or if it is necessary to secure
an order from the compensation board if the injured woman needs
more than a specified amount, she may forego necessary medical treat
ment. This may mean increased temporary suffering and a longer
healing period, and it may mean also a permanent impairment which
proper care might have reduced and, in some cases, have entirely
eliminated. It is obvious that in each case such medical or surgical
treatment as is necessary should be available. Any increase in the
patient’s range of possible work leaves her freer in her choice and
decreases the objectionable necessity of forcing her into shoe-string-

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selling occupations. The recent advance in the science of bone
surgery means a tremendous decrease in the incapacity resulting
from fractures and bone infections. Union of severed nerves, accom
panied by electrical stimulation to promote muscular nutrition, has
resulted in the recommand of useless members in an increasing num
ber of cases, and the proper treatment of adhesions after infections,
dislocations, and fractures is contributing its share toward this de
crease of incapacity. In the case of certain internal injuries, not im
mediately acute enough to demand surgical attention, the need for
operative treatment may later be indicated, but the injured woman
does not realize that because her condition is due to her industrial
accident she should be treated at industry’s expense. A plan which
would include a follow-up examination in all cases in which a physician
thinks further treatment may be necessary should be part of a com
prehensive medical plan, and the results in terms of reduced incapac
ity would be very real.
After medical and surgical treatment, the next step in rehabilita
tive procedure is vocational training. In cases where the injury has
been such as to incapacitate the injured woman for work in which
she has had experience, she may be forced to look for new work
with fewer assets than she had at the very beginning of her indus
trial history. She then needs contact with an agency which will
help her to plan for as remunerative and interesting an occupation
as she can perform, if she is to be prevented from blindly attempting
to locate new occupational opportunities.
The third step in rehabilitative procedure is placement. An em
ployment division in connection with the medical clinic and the voca
tional-training service is the ideal arrangement. Increase in the
extent and efficiency of physical rehabilitation and vocational train
ing decreases the necessity for effort in placement. Another impor
tant problem to be considered in the adjustment of disabled women
is that connected especially with older women -who are apt not to
respond so readily to medical treatment or to retraining as do
younger ones and placement is more difficult. An old-age benefit in
addition to compensation and rehabilitation benefits is a means of
meeting the situation in such cases.
The following cases show some inadequacy in one or more of these
main divisions of rehabilitation procedure.
TYPICAL CASES OF INADEQUATE MEDICAL ATTENTION, SURGI
CAL TREATMENT, NURSING CARE

Case No. 115.—A 33-year-old worker, born in Croatia, with one
year’s schooling in the old country, was literate in her own language
but spoke English imperfectly. She and her husband lived together,

INADEQUACY OF EEHABILITATIVE PEOCEDUEE

231

but he would “ sit for hours, no work,” and she was the only wage
earner. She had worked in the fields in Croatia until she came to
America at 28 with her husband. After arriving she had gone to
work immediately as a labeler in a can factory, earning from $13
to $15 a week. Five years later she had changed to a metal-forgings
factory, where she operated a punch press. At the time of the acci
dent she had had six months’ experience, and her wage was $16.50
a week. She said, “ Every day somebody else get a finger off; me no,
me work good. Me say three times to foreman, machine bad, plate
too hot. Plate broke, pieces flew in my face. Me finish. No more
sleep, no more eat, no more nothing. Every morning me say ‘me
no see ’; every day me say ‘ me no see ’ for one week. They say
‘ That’s all right.’ ” During this week she had been given first-aid
treatment but no foreign body was located. The left eye became
much inflamed. On the eighth day an X ray was taken, showing
a piece of steel, % by % by % mm., in the eye. She went to a hos
pital and remained there 19 days. On the first day a magnet opera
tion and iridectomy were performed. One piece of steel was removed
from the eye, and four pieces were removed from the face. One
piece came out of her chin seven weeks later. A healing period
of 12% weeks was allowed. Medical bills were paid. The perma
nent disability was rated as total loss of sight of the left eye, and
compensation covered a period of HIV7 weeks in all. It was one
and a half years before she returned to work. She was disabled for
operating a punch press. Her former employer would have given
her a job as a cleaner, but that did not pay much. She was unsuc
cessful at three other places where she tried to get handwork because
she was told that with one eye she couldn’t work on a machine.
Finally she found an opening, operating a flat-work machine in a
laundry at $10 a week. After 17 months, hoping to earn more, she
changed to handwork in a metal-goods factory at $12 a week. Three
months later she left, as she found the work too hard with her dis
ability. Her husband had left her. “He no like I can’t see; go
away with other lady.” A year before the interview she had begun
taking boarders, and she supported herself in that way. She could
not sew. The right eye had bothered her a little since the accident.
Case No. 116.—An American of 20, with a sixth-grade education,
was living with her parents, brothers, and sisters, and was one of
eight earners in a family of 11 persons. She had been an armature
winder in electrical-supply factories from the time she had begun
to work at 16, and had advanced, during the four years, from $7.50
a week to $25.50. On the day of the injury the machine she was
operating was revolving at high speed, an armature flew out from
it, and a shaft struck her glasses. The left glass was broken, cutting

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

the eyeball and upper left lid. She was in a hospital eight days.
The eye was very painful and she insisted there was something in it,
but she was sent home at the end of that time with nothing having
been found. She could not open the eye at all for two weeks after
that, was sick with it, and in bed most of the time. Her mother
then took her down to the medical division of the insurance com
pany. ISo anaesthetic was given. When she asked for cocaine, the
doctor said, “ Gee, you don’t want much! ” He removed from the
eye a piece of glass one-eighth of an inch long and one-sixteenth of
an inch wide, and was very rough in doing it. For three weeks the
doctor kept insisting that she go to work, and finally he set a date,
six weeks after the accident, when she would have to begin. He said
he was sending in the release, and she would not be paid any more
money unless she went back to work then. On that date the eye
was bandaged and sore, and as she was unstrung and felt unfit to
work, she did not go. The next day she went to the doctor again
and he sent her right down to the factory. She stayed half a day,
but her employer said she was not fit to stay and sent her home.
She tried to work from that time and continued to have treatments
from the same doctor, who kept telling her that she should work
steadily. He also said there was a question whether the eye was
affected at all, and that if there was disability it was not due to the
accident. She worked very irregularly for five months, being sup
ported for the most part by her father. During this time her
employer sent her twice to an oculist in a neighboring city. Then
there was a hearing before the commission, at which the insurance
company held that the disability, which was evident, was due to
a pre-existing cause. The commission conferred with her oculist as
to the condition of the eye before the accident. Permanent dis
ability was rated as 50 per cent loss of vision of the left eye. Med
ical bills were paid and compensation was allowed for 62 weeks and
one day in all. Immediately medical treatment ceased. The eye
still troubled her, and she stopped work. She had further medical
treatment over a period of about 17 weeks, at a cost to her father
of $108. She looked everywhere for a job but was unsuccessful.
Her only experience had been as a winder, and that required too
close concentration. About a year after the accident she married.
Before the accident she had always done a large share of the house
work. At the time of the interview her mother did her sewing for
her, and she sent her washing and ironing out. Her husband did
the scrubbing.
Case No. 117.—An American woman of 24 was single and living
in a boarding house. She had always lived on a farm, and two and a
third months before she had taken a job away from home, for the

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233

first time, as an assembler in an electrical factory at $12.25 a week.
In stepping off a platform her shoe heel caught and she fell, striking
on the left knee. The pain was excruciating, and she was unable to
walk. This happened at noon. The forelady took her to her board
ing house in an automobile, suggested that she use hot applications,
and left. The landlady said she was “ white as a sheet, in a great
deal of pain, and the knee was badly swollen.” The landlady, feeling
quite helpless in the emergency, called up the plant for directions,
but got none. Nothing was done, and the injured woman “hollered
all night.” The next day a doctor came, bandaged the knee, and
gave her medicine. After two weeks in bed, during which time the
pain was severe, she was removed to a hospital and an X ray was
taken, which showed a fracture of the patella. The knee was placed
in a cast. She remained in the hospital nine and a half months,
during that period receiving electrical and baking treatments. Med
ical bills were paid. The permanent disability was rated as 30 per
cent loss of the use of the left leg at the knee. Compensation was
allowed for 96.13 weeks, which included a healing period of 10
months. After leaving the hospital she returned to her parents’
home on the farm. The knee still bothered her, and she limped and
kept off it as much as possible. A few months later she married and
had not again returned to industry. At the time of the interview
there was one child. The husband was earning. She was “more
handicapped for housekeeping on a farm that she would have been
for factory work.”
Case No. 118.—An American woman of 41, who had finished the
seventh grade and attended a business college for one year, was
married, her family consisting of her husband, two children, and a
grandchild. She and her husband were earning, their combined
income being $55.35 a week. She had begun working at 39 when
her husband had been taken ill, and had continued, as he had since
been unable to work steadily. For 15 months she had spliced rope
in two tent factories, advancing from $13 to $22 a week. Then she
had changed to lacquering by hand in a scales factory, and after
six and half months’ experience was earning $25.35 a week. As she
was walking from one room to another with a handful of scoops she
fell over a box which was in the aisle, and a piece of steel against
which she struck became embedded in the right ankle. The first day
the wound was sore, and she herself put iodine on it. The second
day it was worse, and she went to the plant doctor, who had the
nurse put iodine on it and told the woman to go back to work. Two
days later the ankle was badly swollen. The doctor put a rubber
bandage on it and told her not to come back to him any more. After
that he would not look at the ankle and kept telling her to go to
430'J4°—27-----16

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

work. “What do you want to lay around for? ” She said it wasn’t
her nature to lie around. Her husband was ill, and it was very
necessary for her to work. She continued to work for three months,
although the ankle still troubled her and it was necessary for her to
sit at work. Her earnings dropped to $19 or $20 a week. At the
end of this time she went to her own doctor, who sent her to a hos
pital. A piece of steel was removed from the ankle. A serious in
fection had set in by this time; it finally involved the leg above the
knee joint. Her temperature ran as high as 104°. It was neces
sary to make several incisions. She was discharged from the hospital
after four weeks, but after two weeks at home had to be readmitted
for another four weeks. She attempted to go to' work four and a
half months after the accident, but stayed only three months, be
cause an ulcer at the site of the injury would not heal. She had
not been able to return to industry. During the year and a half
following the injury she was in the hospital five times. The ulcer
would heal and then break down again. Finally, during her last
stay in the hospital, the ulcer was removed and skin was grafted
over the wound. She was discharged from treatment 2 years and
10 months after leaving work. The wound was healed at that time,
but there was still pain in the ankle, and it became tired easily.
Medical bills were paid and compensation covered a healing period
of 131 weeks. At the time of the interview she was still unable to
work. The leg was no better, and she kept it up on a chair a good
deal of the time. As she could not stand for any length of time, she
was unable to do her own work. Two of her sisters had moved into
the first floor of the house and did her washing, cooking, and machine
sewing. It was one year and three months since compensation had
ceased, and her family, which consisted of her husband, two children
in school, and one grandchild, was getting along with difficulty on
her husband’s earnings.
Case No. 119.—A 30-year-old American woman, with a fifth-grade
education, was married, and she and her husband both were wage
earners, their combined income being $54 a week. She had begun
work at 24, doing hand packing in an ammunition factory for three
years, at $12 a week. The plant had closed and she had got work as
a foot punch-press operator on metal goods. The workroom was
“ dark and smelly,” the press a “ high, old-fashioned type.” On
her second day the press repeated, taking the tip of a finger almost off.
The doctor sewed it on, and she did not leave work but was put on
hand assembling, continuing to go to the doctor daily. In five
days she left, as she had an opportunity to advance her earnings as a
foot punch-press operator in a celluloid factory. After a year and a
half, during which time her earnings increased from $13 to $13.50,
she changed to operating the same type of machine in an optical-

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instrument shop. During the year which followed she advanced to
$18.50 a week, and had a record as the “ fastest operator they had ”
and the one they relied on to do work on gold when necessary. While
working there, machining small pieces, she smashed her right thumb
in the press. The nurse bandaged the thumb and she returned to
the foot press without losing any time, running long stock through.
The. pieces rubbed against the sore thumb as she worked and so
irritated it that she went to a doctor the second night. Infection set
in, the arm was swollen to the shoulder, and there was danger of
losing the whole arm. She was out of work 17 weeks. Toward the
end of that time the insurance-company doctor sent for her to come
to the office and accused her of sticking a pin in the thumb and
infecting it in that way. He offered to settle on the basis of onethird loss of use of the thumb. Her husband was out of work at that
time, she was out of work and able to do very little at home, her
mother was still with her, their rent was $30 a month, and she
thought she would better take what she could get. She accepted
the settlement. For the first two weeks of the healing period her
husband cared for her, got breakfast, and left a lunch prepared.
Then her mother came and looked after her and kept house. Medical
expenses were paid. The permanent disability was rated as onethird loss of use of the thumb, and compensation was allowed for
35% weeks in all. On her return to work she was afraid of the
punch press, after two accidents, and did not want to attempt to work
on that machine, but the foreman insisted, and she operated it, earn
ing $15 a week. The thumb was sore and stiff. Suddenly, after two
weeks at work, “ the thumb was under the die and smashed again
in the same place as before.” She fainted, was taken home, and
stayed four days. When she returned she was put on a drill press,
which was safer. She worked for a week at the time rate of $15
and then was told she would have to go on piecework. As she knew
she could not make even the time rate, she left. “After you’re hurt
they don’t want you. You lose what position you’ve worked for.
It didn’t take long after the accident before they were through with
me.” She then tried power-machine sewing, but after three months
her wage was reduced from $13.40 to $12 a week, and she left. She
applied for other factory work but “ didn’t have the speed.” During
most of the two and a half years which preceded the interview she
ran a rooming house and estimated that she just about made her
living expenses. The thumb still got sore at times and then she
could not use the hand at all. At the time of the interview there ap
peared to be more than 33% per cent loss of use of the thumb.
Case No. 120.—A 39-year-old American woman, with a fourthgrade education, had begun to earn at 26 years of age, doing laundry
work for private families irregularly over a period of 10 years.

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Then she and her husband had separated and it had been necessary
for her to get more regular work. For a year she had charge of a
diet kitchen in a hospital, at $11.50 a week. Leaving this work be
cause of unsatisfactory hours, she had done hand packing in a glass
factory for two years, at $9.50. This plant had closed, and at the
time of the accident she had been doing handwork in a food factory
for four months, at $9 a week. She and her daughter lived together,
and the latter earned about $4 a week. While in the washroom of
the plant the woman slipped on a wet floor and fell, straining the
back and sacro-iliac joint. Both back and joint were strapped, and
she remained from work four days, returning with the back still
troubling her, as it was impossible to get along on the little the
daughter earned. The medical report stated that she should have
remained away two and a half weeks longer. About four weeks after
her return she discovered a lump on the left side of the abdomen.
The doctor whom she consulted said it was probably due to the acci
dent. He treated her several times and advised an operation for
hernia, but she refused, as she was afraid of operations. About five
and a half weeks after her return to work she stopped once more.
The back was again strapped. This time she was disabled for 12
days. I he doctor’s bills were paid, but she paid for some medicine
herself. Compensation was allowed for the healing period, but no
payments were made until after her return to work. Her work at
the food factory included lifting trays of cakes and placing them on
trucks. She was no longer able to%lo this heavy lifting, nor was she
able to continue at a standing job. For this reason she had done
hand sewing on vests almost constantly up to the time of the inter
view (four years and nine months after the accident), earning $11
a week. She had visited a sister for four months in the interim, and
during that time had worked in the sister’s grocery store. She found
the constant standing and lifting too hard for her and knew then
she could not attempt such work again. The back was still painful
and the lump still noticeable in the abdomen. She was living alone,
as her daughter had married. She was very much handicapped for
any work at home which she could not do sitting down. The
daughter did all her laundry work for her and assisted her in other
ways.
Case No. 121.—An American woman of 24, with a third-grade
education, was married and living with her husband and stepson.
She and her husband were wage earners, their combined income
being $37.40 a week. She had worked for the first time about four
years before the injury, acting as marker and sorter in a laundry,
and in three years and seven months she had advanced from $8 to
$9.50 a week. Then she had changed to folding flat work at $10,

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237

and after four months she had advanced to $11. While she was
shaking a sheet one day, the left eye was struck by the edge of it,
and the medical report was “ infection following abrasion of the
cornea, conjunctivitis, and interstitial keratitis.” She was disabled
for five weeks and six days. During this time her mother came
to help with the housework. Medical bills were paid, and com
pensation covered this healing period. She received no medical
treatment after the healing period. As word then was sent to her
that she should return to work, she thought that she had to go back.
She continued at her former occupation for three weeks but could
see so little that she was afraid of another accident and left. At
the time of the interview she had not again returned to industry.
Later she had tried to get work, applying at three laundries, but
was told she “ couldn’t see well enough to work.” The eye still
bothered her and she could not see well enough to sew. She had
to buy all her clothes and had difficulty in doing her housework.
Since there was a complicating venereal infection in this case, medi
cal treatment for the venereal condition as well as for the local
injury was necessary for her proper rehabilitation.
Case No. 122.—An American woman of 35 was married and living
with her husband. She was the only wage earner, as her husband
was out of work on account of ill health. She had been a waitress
for 20 years, advancing from $4.50 to $25 a week (including tips,
and meals estimated at $5) during that time. Water had been
spilled on the floor, which was covered with a composition rubber
fabric. She slipped and fell, knocking against a lattice as she did
so, and striking the left parietal region of the skull and the lumbar
spine. The back, sides, back of head, and ear were severely bruised
and there was a severe strain in the lumbar region of the spine.
She stopped work for the remainder of the day, returned the next
day, worked short hours for two days, quit for four days, worked
two more, and then had to stop entirely, as she could not stand
the strain. The first doctor who treated her stated, “ It seems to
be a case of traumatic hysteria.” A second doctor reported, “ Con
tusion of head, side, and back; complains of pain in these regions.
Findings subjective. No external evidence of injury.” An X ray
showed no bone injury. Nineteen months after the accident a third
doctor whom she consulted reported, “ Retroversion and retroflexion
of the uterus, which dates back to the date of the accident. Prior to
this date the patient says she was always in good health.” Some
medical bills were paid. She was not examined by a neurologist.
A healing period of six weeks and five days was allowed. She lost
20 pounds almost immediately and had not regained it since. She
was “ no good at all after the accident.” There were pains in the

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lumbar regions of the spine. She became very dizzy and faint at
times. Menstruation, which had given her no trouble before the
injury, was extremely painful. She tried to work around the house,
thinking the symptoms would wear olf, but she had no strength
and her endurance was very much reduced. Two years and four
months after the injury she attempted canvassing for a soap com
pany, but she fainted on the street the second day and had to stop.
For 20 years she had worked as a waitress, often taking night assign
ments in addition to her day work, and had done her own house
work as well. She had a good reputation as a waitress and could
get all the work she could do, “ but when you are hurt no one wants
you.” She had returned once to her former employer, but he had
nothing for her. At the time of the interview her husband was
working part time. He also did the sweeping and cooking. The
washing and ironing were sent out. “ If I starved, I couldn’t work.”
Case No. 123.—An American woman, 40 years old and with a
high-school education, was single and living alone, but contributing
regularly to her father’s support. Beginning worji when 28, she had
done domestic service for seven and a half years, her earnings in
creasing from $2 to $8 a week. She then got a job doing hand
repairing on motors. In three years and eight months she had ad
vanced from $7.30 to $24.20 a week. While she was at work a 14pound motor rolled off the bench onto her foot, causing severe con
tusion and a stellate, comminuted fracture of the distal phalanx of
the great toe, followed by serious infection. There was acute cellu
litis, which involved the entire leg, resulting in abscess formation.
She was sent to a hospital for treatment. One medical report
showed, “ The patient is a cripple in the uninjured leg (talipes
varus). All weight must go on the injured leg. The type of injury
and the fact that she has no home has necessitated long hospitaliza
tion.” She was discharged from treatment 10 months after the
injury, although still under observation, and continuing herself to
dress the leg. The final medical report stated, “ Cellulitis of leg and
abscess formation, followed by erysipelas of both legs, finally result
ing in a chronic osteitis of fibula with sinus formation.” She was
“somewhat nervous and exhausted as a result of the long period of
infection and suppuration.” Four months later she returned to a
hospital, and this sinus was opened and the tissue curetted and
sutured. Thereafter it began to heal. Medical bills were paid.
She returned to work two years and seven months after the accident
and compensation was allowed for this disability period 1376/7
weeks). About two months after her return she reported more or
less constant pain in the foot and leg and occasional swelling. Her
wage on her return was $19.50 a week, but since there had been a

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239

general reduction in rates it was decided that this wage loss was
due to business depression and not to her injury and that no tempo
rary partial compensation was due. If she had been o» a piecework
basis she would have experienced a greater wage loss, as she was
not able to do so much work in a day as formerly. Moreover, she
had to “ take a vacation ” occasionally to rest, and once she had
stayed at home a week because of ice on the streets. Her work con
sisted entirely of repair of light motors, although before the acci
dent she had often worked on heavy ones also, “ a man’s work,” but
with her reduced strength she was not able to do this. There was
still pain in the foot and ankle at times, and there was a sore spot
under the great toe, though not where the weight fell on it. Her
endurance was much reduced. The case was still under medical
observation. Before the accident she had contributed to the sup
port of her father, who lived with her sister. She had paid the
rent, bought his clothes, and given him spending money. During
the disability period she had some income from a sickness-insurance
benefit and continued to send him some money. As she herself lived
in a rooming house she had no housework to do. In this case there
had been continual medical surveillance since the accident and
surgical treatment had been furnished to rehabilitate the injured
woman as effectively as possible.
Case No.
—An American woman of 34, with an eighth-grade
education, was single and living alone. She had begun to work
at 21 in a printing and binding establishment, and for 10 years had
done a variety of hand and machine work, advancing from $4 to
$12 a week. She had changed then to feeding a cylinder printing
press in an envelope-manufacturing plant, and at the time of the
accident, three years later, had advanced to $16.50. While descend
ing some steps at the factory she turned her ankle and fell down
the remaining steps, striking just below her left elbow and fractur
ing the forearm. She was taken to a hospital, where an X ray was
made, the fracture was reduced, and the arm was strapped against
her chest. She remained in the hospital one week. When the arm
was unstrapped about five weeks later the elbow joint was completely
stiff. A second X ray was taken, which showed a piece of bone
about an inch long broken off and lodged in the joint. She re
turned to the hospital for two weeks and the bone was removed.
For about a month after leaving the hospital she was given elec
trical treatment and massage to reduce the stiffness, but this was
only partially successful. She was out of work 12 weeks altogether.
The limitation of movement at the elbow joint was rated as 20 per
cent loss of use. Medical bills were paid, and compensation was
allowed for 56.8 weeks in all. She returned to her former job

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at the end of the healing period, and for one week worked half-days.
There was pain in the arm for two months. In feeding the press
she was able at first to move the arm only at the shoulder. Since
she was on a time rate she experienced no loss of wage. At the
time of the interview she had advanced to $19 a week. She was
conscious of no handicap in her work. She was living in an apart
ment with two other girls and did her share of the housework. How
ever, when the arm was raised above her head in combing her hair
or in reaching for some object, or when held against her side while
carrying objects, it lost the power of motion and she moved it with
the other hand. The movement at the elbow was freer than at the
time of the final examination, and she stated that improvement had
come gradually with use. The resort to X ray and the provision of
electrical treatments and massage had reduced the permanent dis
ability as effectively as possible.
Case No. 125.—An American girl of 16, who had just graduated
from high school, was living with her father, mother, and three
brothers and sisters, and she and her father were the wage earners.
She had begun work as a salesgirl at the ice-cream counter in a
5-and-10-cent store the year before, working Saturdays and vaca
tions. Her wage for a full week was $13, making the family income
$63 a week. One day a bottle of pop which she was lifting from a
shelf, slipped in her hands, struck the shelf, and exploded. A piece
of glass struck her forcibly under the left arm, cutting it above the
elbow. She was treated by the insurance-company doctor and was
at home for three weeks. She then returned to the store and worked
full time, stopping one and a half months later to enter college. The
case was compensated as one of temporary disability, three weeks in
extent. When she came home three months later on her Christmas
vacation, the whole hand was numb and her mother took her to a
doctor, who stated that the ulnar nerve was severed and advised an
operation, in order to “reduce loss of use at wrist.” She was
referred to two neurologists for diagnosis and advice. One stated,
“There is a complete severance of the ulnar nerve at the point of
injury. She has had treatment, including mild massages, and baths,
and mild faradism every other day. I was unable to demonstrate
further return of muscular tonus. Surgery will be the other alterna
tive, that is, a cable auto nerve transplant, or union of the two ends
in the event that treatments of this kind shall prove to be of no avail.
In the light of our present knowledge of nerve surgery, and espe
cially the ultimate results obtainable therefrom, which are not too
promising, one hesitates in advising surgical intervention.” The
second doctor stated, “Apparently sustained a severing of the ulnar
nerve. Scar smooth and fairly free. The resulting atrophy, paraly

■V

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241

sis, and loss of sensation due to loss of function of ulnar nerve is
evident. However, the lower fragment of the nerve can be definitely
outlined in the normal groove, within internal condyle of humerus
and apparently up to scar about one and a half inches above. Along
the upper fragment about one inch above scar seems to be thick, and
it seems that the neurons are gradually regenerating and growing
down along their normal course. The rolling of the nerve filaments
under one finger in palpation below the scar gives twinges of sensa
tion and thereby one would expect return of function. Bearing in
mind the eight-month interim since the accident, would advise watch
ful waiting two or three months and then, if necessary, radical sur
gical interference for nerve suture, and in the meantime general
sustaining treatment of the parts.” The commission concluded that
the decision in regard to an operation should rest with the injured
girl. The nerve was sutured, and she was given electrical treatments
before the operation and for a period of over a year after it. These
treatments were beneficial. According to the final settlement, a
healing period of 85 weeks in addition to the first 3 already recog
nized was allowed. Medical bills were paid. The permanent dis
ability was rated as 10 per cent loss of use of the left hand at the
wrist. Compensation covered a period of 107.2 weeks in all. Treat
ment stopped when the settlement was made. She was told that she
herself would have to pay for further medical attention. Seventeen
months after the accident she got a job at clerical work in a mail
order house at $16.50 a week, but was laid off in two weeks. After
this she tried everywhere for work but could find nothing. She had
begun to learn typewriting at night school just before the accident,
but with two fingers useless could no longer operate this machine.
Later she realized that to operate a comptometer only two fingers
were needed. She took a six weeks’ course, and then got a job at
$17.32 a week. She had worked there six months at the time of the
interview. There was no motion or strength in either the ring or
the little finger. Both were contracted at the middle joint. There
was no sensation in the little finger or in half the ring finger. The
scar on the arm was painful. She said, “ There are very few jobs I
could do now. The comptometer requires only two fingers, but the
usual method is to hold a pencil while operating.” She had to pick
up a pencil each time, which reduced her speed. She continued to
live with her parents and three brothers and sisters, and housework
had not been required of her either before or after the accident.
In this case, although the operation to suture the nerve was not suc
cessful, all possible medical treatment to restore function was
provided.
Case No. 126.—An American woman of 25, with a seventh-grade
education, found it necessary to go to work when the allotment

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money from her husband, who had enlisted during the war, failed
to reach her. She had worked for three and a half years before
her marriage at 17 and for two months soon afterward, always at
handwork. She had then remained at home for six years. When
her husband enlisted, she and her three children went to live tem
porarily Avith her father and mother, two brothers, and a deceased
sister’s three children. In this group only one brother Avas earning.
For a year she was a Avaitress, but some night work being required
which would have interfered Avith the care of her children, she
changed to punch-press operating in a factory making electrical sup
plies. She had begun at $14 a Aveek and in three months had
advanced to $17. This amount, together with her brother’s earnings,
had made the income of the group $39. One day Avhile operating
the machine, her right middle finger was caught under the die and
seArerely lacerated. She stated that the accident occurred at 9 o’clock
and that she lay in the hospital room of the plant until 5, Avhen the
doctor appeared and seAved the finger. When first disabled she Avent
into debt and received some financial assistance from her mother-inIrav.
The husband, who returned soon after the accident, went to
the insurance company, but they would offer very little. Their
statement regarding the injury Avas: “Some disfigurement of the tip
of the middle finger, but not to the extent of interfering Avith her
earning capacity or her ability to secure employment.” The husband
scoured the assistance of a claims agency in presenting the case before
the commission at a hearing. A healing period of six weeks Avas
alloAved and the permanent disability Avas rated as 16% per cent loss
of use of the finger at the distal joint. Medical bills were allowed
and compensation for seven weeks was paid in a lump sum about four
months after the accident. There was some infection, and it Avas
six months before the finger Avas entirely healed. The return of the
Avorker’s husband had made it unnecessary for her to Avork away
from home.
Case No. 127.—A 65-year-old American worker Avas a AvidoAv, liv
ing alone. She had been a practical nurse irregularly ever since
she was 15, and in addition to that had Avorked in a paper factory
and as a hand ironer in a laundry, also irregularly. At the time of
the accident she had been handling tobacco in a warehouse for two
and a half months, earning $12 a Aveek. A wire was carelessly
stretched across an aisle, and she tripped over it and fell, causing
an anterior dislocation of the left shoulder, bruising the outer side
of the left leg and the left hip, and straining the left elboAv and
wrist. The accident happened in the morning, but she continued to
work until 5 o’clock by resting the left arm on a box and Avorking
only with the right arm. It Avas 10 o’clock that night before she
got medical aid. She Avas disabled for Avork four Aveeks and two

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243

days, and during that time friends came in and cared for her. Medi
cal bills were paid and compensation was allowed for this healing
period. She returned to work before she felt able, as she needed
the money, but the lifting of tobacco was too hard for the injured
arm and in two weeks she left. After that she went back to prac
tical nursing. At the time of the interview she said there was some
loss of strength in the left elbow and the left hip Avas somewhat weak.
The shoulder ached after doing washing or ironing. It drooped
even when sitting, and she was unable to lie on it without pain.
She did cleaning, mostly with one hand. When nursing she had
to have help to lift things which formerly she had lifted alone. She
said that she had closed the case herself and had never brought the
permanent disability to the attention of the State commission.
TYPICAL

CASES OF NO OCCUPATIONAL TRAINING
DISABLED FOR PREACCIDENT JOB

THOUGH

Case No. 128.—An American woman of 42, who had separated from
her husband four years before the accident and had become a wage
earner for the first time, found work in a greenhouse, by which she
supported herself and three children. Her wage there had increased
from $10 to $14 a week. At the time of the injury she was tying
roses, and pricked the left middle finger on a thorn. A severe in
fection followed, and the finger was lanced twice, but at the end of
three \\Teeks it was getting rapidly worse and the infection had
spread to the hand and arm. Another doctor called in consultation
advised immediate hospital care. Her parents lived next door, and
her mother did her housework and looked after the children while
she was gone. Medical bills were paid. A healing period of 19.8
weeks was recognized. The permanent injury was rated as 75 per
cent loss of use of the index, ring, and little fingers at the proximal
joint and 100 per cent loss of use of the middle finger at the proximal
joint. Compensation was allowed for 78y2 weeks. Her husband
returned two or three months after the accident but died about three
years later. The husband was ill for some time before his death.
She had tried to find work ever since the end of the healing period,
as she had depended on her father and mother for all her expenses—
food, rent, and clothing—from the time compensation had ceased,
but she lived in a small community and there were no openings.
Three and a half years after the accident she had begun raking
and mowing graves in a cemetery, at $11 a week, but the work was
irregular. Two months later the two older children had gone to
work. She wanted them to continue in school but had to take them
out. At the time of the interview the hand was drawn up, as
tendons were involved in the scar tissue. There was practically no

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motion in the index, middle, and ring fingers at the proximal joint.
The hand still pained, and the suffering was especially severe if she
used it much. She was slower in everything she did, and it was
impossible for her to wash, iron, or sew. She bought ready-made
clothing for herself and the children. This woman had considerable
financial responsibility, with three children to support; the openings
for work in her small community were few, and she presented a
need for retraining in order to be adequately placed.
Case No. 1W.—An American negro woman 19 years old, with a sec
ond-grade education, was separated from her husband and living with
a married sister, being one of four wage earners in a family of six.
As a child she had worked in cotton fields and had helped her mother,
who took in washing. At 19 she had taken her first regular job
in the kitchen of a cafeteria, at $10 a week. After three months she
had left for better wages as a trucker in a fertilizer factory, and at
the time of the accident she had had three weeks’ experience there
and was earning $20 a week. Part of her work was loading box
cars. An iron plate or runway connected the car and platform.
As she was leaving a car, this plate slipped, causing her to fall
between the car and the platform. The right arm and chest were
bruised, the right knee was dislocated, the tendons and ligaments of
the leg were ruptured, and the right hip was bruised and sprained.
She was unconscious and suffered a severe shock. After five weeks
the doctor’s report showed, “ The patient changed for the worse and
it was exceedingly hard for me to diagnose the changed condi
tion * * * I sent her to a hospital * * * condition was of
an internal nature * * * whether it was due to neurasthenia
or to malingering I can not say. Owing to trouble with the hip she
is still using a crutch.” Medical bills were paid then and compensa
tion was allowed for a healing period of nine weeks and three days.
One month later, though scarcely able to work, she returned to her
former employer, as she did not want to depend on her sister’s family
any longer. She was given work sweeping and shaking out sacks,
at her former wage. She was still using a crutch (continuing to
need it for nine months after the accident), and for some time had
to be carried up and down the stairs to the workroom. Sweeping
and shaking made the right arm swell and ache. Three months
later work was slack, and she was laid off. After three months of
unemployment she got work operating a power machine, sewing
labels on shirts at $18 and later $20 a week. She found this work
very hard because the constant turning of the work hurt her right
arm and the use of the knee press hurt the knee. After two months
the leg swelled and troubled her. After six months’ work she quit
work at the advice of a firm doctor. At this time she went to a doctor

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three times a week for several months, paying him $1.50 a visit.
During the two years and nine months between her leaving that
work and the interview she had worked only three weeks, in a doc
tor’s office at $8 a week. The constant slopping about in water made
the leg painful and swollen, and she was unable to stay longer.
She had had great difficulty in getting such jobs as she had held.
She had gone again and again to the free city employment bureau
and was still going. “I have to pick my work on account of my
arm and leg.” When out of work she had subsisted on contributions
from a sister and a brother and occasionally from her mother. She
was renting a room, as the sister’s house was crowded. She helped
her sister to care for her nieces and nephews and at times helped
her to clean, as well as attending to her own housework, but sweep
ing and scrubbing for any length of time made her chest and arm
ache. The right leg was still painful; on the day of the interview
she had the calf of the leg bandaged. The right arm also was
painful and sometimes was swollen at the wrist. Her general
strength and endurance were much reduced. This young woman
had performed low-skilled, heavy work before her accident, and
training for an occupation which did not require a great deal of
strength at the right shoulder or continuous standing would have
made effective placement possible.
Case No. 130.—A 15-year-old girl, born in Italy, had had three
years of schooling there. She was illiterate, but could speak Eng
lish. She lived with her father, mother, and sister, the mother keep
ing house and the other three working. The family income was $36
a week. She had started to earn three months before as a packer
in a candy factory. She had been a steady, hard worker, and the
boss had told her she would make a good operator. She had ad
vanced from $8 to $10 a week. On the day of the accident she was
told to help a girl on a power press which cut candy. She had not
operated any machine before. Two hours later three fingers of the
right hand were caught under the knife. The middle and ring
fingers were traumatically amputated at the middle joint and the
little finger between the middle and proximal joints. She was told
not to worry, as she would be given a steady job. She was in a hos
pital four weeks and two days and home one week, as the hand was
still sore and in the way. The healing period was compensated,
medical bills were paid, and compensation covered a period of 68
weeks in all. She returned to her former employer at the end of
the healing period and was told to come back in a week. A week
later she was told there was nothing for her. She wanted a packing
job and felt that she could have done the work. In the meantime
her sister had married. The father was old and working irregularly
and there was little money coming in. The father and mother

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bothered her for money, as they were old, had worked all their lives,
and had no support anywhere. For ten weeks she looked for a job,
but everywhere she was told that because of her hand she could no!
make speed. Finally, in an ivory-button factory, she was given a
job of packing, at $8 a week, but was laid off in a week as she was
too slow. A month later she found the same sort of work, packing
in a celluloid-button factory, at $8. Again she was laid off in a
week. Then a friend got her a job, packing in an electrical-supply
factory. She stayed there nearly a year and a half, making no more
than $10 a week. Then she was laid off again, and her mother had
her put in the House of the Good Shepherd for a year, as she was
“ growing up wild.” After the year was up she stayed at home a
month and then ran away and went back to the institution. She
said that she couldn’t get a job on the outside and couldn’t support
herself, much less her father and mother. Her parents wanted her
to leave the institution, but she refused. At the time of the inter
view she was still there, working for her board and lodging. This
young girl, after three months’ factory work, was left with a
disability which, without retraining, made adequate placement
impossible.
Case No. 131.—An American girl of 19, with a seventh-grade edu
cation, was living with her parents and six brothers and sisters.
Her father, brother, and herself were earning, their combined income
being $92. She had begun working at 14 as a general helper in a
laundry. After four months, during which time her wage had
increased from $3.50 to $6 a week, she had changed to packing in
a shoe factory, remaining there three years and eight months and
advancing to $15 a week. She then had changed to a position pay
ing still better, operating a steam press and making phonograph
records, at $17 a week. During the five and a half months which
preceded the injury she had increased her wage by $10 a week. In
the five years she had been working she had advanced steadily in
earning power from $3.50 to $27 a week. The press was equipped
with a gate, which was designed to warn the operator, by touching the
left arm, that the hand was in danger. She was not conscious of
the guard having touched her, and her hand and lower forearm were
caught and badly crushed. The arm was amputated a little below
the elbow. She was disabled for 26 weeks. Medical bills were paid
and compensation was allowed for 174% weeks in all. An artifi
cial arm vras furnished her, but it did not prove very satisfactory,
as it was heavy, causing a callous on the stump, and the felt harness
was hot. She wore it for one summer only. She returned to her
former employer and was given a job at playing records to test them.
She began at $15, and when she left to be married two years and

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nine months later she was earning $16 a week. This capable young
girl presented so serious a need for retraining as to make any sort of
adequate placement impossible without it.
Case No. 132.—An American negro woman, 43 years old, with a
tenth-grade education, was single and living alone. She had done
washing and cleaning by the day for about 15 years, making as much
as $18 a week. AVhen her employers left the city she got a job
cleaning paint vessels by hand in a factory making paint, ink, dyes,
and chemicals. She had been at work two days, and her wage was to
be $15 a week. In going down the stairs her heel caught on the second
or third step from the top and she fell to the bottom, striking on a
cement floor. She weighed about 200 pounds. The right leg and
knee were bruised and lacerated, also the side and back over the
eighth, ninth, and tenth ribs. The right knee and the muscles of
the back were badly sprained. The back was strapped, and later
a brace was put on the knee. She was disabled 14^2 weeks following
the injury. Then she tried to work but could not do so continuously,
as the knee joint was stiff and gave way when she walked. When
she filed a wage statement it showed that in a three months’ period
she had done six days’ work away from home, a little mending, a
little washing at home, and some writing and answering the tele
phone for a neighbor. Altogether she had earned $24.86. In the
next six weeks she earned $10.25 for the same sort of work. Com
pensation for these periods was paid on a loss-of-wage basis. She
was then totally disabled two months, as the doctor directed her to
use antiphlogistin on the knee and keep off her feet. Soon after
this period a medical examination showed the knee and shoulder
joints apparently normal, the doctor stating, “ She complains of pain
and distress in both joints which I am inclined to accept as correct.”
Her next work was hand sewing for a friend, a seamstress with whom
she lived, thereby paying for her board. This work wTas valued at
about $2.25 a week. Later she did other bits of work—washing,
caring for a child, and so forth. She was allowed compensation on
a loss-of-wage basis for about 10 months. A final medical examina
tion after this period was reported: “ Complains now of limitation
in use of right shoulder and pain on motion. States knee gives her
no trouble now and has not for a long time. States no trouble with
right shoulder until about one year after the injury. We fail to find
any condition which could be attributed to the injury.” The case
was then closed. Medical bills were paid. Altogether she w7as com
pensated for a healing period of 26 2/7 wTeeks and for a temporarypartial-disability period (on a wrage-loss basis) for 712/7 weeks. Dur
ing the latter period compensation often was delayed by the necessity
of sending in wrage reports, and at these times her friends gave her

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board and lodging free. After compensation ceased she worked
as steadily as possible. As she was unable to go out to do day’s
work, she did laundry work at home. This did not pay so well be
cause, for one reason, she had to pay for soap, gas, and electricity
used. At best she could make but $12 a week for work which for
merly paid $18. In bad weather she could make but $5 or $6 a week.
At the time of the interview she stated that her back and shoulder
gave her no trouble, but that her knee was still sore and a little stiff
and cramped at times. It was weaker and tired more easily, so that
she could not stand constantly. At the time of the accident and ever
since she had been boarding with friends. When she needed nursing
care they supplied it, and when she had no money they charged her
nothing for board and lodging; otherwise she did not know how
she would have paid her way. In this case a woman who had been
a domestic servant for 15 years was injured three days after chang
ing to factory work, and retraining for an occupation at which she
could be seated was necessary for adequate placement.
Case No. 133.—An American woman of 26, single and one of two
wage earners in a family consisting of her mother, brother, sister,
and brother-in-law, had always worked with one firm, which manu
factured electric lamps. She had measured carbon (a hand job),
had operated machines, and had cleaned lamps. At the time of the
accident she was labeling lamps in a flashing machine at $21.30 a
week. A 15-watt lamp exploded as she started to take it off the
machine, and a piece of glass struck her in the eye. It was possible
to protect the workers against this type of accident by erecting
screens. She stated that the girls had asked for screens, but the
boss called them “Calamity Janes.” Two days after the accident
screens were put up. The injury to the girl resulted in laceration
of the cornea and lens and traumatic iridectomy. Full wage was
paid her during the 10-day waiting period. She was taken care of
by her mother and sister during that time. She then went to the
country for four weeks and during that time received $15 a week in
addition to compensation to pay her board there. Her loss of
vision amounted to 90 per cent, of the right eye. Compensation was
allowed for 109% weeks, w'hich included a healing period of 21
weeks. At the time of the interview a year had passed since the
compensation period had closed; the mother had died, the girl had
continued to live with the sister and brother-in-law, who now had a
child. They had supported her almost entirely during that time, as
she had been able to work very little. She returned to her former
employer after the healing period and he gave her a job at sorting
labels by hand at a lower wage than before. However, she was so
nervous that she seemed unable to work steadily; the foreman kept

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telling her to hurry up, and this made it even more difficult. Finally
she was laid off. She had had two other jobs since the accident, one
washing dishes in a hotel at $10 a week which she gave up because
working steadily seemed impossible, and then, because she was
unable to secure any but domestic-service work, she finally tried
washing dishes and cleaning in a restaurant at $12 a week. She
quit this after one month because she was required to clean the men’s
toilet. The left eye seemed to be getting sore with the strain; also
she imagined everyone was looking at her, although the disfigure
ment was hardly noticeable. The sister saw no future for her unless
she could be roused out of her self-consciousness and timidity, and
was worried as to what steps might be taken, as she and her husband
had not enough money to keep the girl indefinitely. The sister con
sidered the accident responsible for the unadjusted condition, be
cause the girl had always been a very steady worker and had had
no neurotic symptoms prior to the injury. This woman was in evi
dent need of retraining in order to make successful adjustments at
home and in industry, and efforts toward her rehabilitation should
have included psychiatric treatment.
Case No. 13J/..—A 30-year-old, foreign-born worker was literate in
English and had had a seventh-grade education. Her family con
sisted of her husband and their five children. She had gone to work
for the first time three weeks before she was injured, to help her
husband, as the plant where he was employed was running only
three days a wreek and he was earning only $13.50. She was one of
a team of four operating a cigar-making machine, and during the
three weeks she had increased her piecework earnings from $16 to
$23 a week. A whistle was blown at the plant at 11.55 as a signal
to stop work, and on the day of the accident, after hearing it, she
called to the others of the team and asked if they were ready to stop.
They said they were, and she began cleaning her part of the machine.
Unexpectedly one of the others started the machine again to do
“ re-rolls.” Her left thumb was caught under the straight filler
knife. The distal phalanx was badly smashed, and a piece of bone
had to be removed. She was out of work five weeks and one day.
At that time there were at home an 8-months-old baby, a 4-year-old
girl, and a boy of 8 who was ill with infantile paralysis; a boy
of 12 was kept in school, and the oldest child, aged 13, had been
staying at home to look after the baby and the sick son. This child
and the husband did the household chores and together looked after
the woman. Medical bills were paid. The permanent injury was
rated as loss of use of the left thumb at the distal joint, and com
pensation was paid over a period of 33% weeks. As the woman
43094°—27-----17

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

was unstrung and afraid when she went back to work she was given
a hand job, unwrapping defective cigars. The left hand still was
bandaged and sore, and the nurse dressed it daily. In 10 days
she went back to the machine. The first day her skirt was caught
in the transmission. She “ gave a yell and pulled,” but the skirt was
torn off. This made her even more afraid of the machine. She
tried to work on it two weeks longer, then she was “ all in ” and went
home and to bed. She needed money and would have worked if it
had been possible. She felt very worried and tired, and at the time
of the interview had not returned to work. In this case a mother
with five children had gone to work for the first time in a factory,
had been injured on a machine three weeks later, and the occurrence
had made so profound an effect that retraining and consultation
with a psychiatrist were necessary if she was to regain her pre
accident status.
TYPICAL CASES OF DIFFICULTY IN SECURING EMPLOYMENT

Case No. 135.—An 18-year-old American girl, with a seventh-grade
education, was single, boarding, and supporting herself. She had
begun work at 16 as a sorter in a bolt-and-nut factory, at $11.50 a
week, changing in two months to a more remunerative job as loader
in a lamp factory. In two years there she had advanced from $14
to $16 a week, and then had become a lacer operator in a box-board
factory at $18, because the former work was hard on her eyes.
After one month’s experience her left middle and ring fingers were
caught while operating. “ You can’t guard a lacer; you have to be
on your guard yourself every minute.” The ends were mashed off,
and the ring finger was severely lacerated at the proximal joint,
exposing the bone. While disabled she went to stay with her mother,
who cared for her. She was out of work seven weeks and three
days, two weeks longer than was allowed for the healing period.
Medical bills were paid. She was taken back on the lacer at the
same rate, but she had lost so much speed and was so nervous about
the machine that she was not able to earn that much. She stayed a
month and then was married. About a year later it was necessary
to work again. She tried her former employer and was told she was
disabled for the lacer and that there were no other openings. After
four or five rejections she got a job in a kettle factory as a dipper,
at a reduction of $3 from her preaccident wage. In six months
she had worked up to $18 again, but had to stop because she was
pregnant. A year and two months before the interview her husband
had left her, and she again had looked for work to support herself
and child. She had tried at every place at which she had ever
worked, and several others, and had been unable to get a factory

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251

job. There was about 25 per cent loss of use of the middle and ring
fingers at the distal joint. Finally she had to take housework, at
$10 a week. She was paying her mother to keep the baby and was
able to see it only once a week. She wanted factory work, with its
shorter hours and better pay, but there seemed no place for her.
Case No. 136.—An American woman of 49, with a sixth-grade
education, was working to help with the expenses, the combined in
come of herself and husband being $25 a week. She was on her first
job at the time of the accident, as janitress for a telephone company;
she had been employed for one year and had advanced from $8.50
to $10 a week. She disinfected transmitters. While carrying a
basket of transmitter horns she stumbled over another basket, left in
the aisle, and fell, striking her right knee. The medical report
showed periarthritis and ordered a seamless knee cap, electrical
treatment, and massage. She wore the cap for a year. Some medi
cal expenses were paid. After three weeks and four days she re
turned to work and compensation was allowed for this healing
period; but on her return the knee gave so much trouble that she was
obliged to have further medical treatment, for which she herself
paid. She estimated this expense at $100. She was told that she
would have a job for life, but after working eight weeks and suffer
ing a good deal of pain, which she tried to stand, as she thought
her knee was improving, her daughter became ill. She got off to go
to the daughter and on returning, three weeks later, found that
the job had been given to some one else. She said, “ they could not
wait for me and got some one permanently.” After six months she
found work as a saleswoman in a retail store at $6 a week. This
involved standing, and after five weeks she left. She tried at the
telephone company and at several other places to get some sitting
job, but had been unsuccessful. The knee was still painful. As she
was heavily built it was impossible for her to stand for any length of
time. She had the scrubbing and cleaning in her home done, because
she could not get down on her knees. She was living on one floor of
a house, to avoid going up and down steps. She was still having
medical treatment, and had not returned to industry. The husband
provided the income and also did some of the work at home.
Case No. 137.—An American woman of 24, with a ninth-grade
education, was living with her parents and five brothers and sisters,
being one of four wage earners in the family of eight. The com
bined income was $71 a week. She had begun work at 17, doing
power-machine sewing on shirts, and in six and a half years in the
same factory had advanced from $10 to $20 a week. At the end
of that time she had changed to punch-press operating in a factory
making paper specialties, beginning at $10 and advancing to $14

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during the three weeks preceding an accident in which her right
middle finger was amputated at the distal joint. She lost two
weeks at that time and then returned to the same work. Seven
months later she received the injury whose record forms part of
the present study. Her machine had not been working right all
the morning before this accident. She had stopped it to take paper
out of the die, at the same time pulling the belt around with her
left hand. It went farther than she intended and the die came
down on her right index finger, cutting nearly half way through
the bone between the distal and middle joints. A tendon was sev
ered and the permanent disability was rated as one-third loss of
use of the index finger. She was disabled five weeks. Medical bills
were paid and compensation was allowed for 15 weeks and 1 day.
After the first accident the middle finger had healed quickly, and
she had returned to work very soon; but after the second one the
whole hand seemed useless. She said she lost her nerve regard in 2
power machines, so that she could not have operated a press and
did not return to her former employer for work. After the fiveweek healing period following the second accident, she looked every
where for work and was refused many times because of the hand.
After three months she found work as a machine operator on dresses,
at $10 a week; in five months she was making only $13, although
before the accident she had made as much as $20 at such work.
She then married and at the time of the interview had not returned
to industry. With the right index finger almost completely stiff
at the distal and middle joints, and the right middle finger ampu
tated at the distal joint, she had to learn to do everything in a
different way and was awkward at her housework.
Case No. 138.—A 19-year-old, foreign-born worker, literate in
English only, was living with her father, mother, and five brothers
and sisters. Her father was in bed with “a touch of paralysis”;
one brother was just back from France and had no job; three younger
brothers and sisters were still in school. She and one brother were
the only wage earners, their joint income being $40 a week. She had
begun work when 15 as a packer in a sewing-machine factory at $12
a week. Eighteen months later she had begun working at night,
packing in an ammunition factory and earning from $18 to $25
a week, but after four months her mother had insisted that she give
up night work. She then had got a job as a power punch-press
operator on metal goods. She was obliged to start at $10, but in
0 two years had advanced to $18 a week. Her hands were caught
under the die while operating. The right thumb was traumatically
amputated at the distal joint, and the left index finger at the middle
joint. For some weeks after the accident she heard nothing of com-

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253

pensation; then she paid a lawyer $10 to write a letter and an
“inspector” came. A healing period of 10y2 weeks was allowed,
medical bills were paid, and compensation covered a period of 74
weeks in all. At the end of the healing period the fingers were
healed but were still tender and extremely sensitive. She applied
for work with her former employer, but he had nothing for her.
The family was in great need, and she felt that she must go back to
work as soon as possible. She went everywhere looking for work,
even to adjoining towns, but nobody would take her. Eleven months
after the accident a man in a suit factory told her she might try
hand sewing at $10 a week. The first morning she stuck a needle
into the sore finger, fainted, and was taken home. Finally, two
months later, she had a “chance to marry,” and at the time of the
interview had not returned to industry. She was handicapped for
housework. After a little washing or scrubbing the injured finger
and thumb became exceedingly painful.
Case No. 139.—An American negro woman of 24, with a fifthgrade education, lived with her husband and one child, the com
bined income of herself and husband being $31.66 a week. Her
industrial history had begun one and a half years before as hand
work in a rubber factory, where she had advanced from $8 to $11.
The plant had closed six months later, and for a year she did wash
ing, ironing, and cleaning by the day, making about $10 a "week.
Then she returned to factory work as a foot punch-press operator
in a metal-goods plant at $11.66 a week. At the time of the acci
dent she had operated a press for one month. While removing work
from the press with her right hand, as was customary, the middle
finger was caught, the accident resulting in a compound fracture of
the middle phalanx. She Avas disabled six and a half weeks. Dur
ing that time she paid to have her Avashing and cleaning done.
Medical bills were paid. The permanent disability Avas rated as 40
per cent loss of use of the middle finger, and compensation was
allowed for 17 weeks in all. She returned to her former employer,
and he gave her light work packing tin, at $2.20 a day, but she Avas
not fast enough and after three days she Avas laid off and was told
there was no other work for her there. For eight months no work
was available. Then she found an opening at domestic service by the
day, and at the time of the interview, two and a half years after
the accident, she still was so employed. As this work Avas irregular,
she was not able to count on any definite income. The finger was
stiff; it interfered with washing more than with any other of the
household tasks which were part of her work.
Case No. lift.—A 32-year-old worker, born in Kussia, had gone to
school there for seven years, leaving at 16 to marry, and had attended

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

night school for three winters in the United States. She and her
husband had separated when she was 31, and she had taken their
daughter and son with her. She then had become a wage earner for
the first time, to support herself and children. The daughter had
gone to work soon afterwards, earning $19 a week, but the son had
remained in school. From the beginning the worker had operated
an ironing machine in a handkerchief factory and after a year’s
experience had advanced from $6 to $18 a week. Then her left
middle finger became sore and inflamed from constant rubbing
against the hot drum in taking handkerchiefs off the machine. At
the time of the injury she burned the finger more seriously than
usual. She continued at work for a week, but a serious infection
set in, involving the hand and arm, and she was forced to stay at
home. Her daughter stopped work to take care of her, but they
could not afford that long, as she was now the sole wage earner. The
mother was away from work seven and a half weeks and returned
while her finger was still sore. Permanent disability was rated as
loss of distal phalanx of the middle finger by amputation, and 10
per cent loss of use at the remaining joints. Medical bills were paid,
and compensation covered a period of 24 weeks. Since work on the
ironing machine was considered to be out of the question, on account
of the condition of her hand, she was given mending to do. She
liked this work but could make only $12, and as it was necessary
to earn more she returned to the ironing machine after a week. The
finger was still bandaged, and she was so much slower at first that
she could make only $14. At the time of the interview, three and a
half years later, she had not made more than $17 a week. The finger
was drawn up and, although there was some motion at the middle
joint, there was no strength, which meant it was of no use to her in
her work. It was tender, and her control of the hand was poor.
Her daughter had married and moved away, and her son “ needed
all he made.” This meant that she must support herself, and the
possibility that she might not be able to do so kept her in constant
dread. She worried about her work, partly because of the steam and
the heat in the place, but chiefly because she was afraid of burning
another finger. She would have liked to ask for a change but did
not dare to risk losing what she had. She bore with considerable
difficulty the added strain of housework after hours.
Case No. HI.—An American negro girl, 16 years of age, having
a seventh-grade education, was one of three wage earners in a family
of 11, their combined income being $24.50. At 15 years of age she
had gone to work as a domestic servant, but had changed to factory
work five months later because of the better pay. She had operated
a foot-punch press in a leather-goods plant, beginning at $9.25, and

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255

during the 15 months preceding the accident had advanced to $10 a
week. She was putting lead rivets in leather belts, when she tripped
the press, while her right hand was under the die, and a rivet went
into the distal phalanx of the index finger. After the rivet was
removed, infection set in, which involved the hand as well as the
finger. The resulting injury was rated as 10 per cent loss of use of
the finger. Medical bills were paid, and compensation was allowed
for nine weeks and one day, including a healing period of seven
weeks. The family had a good deal of financial difficulty during
the disability period. The mother was “ jobbing around,” making
$4.50 a week, and the brother made $10, their combined earnings and
the compensation having to cover the expenses of the family of 11.
The injured girl’s finger and hand were swollen when she returned
to work. She wTas put back on the press but had an awkward
time, being slow at feeding with three fingers; she was unable to
make more than $7.50 a week, and left after two months. After
that she did not look for anything but handwork, and had a good
deal of difficulty in placing herself. After searching for two months
she found work, washing celluloid novelties. She held this job for
two years, earning $7 and $8 a week. At the time of the interview
she had been sorting buttons six months and making $8.50 a week,
her highest wage since the accident.
Case No. 1J+2-—An American girl of 15, with a seventh-grade edu
cation, was living with her mother, brother, and two sisters. She
and her mother supported the family, their combined income being
$27 a week. She had begun work at 14 as a packer in a candy fac-'
tory. Later she was made an assistant in the first-aid department.
In a year’s time she had advanced from $14 to $17 a week. While
walking through the factory she struck her ankle against a metal
vTater tank. The plant doctor took an X ray and found that the
tibia was fractured about 1 inch from the lov7er end. The fracture
was reduced and the ankle was placed in a cast. She wras disabled
for six weeks. Medical treatment was furnished. Her full wage
was paid for the time lost, and the case was closed. On her return
to work she found her place in the first-aid department had been
filled and she was given kitchen work in the employees’ lunch room.
This involved much standing and walking, and the ankle began to
trouble her, swelling at times and giving pain. She reported this
twice to the plant doctor, but he assured her the ankle was all right.
After working one and a half years at kitchen work, she left because
of increasing trouble with the ankle. She got a job at inspecting
hosiery, starting at $15 a week. After three months she was raised
to $17 and at the time of the interview a year later was inspecting at
the same wage. The ankle became swollen at times and was painful
in cold weather. Her mother was still using hot applications. The

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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

gill was obliged to stand at her work and often came home crying
because of the pain in the ankle.
Case No. 11$.—An American woman of 21, with a sixth-grade
education, was living with her parents, being one of three earners
in a family of five. She had begun work when 17 and had worked
continuously since that time, making $12 a week. For a year she
had been a packer in a cigarette factory, although “ ashamed of the
job. After that she had worked in twTo textile mills, for two years
as a winder and for one as a weaver. At the time of the accident
she had been five months in a plant making motors and generators,
where she had learned to operate a variety of machines, being shifted
as needed. She liked this machine work and was “making good.”
Starting at a time rate of $12 she had advanced to $18 on piecework
at the end of the five months. While operating a punch press she
fed with the left hand and took out with a metal “poker” in the
right. The press repeated, catching the left hand under the die and
smashing the middle and ring fingers. A healing period of 141^
weeks was allowed and medical bills were paid. The permanent
injury was rated as 50 per cent loss of use of the middle and ring
fingers, and compensation covered a period of 38 weeks in all. At
the time of the interview the distal and middle joints of the middle
finger and the middle joint of the ring finger were stiff. She had
married about four months after the accident and had not returned
to industry, although she stated that she would have done so had it
not been for the injury. She considered herself disabled for any
machine work. She said the left hand was useless to her. She did
all the work in her house, using only her right hand, and was ham
pered accordingly.
Case No. HI.—A 65-year-old American worker, with an eighthgrade education, was single and boarding with the family of a
married sister, which included the sister, her husband, and their
six children. A large part of her life she had done dressmaking
irregularly, staying at home a good deal with an invalid parent. At
48 she had gone to work steadily, sewing in clothing stores, 2 years
in one establishment and 15 in the second. In this time her wage
had increased from $12 to $15 a week. On the day of the accident,
while walking rapidly on a recently oiled hardwood floor, she slipped
and fell, sustaining a Colies fracture of the left wrist and seriously
bruising the head and left side. Medical bills were paid, but she
herself paid for some drug-store supplies. She was disabled 44
weeks, and compensation was allowed for this healing period. Four
and a half months after the accident the medical report stated:
“A condition which is frequently found in older people has devel
oped. The arm was very edematous from the beginning and the

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infiltrate which was consequent to the injury has developed into
fibrous tissue, and great stiffness has developed in all the joints,
not only of the wrist itself but of the fingers * * *. We are
using baking in this case.” She returned to her former job at the
end of the healing period, and worked six months at $18 a week.
As she was very unstrung, her doctor then advised her to stop for a
rest, and she remained away from work five months. From that
time on she worked irregularly whenever her strength permitted.
The final medical report showed, “ Marked stiffness of the wrist and
all digits except the thumb.” Since she had returned to work at an
increased wage and had asked for no further compensation, the case
was closed with the understanding that, should it be shown at any
time that there was loss of wage due to this injury, it would be
reopened. She was still boarding with her sister at the time of the
interview. There remained considerable stiffness at the wrist and
at the finger joints. She sometimes suffered cramps in the left arm
from the shoulder down. She was unable to lift anything heavy
with the left hand, and at the store had to have help in moving the
dummies which she used. She had had headaches off and on since
the accident, which she had not had before. She said she was not
prepared to ascribe all her “ nervousness ” to the accident, as she
was advanced in years and it might be partly her age. She did not
expect to keep her job long, as her employers had told her that she
was not so fast at her work as they would like.
Case No. lift.—A woman of about 55, bom and educated in Ire
land but having lived for many years in Argentina, was a widow
living alone. She had gone to work for the first time in a hotel
laundry eight years before the accident. She was receiving $9.23 a
week and her room and board. At the time of the injury she was
operating a power wringer, alone in a room infrequently used, when
her left hand was caught in the wringer. An elevator operator
heard her cries and came to her assistance. The middle, ring, and
little fingers were mashed and lacerated. The hand was cut so that
the bones were exposed and arteries and tendons were severed. In
fection set in, involving the fingers and the entire hand. The ten
dons were so badly torn that they could not be united. Six months
after the accident there was reported, “ Marked stiffness of all fin
gers ; unable to flex or extend them; considerable tenderness; limited
amount of function.” She was compensated as totally disabled for
seven weeks and six days. Thereafter she was paid on a temporarypartial-disability basis at $4 a week; that is, as though she were
able to earn $6 a week. At the time of the interview she was still
receiving compensation for temporary partial disability and send
ing in a report of her earnings once a month. It was impossible to

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get a record of her employment since the accident, as she had been
able to work only very irregularly. After a few days’ trial the hand
and arm would swell and ache to the shoulder and she would be
obliged to stop. She tried many jobs where she had to wash or
clean, and in each she was laid off or forced to give up after a few
days or a week. There was still considerable stiffness in all four
fingers of the injured hand, and loss of strength and motion at the
wrist; the hand and arm ached and became swollen in cold weather.
She was kept at the hotel for a time after the accident. After that
she stayed with a brother or sister or with a friend. She was able
to do little for them in return for her support and was much dis
couraged, feeling that she was living largely on charity.
Case No. 1J+6.—An American woman of 57 was a widow, living
alone. She had gone to work for the first time five years before, a”t
the death of her husband, at first stuffing olives in a wholesale
grocery at $4 a week, and three years later marking material in the
receiving room of a department store at $12 a week. She had been
engaged in this latter work two years and three months, and had
advanced to $15 a week, when she was injured. While she was
opening a door at the store, another person attempted to open it
from the opposite side. The door knob struck the left thumb,
fracturing the proximal phalanx. A small fragment of bone was
chipped off. The doctor reported recovery delayed, “ because
patient used her hand too much and did not keep thumb at rest.”
She lived alone, had to do her own housework, and could not afford
to get anyone to help her. Two months after the accident she re
turned to work but stayed only two weeks, as “ the hand was still
in a serious condition.” She was compensated as totally disabled
for 353/7 weeks, with the understanding that if she established a wage,
and it was lower than the preaccident one, she would be compensated
on a temporary-partial basis. The medical reports showed an in
flammatory condition, probably tenosynovitis, finally involving the
index finger and the wrist, considerable stiffness of the thumb and
index finger, and pain on passive motion. An X ray showed dorsal
backward displacement of the lower end of the ulna and slight
posterior prominence of trapezium bone, as if partly dislocated.
At the time of the interview there was 25 per cent loss of use of the
thumb at the proximal joint. She had had a hard time doing
things for herself and at first could use only one hand. She used
to strap a broom to the injured hand in sweeping. The stiffness and
lack of grasping power made it difficult for her to do even light
work. She said that the examinations were extremely painful and
she could hardly keep the tears back, but that she bore with them
many times. She was always nervous when she went to the doctors.

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They always said there was nothing the matter and told her to go to
work. She tried to get her old employer to take her back, and
applied for cleaning in several banks, but could not get work any
where. Wherever she inquired she was asked, “ Why did you
leave your old employer?” Then, “If they won’t give you work
you can’t expect us to ” was the general refusal. She complained,
“ I’m too up in years though I can still work; you’re through if
you’re hurt; no one cares about having you.” She had been full of
energy before the accident. One doctor had said to her, “ There’s
nothing the matter with you but nerves.” She answered; “ If I were
a man jmu wouldn’t say this. I’d level you to the floor.” Three
years after the accident a welfare agency gave her work selling in a
store, at $4 a week, but she was laid off in three weeks. At the time
of the interview she was living in an old ladies’ home, having been
there most of the time since the end of the compensated period, as
she had no funds.
Case No. l!fl.—A 55-year-old American woman, with a sixthgrade education, was a widow living with one son, their combined
income being $42 a week. She had been a dishwasher in a restau
rant for four years before her marriage at 19. She remained at
home until she was left a widow at 37 with two sons to support.
Then she got a job in a restaurant kitchen, working from 8 to 5.
and then going home to get supper, to clean the house, and to make
most of the boys’ clothes. For 18 years she was a steady, hard
worker at this restaurant. Within that time the boys finished
school, and one married. Eight months before the accident she had
left the restaurant for a dishwashing job in a department store,
because of the better pay. She received a cash wage of $8 a week.
On the day of the injury, while at work in a basement kitchen,
she slipped on the wet floor, fell backward, striking on the right
hand and spine, and sustained a Colles fracture of the right wrist
and a sprain of the lumbar muscles of the back. She was com
pensated for a healing period of 685/7 weeks. Nine and a half
months after the accident the employer brought the case before the
commission, believing that compensation for temporary total dis
ability should cease and that she should try to establish a wage.
At that time she was unable to work and the attending doctor
reported, “ Wrist ankylosed and very painful, about 60 per cent
loss of function.” The doctor who made an examination for the
employer reported, “ Impossible to bend hand backward beyond a
straight line, and fingers could not be flexed completely to palm
* * *. I believe the permanent stiffness in the fingers is the
result of prolonged immobility and should recover in two or three
months, with massage and passive motion.” A third examination

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was made in the name of the commission, with the following report:
“ Complains she is extremely nervous and suffers constant pain in
hand and fingers * * *. Wrist mobility is somewhat limited,
flexion of fingers greatly limited, function of hand greatly impaired,
and unable to do work requiring constant use of same.” An X ray
at that time had shown “ impacted fracture of lower end of radius
with some anteroposterior thickening of lower end of radius.” The
question of -wage also was brought before the commission. The firm
had been paying compensation based on the cash wage of $8. It
was determined that the meals furnished were worth $9, and the
commission ordered compensation paid on the basis of a wage of
$17. At the end of the 68V7 weeks for which she was compensated
she was requested to furnish a statement showing the wage she was
then able to earn. Seven months later her attorney filed affidavits
of the injured woman and two neighbors to the effect that she had
made repeated efforts to secure employment, but that no one would
employ her. Finally the board she received at home was taken into
consideration as offsetting the board she received when working.
The housework which she was able to do was estimated as worth
$3 a week and her wage loss at $5 a week, which entitled her to
compensation of two-thirds of $5, or $3.33 a week. This amount
was still being paid at the date of the interview, 216i/2 weeks after
the accident. At that time she said the hand was still as stiff and
painful as just after the accident. She had been refused by at
least 10 employers to whom she had applied for work. “ Hain’t
anything else I can do because I’ve done kitchen work from a girl
up; I’m injured for life and can’t do anything about it.” Her
former employer said he had nothing for her, although he also said
she ought to go to work. She would “ just sit and worry,” she
said, “ and it gets on your nerves, especially when you’re used to
working. If there was a job anywhere you wouldn’t stay around
home for $3.33 a week and keep the fire up.” For eight months
after the accident her son did everything at home, and at the time
of the interview he still did the washing, cleaning, and sweeping
at night and on Sunday, and before he went to work did the more
difficult tasks like cutting cabbage and peeling potatoes. For a
long time after the accident neighbors came in and did the cooking,
but at the time of the interview the woman was doing her own cook
ing and a little dusting. She wore black all the time to save
washing. “ I was always wiry, not a lazy bone in my body. I get
nervous doing nothing. I wish there was some job for my left
hand. I can’t ask my son to stay single, and what can I do if he
gets married? The money does not even pay for my food and
clothes, and he does the supporting and most of the housework,
too.”

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CASES ILLUSTRATING IGNORANCE OF LEGAL RIGHTS

Regulations as complicated as those which have grown up regard
ing the compensation and medical treatment of industrial injury
sometimes require considerable understanding on the part of the
injured person if she is to secure the benefits intended under the law.
A clear estimate of the temporary total disability period, of the
extent of permanent disability, of the part which medical or surgical
treatment might play in reducing impairment, of what constitutes a
compensable fatal accident, are but a few points in regard to which
the injured person or the claimant often is almost totally ignorant.
Some persons are protected by knowing what steps they must take
in regard to each problem, many are protected even though they are
ignorant of the routine, and others employ lawyers because they feel
helpless to meet the situation. The treatment of injuries and the
payment of compensation should proceed irrespective of the injured
person’s knowledge of the compensation act; nor should there have
to be recourse on his part to law, since disputed points usually are
of a medical rather than of a legal nature. If compensation commis
sions are to insure adequate enforcement of the provisions of work
men’s compensation laws, each must eventually create a division the
function of which shall be personal follow-up work on compensation
cases.
Case No. 148.—An 18-year-old American girl with a sixth-grade
education, was living with her father, mother, and 10 brothers and
sisters. Her father, one brother, and herself were working, earning
together $45.40 a week. She had begun work at 15 as a knitter in a
hosiery mill for three months, at $8 a week; had taken from a saw
in a box factory for1 one year and three months, at $11.50; had been
a salesgirl in a 5-and-10-cent store for seven months, at $10; and
then, a week and a half before the accident, had got a job in a food
factory, putting cookies on trays, at $12.90 a week. When leaving
the factory one day she fell on the cement steps, striking her back
above the left hip. The back was bruised and sprained. She con
tinued to work for two days and then stopped because of the lame
ness and pain and was at home in bed continuously for three months.
During this time the company doctor attended her. When the three
months had expired a representative of the insurance company
called with a settlement, for her to sign, which estimated the healing
period at five weeks and five days. He said that if she refused to sign
she would get nothing. She settled on that basis. Her job had
involved lifting of the trays which she had filled, and after the acci
dent her back was not strong enough for lifting. Her employer had
promised her easier work, but when she applied at the end of the
three months he told her he had nothing for her. She returned to

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retail selling at $9 a week but stopped after three months, as she
found the lifting of goods trying. At the time of the interview she
had not again returned to industry. She still felt pain in the back if
she did any lifting or bending or if she stood for very long. She
continued to live at home with her parents. Her mother was taking
in washing, and she assisted in that and in the other work, but did
no washing on the board nor heavy lifting.
Case No. 1J/J.—A foreign-born woman of 23, who was literate in
Polish and English, was married and living with her husband and
baby. She and her husband were earning, their combined income
being $40 a week. She had begun work when 15 as a power sewingmachine operator on silk waists, at $12 and $13 a week, and had
worked steadily there until her marriage seven years later. Then
she had remained at home a year and a half, during which time their
child had been born. Her husband, a longshoreman, had had irregu
lar earnings, averaging $15 a week, so when the baby was four
months old she employed a woman to care for it and returned to
her former work. Beginning at $16 she had advanced to $25 a week
in one and a half months. She was doing ruffling on fine material,
and it was necessary in operating to have her fingers close to the
needle. On the day of the injury the right middle finger was pierced
by the needle, and the needle broke off, a piece being left in the finger.
The company doctor to whom she went said that nothing serious
was the matter, but she was in great pain, had dizzy spells, and was
unable to eat. Some time later an X ray was taken, showing a
piece of needle in the bone. This was removed and the bone was
scraped several times. A healing period of eight weeks was allowed.
Medical bills were paid, and the permanent disability was rated as
complete loss of use of the middle finger at the distal joint. At
the time of the interview both the distal and middle joints of the
finger were stiff. Compensation was paid for 21% weeks in all.
When first she went to the insurance company they asked her to
sign a paper but did not explain the reason. She supposed that
the company merely wyanted to know her name. Later, when she
was given money to cover the permanent disability, she was told that
her signature had meant that she was satisfied. “ But I was not
satisfied; they made a fool of me.” In the interval before com
pensation vras paid she pawned her jewelry for the immediate needs
of the family. While she was disabled she paid the woman who
cared for the baby to do the housework also. She said that the
compensation no more than paid this woman’s wage. For a short
time after the compensated period she did a little home work, taken
from a factory. The work consisted of making a fold in a piece of
jiapei. Aside from that she had not again become an earner. At
the time of the interview she had three children and could not

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263

to work and do her own housework too, because the injured finger
kept her from working rapidly. Sewing was difficult, as she could
hardly wear a thimble. The injured finger was very painful at''
times.
Case No. 150.—An American woman of 24, with an eighth-grade
education, was single and living with her father and mother. She
had been delicate from childhood and had been kept much at home
and given the best medical care known to her parents. After leav
ing school she had done millinery work as an apprentice for a few
weeks, had done fancy work for sale, and had given a few music
lessons, always working at home, but until five months before the
accident she had never held a regular job. At that time she had
looked for work, not for economic reasons but in order to get ex
perience away from home and to see other people. She had become
a saleswoman in a retail store and in the five months’ period had
advanced from $10 to $14 a week. While she was sitting on a stool
at the store, the stool collapsed, throwing her forcibly to the floor.
Her back, hips, and legs were badly bruised. She was cared for at
home for three or four days and then taken to a hospital. Some
time before the accident she had had her appendix and ovaries re
moved. The attending physician stated that because of this opera
tion the accident was a more serious one than would otherwise have
been the case. After being taken to the hospital she was operated
on immediately, but her mother was not told the nature of the opera
tion. She did not rally from this operation and died in the hospital
seven weeks after the accident. A healing period of three weeks
was recognized and compensation was paid only for that period.
Her parents had made no inquiries to determine whether there was
any possibility of connection between the injury and their daughter’s
death.
Case 151.—An American woman of 21, with a sixth-grade educa
tion, was married and had one child. She and her husband were
working, their combined income being $58 a week. She had learned
dressmaking at night school, and her first earnings had come from
sewing in private homes. When 14, desiring steadier work, she had
begun operating a foot punch press on metal goods, at $10 a week.
After one week she had been transferred to a power punch press,
and for a period of seven years she had continued fairly steadily at
this job, advancing from $15 to $22 a week. Then the family had
moved, and three weeks before the accident she had begun the same
work in another factory, at $18 a week. On the day of the injury
the press repeated, and about one-third of the distal phalanx of the
middle and of the ring finger was amputated. She was disabled from
work for three months, and during that time she paid her mother-in

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law to do her housework. The healing period allowed was six and
two-thirds weeks. She stated that the insurance company had made
±o offer to pay compensation for the permanent disability, but that
a friend of hers who worked in the commission office had explained
that she was entitled to such compensation, and the matter had been
brought to the commission. Medical bills were paid and compensa
tion was allowed for 12% weeks in all. On her return to work
she said she could have managed to work on the power punch press
but was afraid of it and felt safer to return to the foot press, on
which she had worked up to the time of the interview. The fingers
were tender and for a long time she had worked with tape on them,
which hindered her. For six months she had been unable to make*
more than $16 a week. Then her earnings had begun to increase and
after three years she was earning $25. She was disabled for sewing,
which at times had been a source of income to her. Also she was
unable to wash clothes, as she could not keep the fingers in water.
Case No. 152.—.A 35-year-old woman, born in Ireland and having
a seventh-grade education, was living with her husband and stepson,
fehe and her husband were working, their combined income being
$48 a week. She had begun work when 17 as a bunch-maker in a
cigai factoiy, at $i a week, remaining five years and advancing to
$9. Since then she had worked in a printing establishment for
six months, at $12, and as a domestic servant, at $6 and her board,
for over nine years. Then she had married a man with one child,5
had remained at home for a time, and one year before the accident
had returned to industry as a cigarette-machine feeder, advancing
in the 12 months from $12 to $18 a week. The machine was operated
by a team. The operator was talking to a third person and started
the machine while the worker was straightening a packet. Her
left index finger was caught and badly lacerated. The firm told
her to continue to come to the plant for the regular hours, and she
would be paid her $12 a week; otherwise she would get no compensa
tion. She “went and sat around” and was not asked to work,
but was so feverish, sick, and unstrung that after a week she could
not stand it any longer and left work and went to her own doctor.
A friend told her of compensation and she referred the case to the
State commission, which allowed a healing period of two weeks and
rated the permanent disability as 20 per cent loss of use of the
index finger. Some medical bills were paid, but she paid for five
visits to her own doctor at $1 each. Compensation was allowed for
eight weeks and one day in all. After the two weeks she returned
to her former employer but was refused a job, she said, because
she “ had heard of compensation; the girls hurt there are always
told not to lose any time; none of them know about compensation.”

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A friend who had worked at the same place seven years confirmed
this statement. The injured woman knew of no available work. She
was disabled for cigar-factory work and printing-shop jobs. Nearly
three years after the accident she got work al packer for a gro
cery company, but the pay was only $12 and at that she was
so slow that she was laid off in three months. She had not again
attempted to earn. Since the accident she had paid some one to
do her washing, and she was hampered in many small ways for her
housework.
Case No. 153.—A 25-year-old American worker, with a seventhgrade education, was single and supporting only herself, paying $5
a week board to a married sister. Beginning at 13 she had done
pasting in a leather-goods plant for two years. Later she had packed
cigarettes for six years, and three weeks before the accident she had
found work as an operator of a press making collapsible tubes. Her
pay had increased from $14 to $20 a week in the eight years she had
worked. Her guaranteed minimum at the time of the accident was
$12 a week, and it was possible for a fast worker to make $20. A
few made 100 gross of tubes a day and the others had to try to keep
pace with them. She had done only 70 gross the day before the
accident, as the needle on her machine was bad. She had spoken to
the die setter about it, and he had said he would see to it in the
morning. The next morning he did not show up. She was “ running
them through,” that is, without the guard which, if attached, must
be pressed by the hand with each operation and is used only by
beginners, as it slows the work. The tubes stuck. “ They always stick
when the needle is bad,” she said. It took her a little longer to get
one tube off, and the right middle finger was caught and smashed.
The insurance doctor whom she saw first wanted to take it off, but
she refused. He wrapped it up dry and told her to come back in
two days. She was “scarcely able to get home.” The finger was
crooked, dry, and hot. She went to her own doctor for treatment
thereafter. The foreman kept sending for her to come back to work.
She wanted to return, as compensation had been estimated on the basis
of the minimum guarantee of $12, and she had had to depend a good
deal for financial assistance, as well as for nursing care upon her
sister. She returned to work after nine and a half weeks, although
the finger and hand were still sore. At about this time the insur
ance doctor went to see her. She reported the following conversa
tion: Brother-in-law, “What does she get for the finger?” Doctor,
“ Get ? That’s only a scratch; she doesn’t get a cent.” Brother-in
law, “ The finger is no good to her.” Doctor, “ Will you step out
of the room? My business is with this girl.” Brother-in-law, “ You
tell me to get out of my own house—maybe you’ll step out of that
43094°—27------ 18

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front door.” Doctor, “Well, I’ll bet you $500 to $5 she won’t get a
cent.” The girl knew of the local office of the commission and applied
there for an adjustment of the claim. The permanent injury was
rated as total loss o? use of the middle finger at the distal joint.
Medical bills were paid, and compensation was allowed for 22 weeks
in all. On her return to work she was put on the same press and the
wound was “ all open in a few hours.” She went to her own doctor,
who told her she must stay off the press for two months. She was
then given a job of putting corks in'caps, easy work on a light ma
chine. The wage was $12 a week. However, in a week she tried the
press again and continued to operate it for 16 months, making as
much as $22 a week. She then had a second accident, which occurred
in the same manner as the first and which smashed the same finger.
She was out of work two months. The insurance doctor claimed that
she was able to return sooner, but the hand was too sore. She refused
to go back to the press again as she felt disabled for operating it,
because of the mental shock as well as the physical disability. “ How
we used to cry when another girl lost a finger!” she exclaimed. She
had liked press work before and would not have operated the machine
for putting corks in caps, as it was “ child’s play,” but she became
afraid of even that. She was made a general helper, doing various
kinds of handwork at $15 a week. After four months she married.
At the time of the interview the finger was still sore and hurt when
knocked against anything, but it did not prevent her from doing her
housework. She had not returned to industry.
Case No. Idly.—A 15-year-old American negro girl, with a sixthgrade education, was single and living with her parents and two
brothers and sisters. Her mother worked, earning $16 a week.
Her father had had a bad accident about 10 months before (ankle
fractured), which had made it impossible for him to get his job
back. He worked wherever he could, averaging $13 a week. The
combined income of the three came to $41.10 a week. Beginning at
14, this girl had been a domestic servant for nine months, at $7 a
week, and then had changed to factory work, operating a foot punch
press on metal novelties. After four months’ experience she had ad
vanced from $10 to $12.10 a week. One day, while operating, her
right index finger was caught under the die, and a compound frac
ture resulted. She was only 15 and was new at machinery. “ You’re
awkward when you don’t understand,” she said. The hand was in
a sling for five weeks. At first only medical bills were paid. Not
knowing that she could make a claim for further disability herself,
she took the advice of a friend in a lawyer’s office and employed the
lawyer to look into her case, agreeing to pay him out of the compen
sation money. The healing period was set at five weeks, and the

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267

permanent injury was rated as 20 per cent loss of use of the index
finger. Compensation was paid for 10 weeks and 4 days in all. The
lawyer took one-fourth of the total amount. At the end of the heal
ing period she was able to work, but the hand was sore and swollen
and she could not go back to the punch press. She tried everywhere
but it was 10 weeks before she found an opening, operating an ele
vator in a store at $11 a week. At the time of the interview the index
finger was stiff at the distal and middle joints. Having married
soon after securing work as an elevator operator, she had left that
job and had not since returned to industry.
SUMMARY OF THREE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FIVE
INTERVIEWS

In addition to the 154 cases of permanent disability which have
already been presented are 231 not published in this report as they
would add no new point to the discussion. There follows a brief
summary of certain information regarding the 385 cases, relating
to the adjustments made by the injured women.
Personal.
Of the 385 cases, 325 were native-born women, 24 of that number
being negroes. Of the native born, 47 had had some high-school edu
cation, 71 had completed the eighth grade, and 167 had had some
other grade-school education. Four had never been to school. Of
the 60 foreign women, 53 were able to speak English; 34 of the total
could read and write English; 1 could read English but could not
write; 3 could read and write their own language only; 2 could read
their own language but could not write it; and 3 could not read nor
write any language.
Economic.
In a considerable number of cases (182) the woman was respon
sible for the support of other persons as well as herself. In 29
instances she was the sole support of one or more children; in 13,
of one or both parents; in 6, of a husband or sister. In 59 cases
she contributed to the support of children, and in 75 to the support
of parents. Of the remaining group, 128 belonged to households
having several earners and may have had responsibility for others as
well as themselves, and 71 supported only themselves.
Vocational training.
Seventeen of the women had had some vocational training. Of
these, 10 had taken courses in stenography and typewriting or book
keeping, 4 had studied in teachers’ training courses, 1 had learned
dressmaking, 1 had learned comptometer operating, and 1 had
studied and taught piano playing.

268

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Experience in accident occupation.
There were 137 women who, at the time of the injury, had worked
less than 6 months at their occupation. Of these, 10 were injured
on their first day; 13 had had one day but less than one week of
experience; 5 had had one week but less than two weeks; 28, two weeks
but less than a month; and 81, one month but less than six months.
Physical rehabilitation.
In 52 cases some rehabilitation service was indicated. Six of the
women were fitted wTith prosthetic appliances (eye glasses in 2 cases,
leg braces in 2, and artificial arms in 2). Fourteen had been reha
bilitative-surgery cases, and 32 had received electrical treatment,
massage, baking, or special exercise.
Industrial rehabilitation.
There were 47 women who had not returned to work after the
accident. Of these, 40 were disabled for all available work and 7
remained away for reasons not connected with the accident. In
addition, 6 women had returned to industry but after a short attempt
found themselves disabled for all available work. Of the 40 dis
abled for industry who never returned to work, in 5 cases the dis
ability w7as major (50 per cent or more of permanent total impair
ment), in 5 cases it was less serious (25 per cent but less than 50
per cent of permanent total impairment), in 23 cases it was minor
(less than 25 per cent of permanent total impairment), and in 7
cases the impairment was such as not to allow of the assignment of
a per cent of disability.
Including the 6 who were able to remain only a short time, 338
women returned to industry after the accident. A large number of
these (269) had returned to their former employer, but 11 had been
laid off within one month and 9 more within six months. An addi
tional 43 after an attempt to work had quit on account of their
disability. In the case of 14 of the 69 women who had found work
with a different employer, there had been no opening with the former
employer.
An analysis of the information regarding the ability of the 338
injured women to perform preaccident work reveals that there
were 166 women who, when able to work, had returned at once to
their preaccident occupation, and 21 who had returned to it after
an interim at less skilled work. A considerable number (151)
were quite disabled for their former work, and 6 who made an
attempt to perform it had found it impossible to continue. Of the
151 who were disabled for their former job, 7 had turned to domestic
service and 63 from machine operating to handwork for all jobs

SUMMARY OP INTERVIEWS

269

since the accident. Three women had found it impossible to work
otherwise than irregularly after the accident, on account of the dis
ability.
Of the 338 who returned to industry, 95 never equaled their
former wage, 82 received the same wage, and 161 reported higher
earnings than before.

APPENDIXES
APPENDIX A------ GENERAL TABLES
APPENDIX B------ SCHEDULE FORMS

APPENDIX A
GENERAL TABLES
Table l—Extent

of disability according to Stale classification, by nature and location of injury and by State
A. NUMBER
New Jersey

All cases............................

Permanent disability
cases

Permanent disability
cases
Tem
porary All Fatal
All Fatal
disa
Diswomen cases
Disbility women cases
All mem Loss
All mem Loss
of Other cases
of Other
classes berclasses beruse
ment
ment use
3

313

146

155

761

21, 544

132

107

3 642

547

1
1

69
6

25
3

41
3

208
40

431
71

53
7

45
4

6
3

378
63

188
34

1
5

18
3

9
3

169
26

3
4

10
275

51
481

51
452

8
232

8
208

107

1
29

Amputation (traumatic)...............

108

Fingers, thumb.............

Wrist..................................1___
Knee_____________________
Ankle............................
Other..........................................

Tem
porary
All Fatal
disa
disa
Diswomen
cases
bility
bility
All mem Loss
cases
of Other cases
classes berment use

278
47
13
362

Shoulder. ..................................

Permanent disability
cases

Tern-

U,077

Bruise, contusion, crush_____
Burn, scald, crush and burn...
Concussion (other than dismem
berment and loss of use)...
Cut, laceration, puncture...

Dislocation...........................

Wisconsin

—

..........

.....

17
5
........ i

3
87

—

2
..........

.......... ............ ..........
......

3 ::::::

........ i"

*4
1
::::::

......

107

......

►

1
34

5
...... ....... _____
3 — ............ .......... .......... ..........
2

::::::

* 1,406

....... 3"
11 :::::: ........ r

......

5
2
1
3 ............ .......... ............ .......... .......... ..........
2
1
::::::
:::::: -----1
........ 3'
1
..........
.......... ............
..........
10

5
5
5
2
1
1
1

IN D U S T R IA L A C C ID EN TS TO W O M E N

Nature and location of injury

Ohio

4i * * 4

101

..........

138

1
7
2
11
6

7
1
8
5
1
31

3
31
8
23
3
3
55

187

34
5
19
6
31
7
16
47
22

10
3
1
2
18
3
5
19
4

128

113

188

19
3
5
4
24
3
15
39
16

17
3
4
4
21
2
12
35
15

34
5
19
6
31
7
16
47
23

■

3
1
3
4
1

1 |..........

i Excludes 19 cases not reporting nature of injury.
J Excludes 1 case not reporting nature of injury.
* Excludes 2 cases not reporting nature of injury.
4 Four cases in which the original injury was an amputation but the most serious final disability was loss of use of member.

1
1

6
1
5
5
1
23

GENERAL TABLES

126

3
31
8
34
3
3
56

1
8
2
22
6

to
CO

Table I.

Extent of disability according to State classification, by nature and location of injury and by States-Continued

B. PER CENT

rfs.

New Jersey

Ohio

Permanent disability cases

Nature and location of injury

All cases..... ..................

rary
Disdis
All
mem Loss Other ability
classes ber- of use
cases
ment

0.3

29.1

13.6

14.4

1.1

70.7

.4
2. 1

24.8
12.8
23.1

9.0
6.4

14.7
6.4

1.1
23.1

74.8
85.1
76.9

Cut, laceration, puncture

24.0

5.8

17.1

1.1

76.0

Amputation (traumatic)..........

90.7

87.0

3.7

Burn, scald, crush and burn
Concussion (other than dismember-

Fatal
cases

0.4

----.4

9.3

DisAll
mem Loss
classes ber- of use
ment

Permanent disability cases

Tempo
rary
dis
Other ability
cases

Fatal
cases

8.5

6.9

1.3

0.3

91.1

0.9

VI.
6
9.9

10.4
5.6

1.4
4.2

87.7
88.7
100.0

.5
14.7

5.6

3.3

2.1

29.0

Tempo
rary
Disdis
All mem Loss
ability
classes ber- of use Other cases
ment
13.9
aT
8.8

............

17.6

11.8

5.9

82.4

— ............
4.0

4.0

20.0
20.0
80.0 ]
Elbow_____
............ — ______ _____
100.0
Wrist........ ..... ......................
............
1
— — ............ ............
Hip...........................IIIIIIIIIIIII.........
.......
Knee............................ ............................. ............ ”50."6' ............ ”50."6" ........ - "W -.......... -..........
............ ............ —
............ ”33.T — — — 100.0 ........ 1______
66.7
9.1
9. 1 ...........
—
Fracture..............
24.8
24.8
8.0
7.2
7o.2
.7
100. 0 !
Humerus_________ _____ _____ __
"12.5"
.
Ulna, radius, or both______
87.5 — — ....... ............ ............ -..........
— 12.5 ^ —
........ .
Hand____
100.0
50.0 |
"29.T
fingers, thumb................................... i
50.0
50.0
2.9
............
............ 100.0 ............ 32.4
Tibia, fibula, or both.........
______
1
Foot___________ ______
............I
..........- ............
1.8
1
Other........................... .................... i
79.6
21.0 1............| 21.0
.......
....... ....... ............ ............

6.5

0.8

85.2

4.8
8.8

89.9
76.5
100.0

7.3

1.7

89.7

94.0

10.3

1.3

71.0

85.7

71.0

100.0
85.3

Arm____________
Dislocation..............

6.5
4.3

........ .

14.3
............

96.0

14.7
100.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
............
100.0 ............ ........
’’"loo.’o
100.0
______i____
------- ............
!
""
100.0
1
100.0
90.9
91.3

22.6

1.9

20.8

100.0
’"14.T ............
100.0 — "li.y
100.0
67.6 ::::::: 37.5" ""i2."ir ”25."6’ ............
100.0
98.2

............
....... .......
*’25.~§" ::::::: .......
"~25.8~ —

______

77.4

8o.~7
100.0
62.5
100.0
100. 0
74.2

IN D U ST R IA L , A C C ID E N T S TO W O M E N

Fatal
cases

Wisconsin

4
aln, strain................... ........................

11.7

10.5

other................................................ .........

20.0

12.5
33.3
20.0
10.3
6.3

12.5
33.3
20.0
10.3
6.3
13.0

13.0

4.3

.5 L_—.............................................-

89.5
100.0
SO.O
100.0
87.5
66.7
80.0
89.7
93.8

4.3

65.2

1.9

................... ...........

______ ___
....................
...................... .
________ ___
.............
_______ ____
__ _____i____
i.......................................................
3.8 ............

1.9

............ ............................|............

100.0

100.0 -................ ...... ....... !-------

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

99-5
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0

100.0
95.7

..... ....... ....................
.............. ..................
....................... -....... .
..... .............................
.............. ...... ........... .
......... ............. ...........
_________
____ -.....
........................
. ..................
—■

94.2 I............

9.1 ............

9.1

100.0

90.0

general tables

20.0

30.4

88.3

276

INDUSTBIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Table II.—Length of healing period, by extent of disability and cause

accident
A. NUMBER
Permanent disability cases having a
healing period of—

Cause of accident

All per
manent
All
disa
women bility Under
2
cases
weeks

All causes.............................. ....................... 1 3, 249

2 and
under
4
weeks

4 and
under
12
weeks

12 and
under
52
weeks

168

377

143

797

114

In hards of injured worker.................. .......
In hands of fellow worker............................

104
10

Handling of objects................................................

487

Share or rough objects..................................
Hand trucks, wheelbarrows.....................

198
259
30

24
34
2

4 .
1

Hand tools................................................

Falling objects........................................... ..........

54
12

11
1

Stepping on or striking against objects.............

136

Stepping on objects..................... .................

22
114

684

292
358
24
10

32
43
3

2
2

Other......................................

Falls of persons........................................
From elevations........... ............................ .
On level.............................. .
Into excavations................ ...........................
Other.................................. ..................

1
2

Explosions, electricity, and hot substances...

110

Explosions................... ............ .......................
Electricity................................

21
4
85

4
2
3

14
19
4

1
4

Vehicles......................................... .
Steam and electric railways.........................
Auto and other power___________
Other.................................
Poisonous and corrosive substances and occupational diseases................................................

52
weeks
and
over

5
2

0
10

13
24

1
1

1,510

590

142

305

Elevators...... ............
Power-transmission apparatus..................
Power-working machines____ ____ _____

22
78
1,380

7
26
547

1
3
59

1
8
132

2
12
284

2
2
69

Chemical products..................................
Clay and glass........ ................................
Food products.....................

5
32
96
58
63
608
109
63
36
249
59

15
41
24
20
305
41
16
9
52
21

7
16

6
3
9

4
4

Machines other than power-working
Conveyors..........................
Prime movers...........................................

253

1
9

Miscellaneous causes......................................

Machinery__________ _____

Metal-working____________ _____
Paper____________________
Printing and bookbinding
Rubber, celluloid, and composition..
Textile..................................
Wood-working...................
Miscellaneous.. .........................

1 Excludes 15 fatal cases and 21 cases not reporting complete data.

2
1

8
3

277

GENERAL TABLES

Table II.—Length of healing period, by extent of disability and cause of
accident—Continued
A. NUMBER—Continued

Cause of accident

Temporary disability cases having a healing
period of—
All
tempo
rary
4 and
12 and
52
disa
2 and
weeks
under
bility
Under under 4 under
and
52
12
2
weeks
cases
weeks
weeks
weeks
over
543

2,452

All causes--------------------------- --------------

1,111

694

100
3

87
10

34
4

41
3

9
3

Handling of objects...... ..............................................

427

101

201

108

32
65
4

79
107
15

53
49
6

9
4
3

Sharp or rough objects---------------------- -----Hand trucks, wheelbarrows--------- ------------

174
225
28

Falling objects.........................................-................ -

From elevations............................. -................1

43
11

8
2

21
5

11
3

2
1

Stepping on or striking against objects................

126

22
104

6
27

12
51

4
25

606

219

241

26C
315
21
10

35
49
3
2

101
107
9
2

98
130
7
6

26
29
2

101

17
2
82

2
1
12

10
44

5
1
24

13
15
4

1
3
1

6 1
6
2

10
4
5
1

40 1

920

236

15
52 1
833

Falls of persons............................................................

Explosions, electricity, and hot substances..........
i

•

Vehicles........ ....................................... .....................

Poisonous and corrosive substances and occupa-

Power-working machines-----------------------.

Rubber, celluloid, and composition. ...

j
Miscellaneous causes_________ _____ ________

1
1

447

224

2
15
217

5
21
412

7
15
195

1
1
9

2
17
55
34
43
303
68
47

1
6
20
9
13
72
15
12
50
11

1
13
10
13
76
14
7
7
48
6

4
1
1

197
38
2

1
10
22
15
17
151
38
27
12
98
It
2

2
6

2
16
2
11

.
2

7
2

1
2

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

278

Table II.—Length of healing period, by extent
accident—Continued

disability and cause

B. PER CENT
Permanent disability cases having a
healing period of—

Cause of accident

All causes..
Hand tools___
In hands of injured worker..
In hands of fellow worker...
Handling of objects.

Heavy objects...... ...................
Sharp or rough objects_______
Hand trucks, wheelbarrows____
Falling objects.
From elevations..
Other_______
Stepping on or striking against objects____
Stepping on objects....................
Striking against objects...... .........
Falls of persons.............................
From elevations..
On level______
Into excavations .
Other............ .

All per
manen
All
disa
women bility Under
2
cases
weeks

2 and
under
4
weeks

4 and
under
12
weeks

12 and

100.0

under
52
weeks

62
weeks
and
over

100.0

3.5

2.1

4.7

1.2

2.1

2.1 1..............

3.2
.3

2.1

4.7

1.2

2.1

15.0

7.5

10.6

4.8

7.2

9.1

12.5

G.l
8.0
.9

3.0
4.3
.3

3.5
7.1

1.8
2.4
.6

2.7
4.5

4.9
4.2

4.2
4.2

2.0

1.5

3.0

1.3

4.2

1.7
.4

1.4
.1

2.4
.6

1.3

4.2

1.3

2.8

4.2

2.4

100.0

.7
3.5

1.3

2.4

2.8

4.2

21.1

9.8

4.7

4.2

4.8

26.6

45.8

9.0
11.0
.7
.3

4.0
5.4
.4

2.4
2.4

3.0
1.2

1.6
2.7
.5

9.1
16.8
.7

25.0
20.8

Explosions, electricity, and hot substances..

3.4

1.1

2.4

1.4

12.5

Explosions.......
Electricity___
not substances..
Vehicles..
Steam and electric railways.
Auto and other power____
Other__________

.6
.1
2.6

.5
.3
.4

2.4
.3
.3

.7
.7

4.2

1.1

1.2

.4
.6
.1

.1
.5

1.2

.3
.5

Poisonous and corrosive substances and oc
cupational diseases_____ _______ ______ _

Machinery..
Elevators___ ___ _______
Power-transmission apparatus..
Power-working machines____
Chemical products....................
Clay and glass.____ _______
Food products___________
Laundry....... ................... I__
Leather-working____ _______
Metal-working_________
„
Paper_____ _______
Printing and bookbinding
Rubber, celluloid, and composition..
Textile__ _______ ___ ____
Wood-working........ ......
Miscellaneous..__ _____
Machines other than power-working
Conveyors.................................
Prime movers____ _______
Miscellaneous causes.

8.5

2.8

1.8

2.4

1.6

2.8

40.5

74.0

74.1

84.5

80.9

52.4

20.8

.7
2.4
42.5

.9
3.3
68.6

1.2
3.5
69.4

.6
4.8
78.6

.5
3.2
75.3

1.4
1.4
48.3

4.2
4.2
12.5

.2
1.0
3.0
1.8
1.9
18.7
3.4
1.9
1.1
7.7
1.8
.1

.4
1.9
5.1
3.0
2.5
38.3
5.1
2.0
1.1
6.5
2.6

.1
.8
.1

.1
1.1

5.9
47.1
2.4
1.2
9.4
3.5

.5
2.1
4.5

.7'

4.2
9.5
1.2
5.4
40.5
5.4
3.6
1.8
5.4
1.8

2.7
45.4
6.4
1.1
1.1
5.8
3.2

2.1
7 0
.7
18.2
4.2
3.5
1. 4
9.1
1.4

.3
1.6

1. 4
1.4

8.3

4.2

279

GENERAL TABLES

Tabi.e II.—Length of healing period, by extent of disability and cause of
accident—Continued
B. PER CENT—Continued

Cause of accident

Temporary disability cases having a healing
period of—
All
tempo
rary
disa
4 and
12 and
52
2 and
bility
Under under
under
weeks
4 under
2
weeks
12
cases
52
and
weeks
weeks
weeks
over

All causes...........................................................

100.0

Hand tools.......... ........................................................

4. 0

7. 0

4.0

1 7

3.0

In hands of injured worker...............................
In hands of fellow worker

3.5
.4

6.3
.7

3.7
.3

1.3
.4

3.0

Handling of objects.................................................. ..

17.4

18.6

18.1

15.6

16.0

25.0

Heavy objects__________ ______ __________
Sharp or rough objects........................ ...............
Hand trucks, wheelbarrows......................... .

7.1
9.2
1.1

5.9
12.0
.7

7.1
9.6
1.4

7.6
7.1
.9

9.0
4. 0
3.0

25. 0

Falling objects_____ ________________________

2.2

1.8

2.3

2.0

3.0

25.0

From elevations.............................................. .
Other______ _____________________

1.8
.4

1.5
.4

1.9
.5

1.6
.4

2.0
1.0

25. 0

4.2

1.0

Stepping on or striking against objects............

5.1

6.1

5.7

Stepping on objects________________
Striking against objects ......................................

.9
4.2

1.1
5.0

1.1
4.6

3.6

1.0

Falls of persons............. ............................................

24.7

16.4

19.7

34.7

57.0

From elevations............................................... .
On level..............................................................
Into excavations_________ _____ __________
Other.......... .......................................... ................

10.6
12.8
.9
.4

6.4
9.0

9. 1
9.6

14. 1
18.7

26. 0
29. 0
2.0

4.1

2.8

4.9

4.3

Explosions, electricity, and hot substances
Explosions................................................
Electricity ________ ___________

100.0

2.0

.7
.l

Vehicles.........................................................................

1.3

1.4

2.0

25.0

Steam and electric railways.............................
Auto and other power..................... .
Other____ _______________ ____

.5
.6
.2

.5
.5

1.0
1.0

25. 0

25.0

Poisonous and corrosive substances and occupational diseases........................ ...........
.
..

3.2

2.6

3.6

3.0

2.0

37. 6

43.5

40.2

32.3

13.0

.6
2. 1
34. 0

.4
2.8
40. 0

.5
1.9

1. 0
2.2
28. 1

1. 0
1. 0
9.0

Chemical products............ .......................
Clay and glass................................... ...........
Food products...............................................
Laundry____ ___ ____ ______________
Leather-working_______
Metal-working....... ........................... .........
Paper________________________
Printing and bookbinding............. ...........
Rubber, celluloid, and composition____
Textile______________ _____
Wood-working..............................................
Miscellaneous_________

.1
.7
2.2
1.4
1.8
12.4
2.8
1.9
1.1
8.0
1.5
.1

.2
1.1
3.7
1.7
2. 4
13.3
2.8
2.2
1.5
9.2
2.0

.1
.9
2.0
1.4
1. 5
13.6
3.4
2.4
1.1
8.8
1.7
.2

1.9
1.4
1. 9
11.0
2.0
1.0
1.0
6.9
.9

4.0
1.0
1. 0

Machines other than power-working....... ......
Conveyors........................................
Prime movers............................ ...

.1
.7
.1

Machinery ..............................................
Elevators........................................................... .
Power-transmission apparatus___
Power-working machines.............................

Miscellaneous causes.......... ................

1. 0
2.0

.3
.2

2.0
1.0

280

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN
Table III.—Length of healing period, by extent
Permanent disability cases
Length of healing period

All cases
Nature and loca
tion of injury

All classes
Under 2
weeks
Num

2 and
under
4 weeks

4 and
under
12 weeks

Per Num Per Num Per Num Per Num Per
cent her cent her cent ber cent ber cent

12 and
under
52 weeks

52 weeks
and over

Per
ber 1 cent

ber

cent

1
All cases____ *3, 24* 100.
Bruise, contusion,
crush.
Burn, scald, crush
and burn.
Concussion (other
than dismember
ment and loss of
use).
Cut, laceration,
puncture.
Amputation (trau
matic).
Arm____ ________
Fingers, thumb___
Dislocation...............
Shoulder..
Elbow___
Wrist___
Hip.......... .
Knee____
Ankle___
Other........
Fracture.
Humerus___
Ulna, radius or
both.
Hand...........
__
Fingers, thumb___
Tibia, fibula, or
both.
Foot................ .........
Other
Sprain, strain.
Back____
Hernia__
Shoulder..
Elbow___
Wrist____
Hip.......... .
Knee....... .
Ankle.......
Other........
All other..

89-3 27.

144 4.4
71 2.2
1,073 33.1
249

7.7

1
248
47

1.4

12
5
3
3
3
7
14
291

79S 100.0

86 100.

18C 22.5

19 22.

2.6

3.3

16*uco.c
4

24.4 1

14C 100. <

93 24.6

24 16.

1.2
5

5.8

4.2

1.3
6

190 23.8

29 33.7

27 16.1

96 25.4

29 33.7

77 45.8

128 33.9

1
246

128

1.0

0.6

1.3
—

24
12.5

8.4

1.6

247 30.9

8.3

3 12.5

34 • 23.8
13

4 16.6

9.1

1.4
i

1
9.0

9.3

2.3

2
2.4

1
7.4

31 21.7

9 37.5

4
46
11
64
14

4
148

8
|

i
1

380 11.7
63
11
25
12
73
13
36
105
42
95

4.8

1
1

2
7
4
8
2.9

1
1
1.9

2.3

3.0

111 2.9

1
1

11.9

1
1

2.4

5
e|

3 12.5

1
1

^Excludes 15 fatal cases and 26 cases not reporting complete data.

378 100. C

Uo.o

1.6

3.5

281

GENERAL TABLES
of disability and, nature and location of injury
Temporary disability cases
Length ol healing period
All classes

2 and under
4 weeks

Under 2 weeks

Number

Per
cent

Number

4 and under
12 weeks

Per
cent

12 and under
52 weeks

Per
cent

Number

Per
cent

52 weeks and
over
Number

Per
cent

2,445

100.0

540

100.0

1,107

100.0

689

100.0

714

29.2

182

33.3

325

29.4

186

27.0

19.2

50.0

123

5.0

3.7

6.1

4.8

2.0

1.8

1.9

2.5

7.1

883

36.1

428

38.7

191

27.7

14.1

1.6

250

45.8

2
39

1
1.6

10
5
2
3
2
7
10
217

8.9

4
1

1
2

2
5

8
2

11
30
14

1
3
1

342

1.5

1
14.0

50
11
21
12
67
11
29
101
34

12.1

1
2
3
3
5.1

122

17.7

5
12
7

2
71

149

3. 0______

5
15

11
4
27
6
14
47
14

43094°—27----- 19

5
4
21

2.9

2.0

2
5

2
23

4
20
5
3.3

18
3
4
2
2

4
37

4
117

13.5

104

•
15.1

21
8
4
4
15
4
9
29
10
3.6

30.3

2
15
22

22.2

2
2
1

1
.

25.0

4
1
2
5
5
3.0

2.0

25.0

IV.

Degree of disability, according to State classification, in terms of estimated weeks lost in ■permanent disability cases and of length
of healing period in temporary disability ccses, by State
Fatal cases

State

Number
of
women

' Average
Number
per case

3,285

15,000

1,000

1,096
1, 545
644

3,000

1,000

Dismemberment
Number
of
women

315

Impairment

Estimated weeks
lost

Other

Estimated weeks
lost

Number
of cases
Number

Average
per case

295

26,858

91.0

146
107

13,008
9,950
3,900

89.1
92.9

Number
of cases

Estimated weeks
lost
of cases

Number

Average
per case

220

22,237

101.1

3,622

172.5

157
21
42

14,224
3,925
4,088

90. 6
186.9
97.3

12
4
5

2,215
870
537

184.6
217.5
107.4

Number

Average
per case

Temporary disability cases
Temporary total
State

Number
of
women Number
of cases

2 and
under 3
weeks

All States___ _________

Length of healing
period

Length of healing period

Under 2
weeks

New Jersey____ ____ ______
Ohio____________
W isconsin____________

Temporary partial

3 weeks
and over

Time
not re
ported

1,416
1,407
549

1,388
543

316
166

364

477
707

3
1

of cases

2 and
under 3
weeks

3 weeks
and over

19
6

1
2

18
4

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

New Jersey..............
Ohio_________
Wisconsin........................

of
women

Permanent disability cases

Estimated weeks
lost

Total

282

Table

GENERAL TABLES
Table

283

V.-—Length of healing period, by degree of disability and age of injured
Length of healing period

Degree of disability and age of
injured

All
8 and
6 and
women Under 2 and 4 and
4 under 6 under under
2 weeks under
12
weeks weeks 8 weeks
weeks

12 and 52 weeks
under
and
52
over
weeks

All cases—Number .................... 1 3,092
Per cent distribution............................
100.0

606
19.6

1,222
39.5

503
16.3

276
8.9

229
7.4

228
7.4

28
0.9

Under 20 years—Number. .............

851
ICO. 0
20 and under 40 years—Number
1,575
Per cent distribution............. 100.0
40 and under 00 years—Number
592
Per cent distribution............. . 100.0
00 years and over—Number...........
74
Per cent distribution........... 100.0

202
23. 7
308
19.6
' 91
15.4
5
6.8

384
45.1
617
39.2
203
34.3
18
24.3

112
13. 2
276
17.5
101
17.1
14
18.9

58
6 8
144
9.1
63
1C. 6
11
14.9

62
7 3
108
6.9
51
8.6
8
10.8

32
3.8
113
7.2
67
11.3
16
21.6

1
.l
9
.6
16
2.7
2
2.7

Permanent disability cases—Number. _____ _____________
Per cent distribution............

746
100.0

79
10.6

162
21.7

135
18.1

106
14.2

108
14.5

132
17.7

24
3.2

Per cent distribution___

12
100.0

1
8.3

8
66.7

3
25.0

1
4
2
1

1
1
1

20 and under 40 years

____

60 years and over .................

4
2

Per cent distribution___

46
100.0

1
2.2*

20 and under 40 years
40 and under 60 years. ..........

9
20
15
2

1
2.2

0
6.5

6
13.0

28
60.9

7
15.2

1
1
1

5
1

8
13
6
1

1
6

Minor 4—Number.
1**
...... ..............
Pei cent distribution___

636
100. 0

66
10.4

148
23.3

125
19.7

100
15.7

97
15.3

92
14.’5

8
1.3

Under 20 years.___________
20 and under 40 vears............
40 and under 60 years

195
338
88

18
38
10

59
76
11
2

34
67
22
2

30
52
15
3

38
48
10
1

15
54
17
6

1
3
3
1

100.0

13
25.0

9
17.3

3
5.8

4
7.7

6
11.5

10
27
14
1

6
5
2

3
6
4

]
6
2

3
1

2
2

3
3

2, 346
100. 0

527
22.5

1,060
45.2

368
15.7

170
7.2

121
5.2

96
4. 1

4
.2

636
1,185
471
54

178
265
79
5

322
535
187
16

77
203
77
11

27
89
47
7

24
52
38
7

8
40
40
8

1
3

No per cent assigned—Number..
Per cent distribution___
20 and under 40 years. ..........

Temporary disability cases—Number___________ _____ _
Per cent distribution
20 and under 40 years........ ...........
40 and under 60 years..... ..........
60 years and over............................

15
52

1 Excludes 15 fatal cases and 178 cases not reporting complete data.
1 50 per cent and more of permanent total incapacity.
•25 per cent and under 50 per cent of permanent total incapacity.
4 Under 25 per cent of permanent total incapacity.

284

Table VI.—Extent of disability, by location of injury
Permanent disability cases
All
women

Location of injury

3, 285
100.0

15
0.5

803
24.4

136
100.0

1
.7

37
27.2

59
2
1
4
10
27
1
4
1
1
5
2
4
15
412
100.0

Trunk not otherwise classified..................................

•0

Dis
member Ankylosis Impair
ment
ment

All
classes

76
120
35
16
9
13
12
2
16
11
102

404

277

Dis
figure
ment

Central
nervous
system

2,467
75.1

2, 457

98
72. 1

39
2
1
4
10
15
1
4
1
1
1
2
4
13

38
2
1
4
10
15
1
4
1
1
1
2
4
13

350
84.9

349

46
110
35
16
6
13
10
2
10
11
91

46
110
35
16
6
13
10
2
10
11
90

4
2

2
13
3.2

49
11.9

30
10

3
1

All
classes

Other

2 1..............

Tem
porary
total

Tem
porary
partial

INDTJSTBIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Skull.............................. ................................................

Fatal
cases

Temporary disability cases

403

1,567
69.9

1, 562

2
7
37
18
29
70
114
22
50
216
212
328
151
58
49
11
3
1
3
1
29
7
6
21
6
7
109

2
7
37
17
29
69
112
22
50
215
212
328
151
58
49
11
3
1
3
1
29
7
6
21
6
7
109

452
91.5

449

19
16
77
55
121
32
89
25
11
7

18
16
76
55
120
32
89
25
11
7

217

10
4

34
9

3
1

27
8

62
245
129
38
18
3
2

31
151
92
24
11
2
2

5
18
9
1
2
1

26
76
28
13
5

3
3
63
17
28
50
16
14
116

2
34
10
22
29
10
7
7

30
9
8
21
7
4
5

1
2

1
2
1
5
8
2
2
1

494
100. 0

42
8.5

27
16
91
56
137
33
90
25
12
7

14
1
16
1
1

9
1
1
1

1
1
2
1

GENERAL TABLES

2
7
47
18
33
70
148
31
50
216
275
573
280
96
67
14
5

C
O

2, 243
100.0

t—
C
n

1
1
1

1 Less than 0.05 per cent.

Table VII.—Medical aid furnished in cases of accident, by extent of disability and by State

Extent of disability

All cases..............
Fatal cases___________
Permanent disability cases______
Dismemberment____
Ankylosis.......................
Impairment......... ........
Dis’figurement______
Central nervous system .
All other______
Temporary disability cases____

All States

New Jersey

Cases having medical aid

Cases having medioal aid

Number
report
ing
amount

No
Amount furnished Number medical
aid fur
reporting nished
Average amount
Total
per case

3,285

2,305

$85,039

$35. 51

820

15
803

9
590

3,961
39’ 059

66.20

404
55
277
13
31
23
2,467

291
37
209
6
29
18
1,796

11,828
2,914
19, 219
300
3, 219
1, 579
42, 019

40.65
78. 76
91.96
50. 00
111.00
87. 72
23. 40

Number
of
Number
report
women
ing
amount

No
Number medical
aid fur
not
reporting nished
Average amount
per case

Amount furnished
Total

1,096

447

$14,958

$33.46

627

205

332

157

7,669

48.85

171

109
18
66
7
1
4
612

157

2,058

29.83

132
6
4
8
761

5,085

70.63

106
106
7,089

59
6

4
4
289

26. 50
24.53

3
456

1
16

1
1
59

INDUSTEIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

ft' umber
of
women

Table

VII.—Medical aid furnished in cases of accident, by extent of disability and by State—Continued
1

Extent of disability

All cases..................................... .............................

Dismemberment........................ . .
Ankylosis_______ _____ ..
Impairment________ _
._
Disfigurement__
Central nervous system............
All other____________ ____
Temporary disability cases...................

Cases having medical aid

Number
report
ing
amount

Amount furnished
Total

Average
per case

Number
not
report
ing
amount
126

No
medical
aid fur
nished

1, 645

1,388

$47, 462

$34.19

372

345

3.701
20,867

616. 83
60.48

200

183
25

6, 828

37. 31
95. 63

26
3
26
10

1,167

2, 392

Number
Number
of
report
women
ing
amount

74
2,131
l' 034
22,894

24. 67
88. 79
114. 89
22.08

Total

560

$22, 619

$40. 39

2
88

60
10,523

30. 00
119. 58

3
11

47
4

39
4

2, 942
208

75. 44
52.00

539

470

12, 036

25] 61

103

Average
per case

Number
not
report
ing
amount

644

3
24
9
1,037

Amount furnished

No
medical
aid fur
nished

287

Wisconsin

GENERAL TABLES

Fatal cases.______ ______________
Permanent disability cases.............. .

Number
of
women

Ohio

Table

VIII.—Extent of disability in cases in which X ray may assist diagnosis, by nature and location of injury (Ohio)
Num
ber of

-Nature and location of
injury

contusion,

crush,

Concussion (other than dis
memberment and loss of

Finger, fingers, or thumb.

Cases having an X-ray examination of injury

en
having
injuries
in
All
which cases
X ray
may
assist
diag
nosis

Permanent disability cases

Fatal cases

X ray
at
Total only
time of
injury

Temporary disability cases

X ray before and
X ray only after
X ray only at time of injury
X ray
treatment
after treatment
X ray
X ray
only
All only at only
All
after
after classes
Dis
DisDisclasses time of treat
Im
Im
Im
treat
injury ment
mem pair Anky Other mem pair Other mem pair Other
ment
ber
berber- ment losis
ment ment
ment ment
ment
101

7
6

3
6

4
44

4
37

1
17
4
3
3
16
23

1
14
4
3
2
13
19

1
2
2
6
2
3
6
1

1
2
2
4
1
2
6
1

847

146

447

51
25

12
7

5
1

5
1
3
2
3
11
138

5
63

3
31
8
34
3
59
186

1
23
4
9
3
23
31

33
19
6
31
7
16
46
28

2
3
2
6
2
6
6
4

1
18

1
1

6
7

1
2

1
1

1
1
1

1
7

3
4

2
1

1
1

1
2

1
1

6
6

X ray
before
and
after
treat
ment
7

3
1
2
2

1
2

1
1

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Bruise,

289

GENERAL TABLES

Table IX.—Rate of compensation per week in relation to wage mi which com

pensation was based, by extent of disability1

Extent of disability

All injuries.......................... ...................

All
women

3,260

Full
Full
wage
wage
during
during
entire
part of
disability disability
period
period

Rate in
excess of
legal
set
require Rate
by law
ment but
less than
full wage
48

3,169

Inappli
cable *

Permanent disability cases........ ................. .

789

775

Impairment............................ ....................

399
54
274
13
27
22

5
1
3

2,462

Temporary disability cases............................

2
1

395
54
268
13
26
19

2,385

4
1

1 Lump-sum cases, 16; fatal cases with no dependents, 5; death instantaneous, compensation rate not
reported, 4.

Table

Ratio of compensation to wage loss, by degree of disability and by State

50
o

A. NEW JERSEY
Estimated weeks lost

Degree of disability^

•

Number
of women

Fatal cases___________
Permanent disability cases

If UOtl
___

Under 33% per cent________ _
33H and under 50 per cent. . _
50 and under 662^ per cent
66% and under 100 per cent_____
Temporary disability cases____ _________
Under 2 weeks________
2 and under 3 weeks.
3 and under 4 weeks______
4 weeks and over..........

(2)
39,410%

32, 997%

6,413

3 021
32, 9S4H

29,997%

2,987

25 164
1,483%
2,600

2,746

2, 700
1
759

3,405

100
50
3,405

86
206
131
336

86
412
393
2,514

Average
Weekly
Estimated Amount Ratio of compen
wage
compen sation
amount
of
of
com
Arith
earnings pensation sation to paid per
metical
wage loss
paid
case
average) lost (5X2)
(7-6)
(7-1)
(6)

(6)

$14. 93 $588,396. 27

(7)

(8)

(9)

$130,824

3 22.23

3 $120.80

13. 33
14.74

40,269. 93
486,189. 07

648
102, 784

1.61
21.14

216.00
320. 20

14.69
16.00
16. 70
15.00

409,997. 90
25,189. 33
45,090. 00

84, 787
5, 859
8,650
3, 488
27,392

20. 68
23.26
19.18
29.07
53.31

272.63
1,464. 75
1, 730. 00
3,488. 00
36.09

37,735.14

311
2,350
2,811
21,920

24.70
37.18
48. 59
58.09

3.62
11.41
21.46
65.24

$14. 74 [$701,358. 68

15.01

B. OHIO
All cases.............................
Fatal cases .....................
Permanent disability cases_____
Under 33% per cent....................
33% and under 50 per cent. .
50 and under 66% per cent
Temporary disability cases
Under 2 weeks. .
2 and under 3 weeks...
3 and under 4 weeks__
4 weeks and over__

47, 582 I

39, 260

8,322

$128, 086

318. 26

* $86. 22

6
331

6,339
37,178

6,000
33, 260

339
3, 918

15. 08
14.43

95,592.12
536,478. 54

12, 759
80, 466

13. 35
«15.00

2,126. 50
243.10

322
3
6
1,166

32, 344
1,353
3, 481
4,065

28,960
1,175
3,125

3,384
178
356
4,065

14. 43
19.83
12. 00
14. 82

466,723. 92
26,829. 99
41, 772.00
60,243. 30

70, 307
3, 784
6,375
34, 861

15. 06
14.10
15. 26
57.87

218.34
1,261.33
1,062.50
29.90

299
330
219
318

299
660
657
2,449

299
660
657
2, 449

14. 85
14. 83
14. 89
14.75

4, 440.15
9, 787. 80
9, 782. 73
36,122. 75

1,752
4, 858
5,341
22, 910

39. 46
49. 63
54.60
63.42

5. 86
14. 72
24. 39
72. 04

* 1, 503

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

0)
All cases_____________

Total

Extent of
disability
in terms Healing
of esti
period
mated
weeks lost
(3)
(4)

I
C. WISCONSIN

All cases............................................................................................................................. -

Permanent disability cases. .......................................... ...................-............ -....................

Temporary disability cases............................. ............................................................... .........

$56, 937

7 21. 98

7 $89.10

19. 08

114,480. 00

7,717

6. 74

1, 286.17

930

15.87

155, 605. 35

31, 201

20.05

331. 93

866
32
32

15.86
12. 00
21.00

139,028. 76
4, 884. 00
13, 272. 00

24, 616
1,888
4, 697

17. 71
38.66
35.39

267. 57
1, 888. 00
4, 697. 00

1,877

14.38

26, 991. 26

18, 019

66. 76

33.43

162
284
258
1,173

14.15
14.31
14. 85
14. 44

2, 292. 30
4,064. 04
3, 831. 30
16, 938.12

919
2,031
2,137
12, 932

40.09
49. 97
55. 78
76. 35

5. 67
14.30
24. 85
86. 79

6 639

17, 682

14, 875

6,000

6, 000

9,805

8,875

92
1
1

8,766
407
632

7, 900
375
600

539
1C2
142
86
149

’2,807

$14. 65 $259,041.30

GEKEBAL TABLES

1 In terms of per cent of permanent total incaoacity in permanent disability cases and of time lost in temporary disability cases.
2 Excludes 13 cases not reporting complete data.
.
,
_ ,
. , ,
.,
.
3 The provision for a maximum weekly 'compensation rate obviously operates to reduce the ratio of compensation to wage loss below the two-thirds of weekly wrage otherwise
prescribed.
*5 Legal
Excludes 42 cases not reporting complete data.
.
rather than administrative provisions account for the lower ratio in Ohio. See p. 76.
6 Excludes 5 cases not reporting complete data.
.
..
.
7 The provision for a maximum weekly compensation rate obviously operates to reduce the ratio of compensation to wage loss below the two-thirds of weekly wage otherwise
prescribed. The penalty clause in the Wisconsin law which increases the award if an accident occurs because an employer has violated a safety order operates to raise the per cent
in column 8 and the average compensation in column 9.

INDUSTRIAL, ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

292
Table

XI.—Nature of injury and extent of disability in cases complicated by
infection, as compared to all cases
Extent of disability in cases complicated by infection

Nature of injury

All
women Total of
Fatal
cases
cases

All cases......................... • 3, 263
Bruise, contusion.....................
Burn, scald
Crush and burn
Crush__________________ __
Concussion (other than dismemberment and loss of
use)........ ...............................
Cut, laceration............ ............
Amputation
Fracture.....................................
Sprain, strain____
Occupational disease
Other____ _________ _______

676

455
125
27
442

61
21
7
62

72
834
241
250
292
381
93
51

2
249
152
22
20
11
68
1

1 Excludes 22 cases not reporting nature of injury.

1
1

Permanent disability cases

All
classes

Dismem
berment

148

9
1
6
26

41
22
22
12
2
7

Anky Impair
Other
losis
ment

4
18

9
22
7

22
10

525

?-*
8

Tem
porary
disabil
ity
cases

207
129

293

GENERAL TABLES
Table XII.—Nature of injury, l>y cause of accident

Cases in which nature of injury was—
All cases
Cause of accident

Bruise,
contusion

Burn,
scald

Crush and
burn

Crush

Num Per Num Per Num Per Num Per Num Per
ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent
>3,253
114
In hands of injured worker __..... . 104
In hands of fellow worker............. 10
Handling of objects ........................... 489
Heavy objects................ ....... .
199
Sharp or rough objects ______ 260
Hand trucks, wheelbarrows.......... 30
Falling objects........................... ..... 66
From elevations___ ________
54
Other..... ....... „......................
12
Stepping on or striking against objects. 136
Stepping on objects. .................
22
Striking against objects................ 114
677
From elevations......................... 288
On level........ ........................... 364
Into excavations.... ...... ...........
25
Explosions, electricity, and hot sub
stances ________ _____ _
117
Explosions...............................
26
Electricity...............................
4
Hot substances........................ .
87
Vehicles..................... ............... .
37
Steam and electric railways.......... 14
Aulb and other power...............
19
Other..._____ __________ ..
4
Poisonous and corrosive substances and
occupational diseases
93
1,510
Elevators__________ ____ _
25
Power-transmission apparatus
78
1,377
Chemical products. _....... ......
5
Clay and glass ....................
32
Food products.____ ______ 96
Laundry............................
58
Leather-working.................
63
Metal-working .................... 608
Paper______ ___ _
109
Printing and bookbinding ....... 63
Rubber, celluloid, and com
position _
35
Textile ............................ .
247
Woodworking____ ______
59
Miscellaneous_______
2
Machines other than power-work
ing.. ______________
3
25
Prime movers... .................... .
2
Miscellaneous causes _ _....... ........... .
14

100.0
3.5
15.0

2.0
4.2
20.8

48
170 37.6
84
80
6

3.6

1.1

2.9
46.4
42.3

* Eicludes 32 cases not reporting complete data.

452 100.0
12 2.7
8
4
60 13.3
37
16
25 5.5
17
8
48 10.6

1
1

27 100.0

1
1

3.7

441 100.0
5
1.1
5
48
43
1
4
9
9

10.9

17
7
8
2

1
*

3.8

119 26.3
7
5
102 22.6

15 12.0
1
3
10 8.0
9
1

26 96.3
1
25 92.6
2
21
1
1

376
5
19
345
1
11
17
10
12
175
40
25
36
7

5
1

2.0

1
2
2

107 85.6
20
1
86

1
9
6
3
31
8
3
3
29
9

125 100. 0
1
.8
1

2
.2

85.3
78.2

294

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN
Table XII.—Nature of injury, by cause of accident—Continued

Cases in which nature of injury was-

Cause of accident

Concussion
(other than
lacera Puncture
dismember Cut,tion
ment and
loss of use)

Amputa Dislocation
tion

Num-| Per Num Per Num Per Num Per Num Per
ber I cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent
All causes.
Hand tools.......
In hands of injured worker _
In hands of fellow worker...
Handling of objects.
Heavy objects.................
Sharp or rough objects___
Hand trucks, wheelbarrows.
Falling objects..
From elevations.
Other..............
Stepping on or striking against objects.
Stepping on objects__
Striking against objects.
Falls of persons.
From elevations.
On level______
Into excavations.
Explosions, electricity, and hot sub
stances ...................................
Explosions___
Electricity___
Hot substances .
Vehicles.
Steam and electric railways.
Auto and other power.......
Other_____ _________
Poisonous and corrosive substances and
occupational diseases................... _\
Machinery.
Elevators............. ...............
Power-transmission apparatus.
Power-working machines____
Chemical products_______
Clay and glass....................
Food products................. .
Laundry ............................
Leather-working_________
Metal-working ........... .........
Paper
Printing and bookbinding__
Rubber, celluloid, and com
position ................... .......
Textile................ ..............
Woodworking___________
Miscellaneous___________
Machines other than power-work
ing............................ ..........
Conveyors...............................
Prime movers............ ....... ......
Miscellaneous causes .

832
62

7.5

5.6 I

175

21.0

"T|.....
11

100.0

1.4

249 100.0

8.7

2.4

2.0

12.8

12 1.
159 i.
4

15.3

1.1

11
14.1

6.4

22.2 i

504
2
32
466

37.8

56.0

4
230
2
7
19

44
7
29
196
33
16

14
140
18

16
87
22
2

1.4

23S

3
15
10

17.0

92. ■

295

GENERAL TABLES
Table XII.—'Nature of injury, by cause of accident—Continued
Cases in which nature of injury was—

Cause of accident

Num
ber
All causes

______________ _____

Hand tools............ ........... ........... ..................

’

Fracture

Per
cent

Occupational
disease

Sprain,
strain

Num
ber

Per
cent

291

100.0

379

100.0

1.3

Num
ber

Per
cent

100.0

Other

Num
ber

Per
cent
100.0

1
15

5.2

21.9

3
Falling objectsr

2.1

Stepping on or striking against objects..

Falls of persons.--------------------------------

179

2.4

61.5

234

61.7

95
131
8
.3

1.3

64
111
4
Explosions, electricity, and hot sub-

5
3
2

4
2

1.7

2.1

2
6
Poisonous and corrosive substances and
75
2
4
67

25.8

10.6

50.0

23.0

3
8
27

7.1

50.0

Rubber, celluloid, and compo-

1
30
4
8

2
1
8
2
2

1
13
6

1
9
2

.... 2

Machines other than power-work-

2
2
2

50. C

Table XIII.

Frequency of accidents and extent of disability, by industry and occupation and by State

CO
a>

A. NEW JERSEY
Women injured
Industry and occupation

Num
ber of
women
em
ployed i

Num
ber

Rate
per
1,000

AH industries *.

259,337

s 1,093

4.21

Manufacturing...........

91, 668

830

9.05

Automobiles___

Disber-

mem

24
231

21. 65

Buttons (composition)________

617

29.17

16
601

29.95

2,223

18.89

279
1, 755

7.17
20. 51

Laborers__
Semiskilled.
Chemicals and allied products.
General—laborers......... .
Semiskilled_________
Petroleum—laborers_____
Semiskilled., l______

142

28.17

1, 925

8.31

Laborers___ _______________
Semiskilled________ _____ HI

384
1,541

10. 38

Clothing (including dressmaking). _.

16,190

5.06

General—laborers___________
Semiskilled_____________
Dressmaking_______________

401
13,891
1,898

5.76
1.05

Clay, glass, and stone products.

Electrical supplies..

4,631

Laborers__
Semiskilled..

242
4,389

60 1

8.26
13. 67

Im
pair
ment

Dis Central
figure nervous Other
ment system

Under 2 and 3 weeks Time
All
under
and
lost
classes 2 weeks 3 weeks over not re
lost
lost
lost
ported
759

27
2

Anky
losis

ment

19. 61

Laborers________________
Semiskilled____________ II

All
classes

Number of temporary disability cases

206

INDUSTRIAL. ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

em
ployed

Number of permanent disability cases
Num
ber of
fatal
cases

43094

3
32
1
25

2
34

2
15

11.83

6.83

10.18

3
44
1
37

15.31
20.94
5. 26

3, 567

19.06

309
3, 258

3
65

9. 71
19.95

Laundry work, cleaning, and dyeing.

1,606

Leather products________ ____

1,903

Food and kindred products.—............

8,353

►

Liquors and beverages—laborers.
21
Iron and steel

Harness

and

—

1
31

saddlery—semi-

Metal goods...........................................

1.06

37 88

GENERAL TABLES

10
41
941

600

3. 33

2,031

33.97

6
2

115
1,916

36. 01

794

25.19

15
779

25. 67

350

14. 29

37
313

15. 97

1, 018

6.88

1
1

39
i

2
!
1
1

51
1
5
967
7
7.24
Semiskilled-......................................
2
1
.........
..........
1 U. S. Census of Occupations, 1920, and Carl Hookstadt’s “Beclassiflcation of the United States 1920 Occupation Census, by industry,” Monthly
Labor
Review, July, 1923,
1 Total for industries for which compensated accidents were reported,
1 Excludes 3 cases for which industry was not reported.

Table

XIII.

Frequency of accidents and extent of disability, by industry and occupation and by State—Continued

A. NEW JERSEY—Continued
Womer injured
Industry and occupation

Semiskilled...... .................................
Straw—semiskilled -..............
Textiles ............
Semiskilled_____
Wood products ...

1, 750

10.29

1, 526

ii~
1

6. 06

37, 906

183

4.83

36' 0,9

174

4.83

8.05

5,639

Dismem
berment

! Under
Anky
losis

Im
pair
ment

Dis Central
figure nervous Other
ment system

2 and 3 weeks Time
All
under
and
lost
classes 2 weeks 3 weeks over not re
lost
lost
lost
ported

......

14.93

111

19.68

2
109

5.17
20. 75

146, 475

204

1.39

63,800
308 j

31
2 |

.49
5.43 |

1
34
....

6. 77
""il.24* .........
—::

387
5,252

All
classes

Number of temporary disability eases

165

20
443
22
178
15
67

Miscellaneous_______

Rate
per
1,000
em
ployed

745

Lumber and furniture—laborers.
Semiskilled________________
Brooms and brushes—laborers...
Semiskilled______________
Trunks—laborers............................
Semiskilled___...

Clerical, professional, etc__........

Num
ber

Number of permanent disability cases
Num
ber of
fatal
cases

149

9
140

1
.....

............-

____ .........
..............
....

............. .............. .............. ..........r
i
■■
—

......

2
' 63 :

1
39

i
21

6 1

....

171

2 !

1
2

........ — -............

—

........ —

............:

.............

—

___ _

..........

125

25.
2

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Manufacturing—Continued.
Rubber..........................

Num
ber of
women
em
ployed

4
1

2,154
810
136

10.68
14. 81
22.06
6.62

Professional service___________
Domestic and personal service.

28,206
51,947

139

.32
4 2. 68

5,549

3. 42

13
6

134.04
1.10

Transportation.
Street railway conductors and la
borers.......... ........................................
Telephone operators........ ....................
Agriculture—garden, greenhouse, orch
ard, and nursery laborers_______
Trade .

'280
10,069

2
20

1
15

7.96

2.42

.90
3. 57
3.18

4 Exclusive of house servants, not covered by the law in the other States studied, the rate is 1.32.

7
118
10

299

1
1

377
15,268

GENEBAL TABLES

Stock clerks..
Laborers____
Salespersons..
Other............. .

23
12

9. 1
2

Care and custody of buildings.
Charwomen..........................
Elevator tenders...................
Janitors. ..................... ...........

XIII.—Frequency of accidents and extent of disability, by industry and occupation and by State—Continued

300

Table

B. OHIO

Industry and occupation

All industries 1..................................................... 348, 057
Manufacturing............................................................
Agricultural implements.....................................
Laborers. ............................................ .........
Semiskilled................. .........................
Automobiles______________________
Laborers...................................................
Semiskilled_____________
Chemicals and allied products......................
General—laborers_____________ _
Semiskilled____________ _
Petroleum—laborers__
Semiskilled...............................................
Clay, glass, and stone products_______ ____
Laborers................. ...............
Semiskilled. ................... .......
Clothing (including dressmaking). .................
General—laborers................ ...............
Semiskilled....................... .
Dressmaking......................................

Number
of
fatal
cases

Number of permanent disability cases

Number of temporary disability

All
classes

Dismem
berment

Under 2 and 3 weeks
All
under 3 and
classes 2 weeks weeks
over
lost
lost
lost

Anky
losis

Im
pair
ment

3 1, 535

4.41

372

200

107

77,082

1, 220

15.83

314

190

83.33

7
17

117. 65

2,367

27. 88

274
2,093

1
65

3. 65
31. 06

1,684

23.16

320
.1, 347
6
11

3
36

9.38
26.73

2
12

5,200

15.58

1,063
4,137

19. 58

15, 206

5.26 j

390
11, 545
3,271

2
70
8

5.13 ;
6.06 !
2.45 !

13
1

Dis Central
figure nerv Other
ous
ment system

297

327

533

903

242

254

407

........ -

1,157

1
47

4
3

2
24

59
66

2
1

57
7

IN D U S T R IA L A C C ID E N T S TO W O M E N

Women
injured
Number
of
Rate
women
em
per
ployed 1 Num 1,000
ber
em
ployed

3,375

20. 44

Laborers---Semiskilled _

318
3,057

3.14
22. 24

Food and kindred products.
Food products—laborers. ..................... .......
Semiskilled_____________ ____ _____
Tobacco and cigars—laborers......................
Semiskilled.-..........................................
Liquors and beverages—laborers-----------Semiskilled........... ..................................
Iron and steel.
Laborers---Semiskilled .

12,823

139

10.84

104

503
3,728
748
7,779
19

7
103

13. 92
27.63

3.34

”26"

.....

5,488

173

31. 52

1,161
4,327

171

1.72
39. 52

118

117

1 i.

3,944

11.92

Leather products--------------- --------- - -

5,091

8. 64

93
87
223
4,499

57. 47
4.48
7. 78

Metal goods..
Laborers---Semiskilled .
Paper boxes.
Laborers----Semiskilled .
Paper and pulp.

5I
1

46
13
124

24.19

2,333

126

54.01

429
1,904
512
39 |473
1,196

29
84 ...

126 | 66.18
40 ! 78.13

____

84.57

15.05

3 ------

178 I-----Laborers----3 I---------1,018 I
*8
Semiskilled.
1 U S Census of Occupations, 1920, and Car] Hookstadt’s “Reclassification of the United States 1920 Occupation Census, by industry,

“"2

65. 22

Laundry work, cleaning, and dyeing.

Harness and saddlery—laborers —
Semiskilled______ _____ _____
Shoes—laborers. ................................
Semiskilled..................................
Tanning—laborers. -------------------Semiskilled...................................
Belts, cases, etc.—laborers----------Semiskilled.............................. -

saiavjy T fn a s a v

Electrical supplies..

31 I---------14 I

14 !.........................
Monthly Labor Review, July, 1923.

injuries averaging 30 days' disability, rate per 1,000 employeed not ascertainable.

Table XIII.—Frequency of accidents and extent of disability, by industry and occupation and by State— Continued

OO
O
bo

B. OHIO—Continued
Women
injured
Number
Industry and occupation

Number of permanent disability cases

Number of temporary disability
cases

All
classes

Dismem
berment

Under 2 and
All
under
classes 2 weoks
weeks
lost
lost

! 3 weeks

women
em
ployed

Num
ber

Rate
per
1,000
em
ployed

3,188

21.96

261
2,927

2
68

7. 66
23.23

5,156

12.02

1,745
3,411

3
59

1.72
17.30

5, 538

16. 25

402
5,136

1
89

2.49
17. 33

Wagons and carriages. ________________

157

12.74

Laborers., _______________ . _
Semiskilled_________________

26
131

Manufacturing—Continued.
Printing and publishing______
Laborers-, _____________
Semiskilled__ ______ ___________ ____ _
Rubber___________
Laborers -_________

Textiles____________
Laborers_______
__
Semiskilled______________

Wood products____________
Lumber and furniture—laborers
Brooms and brushes—laborers
Semiskilled___________
Semiskilled _____ ______

1,678
_

.
15

Anky
losis

Im
pair
ment

8
8

Dis Centra
figure nerv Other
ous
ment
system

2
2

2
49
53

1
1

5
5

and
over
lost

30
“

3
50

i L

75
1
74

1
16

9.54

1
3

285
1,161
28
149
478 1

—

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Num
ber
of
fatal
cases

Miscellaneous.
Laborers---Semiskilled .
Clerical, professional, etc..
Office employees-----------------Agents, canvassers, collectors..
Care and custody of buildings...
Charwomen______________
Elevator tenders, operators..
Janitors------- :------------------Professional service---------------Domestic and personal service _

Street railway conductors and laborers.
Telephone operators--------------------------

26.39

275
1,847

30. 32

182

.82

85, 937

.45

3, 647
1,577
502

23
16
6

6.31
10.15
11.95

1
1

80,101

106

1.32

11,654
------------

3 33

3. 69

11,613

3 28

2.41

_______ _______
———
2
5

38
146

5
3
2

1 '

15
12

12
84

26
1

Public utilities—gas works.
Trade___________________
Stock clerks_________
La borers----------------Salespersons-----------Other----------------------

2.67

37,012
11,816
479
24,058
659

10
79
10

3.28
15.17

22
4

.85
1

_ _
. ________________________
— ----------------- -------------------

GENERAL TABLES

Transportation..

222, 299

2,122

I In addition, 10 matrons or janitors in the telephone industry suffered injuries averaging 30 days’ disability, rate per 1,000 employed not ascertainable.

O
CO

Table

XIII.—Frequency of accidents and extent of disability, by industry and occupation and by State—Continued

C. WISCONSIN

Industry and occupation

Automobiles..................
Semiskilled..................................................
Chemicals and allied products

Petroleum—semiskilled.......................
Clothing (including dressmaking)
General—laborers........................................
Dressmaking.............

Anky
losis

Im
pair
ment

Centra
figure- nerv
ous
ment system

Other

All
Under 2 and 3 weeks
and
classes 2 weeks under
weeks
over
lost
lost
lost

644

4.22

539

162

142

235

34, 749

490

14.10

43 |

400

130

111

159

29.41

....... -

591
466

18. 61

13. 93

64
294

15.63
13. 61

6,750

-----

359

2
11

4
27

989

Semiskilled...........

128 !
861 1

.............. ............. .............
2

..............

4 ..............

..............
4

......... ..................... ..............
_ ..............
..............

4.00

..............
4

9
5

266
4,961 ______
27
1,523

Electrical supplies...............

All
classes

^ Dis
Dismem
berment

152,454

102

Semiskilled....................................................

Number of temporary disability
cases

Number of permanent disability cases
Num
ber
of
fatal
cases

......... ..............

........

29.32 1'
........

........ »" ..........4"

........ 4
______

.......

......... r 1

26' .............. ..............

.........

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

All industries 1................

Wrc men
inj ured
Numbei
of
Rate
women
em
per
ployed 1 Num 1,000
ber
em
ployed

Jfx

Food and kindred products.....................................................

4,918

Fuod yruuuclb liiuul^rs- — — - ------------

Iron and steel.................................................... .. .......................... ............
T

15.25

8 1

____ 1

26. 05

37. 74

1,208

32. 28

.............. ..............

.........

' i

2
1
1

2
26

Leather products.....................................................................
TT

in,

3, 613

14.12

- ,

2
24

253

51. 38

931

20.41

654

29. 05

3
Metal goods.................................. .........................................................
T

Paper boxes..............................................-.............

487

Paper and pulp.......................................................

1, 204

67.76
77. 46

14. 95

426

29
15

1
•

884
Printing and publishing........................................

GENERAL TABLES

____

71. 43

28
2,628

1,151

20.36

21. 72

1
1

15
20

1
I
19
2
5
2 -..........i
24
24.82
967
—
Semiskilled---------- -----------------------------1 U. S. Census of Occupations, 1920, and Carl Hookstadt’s “Reclassification of the United States 1920 Occupation Census, by industry,” Monthly Labor Review, July, 1923.
i Total for industries for which compensated accidents were reported.
T

305

Table

XIII.—Frequency of accidents and extent of disability, by industry and occupation and by State—Continued

O
05

C. WISCONSIN—Continued

Industry and occupation

782

Number of permanent disability cases
Num
ber
of
fatal
cases

All
classes

Dismem
berment

Anky
losis

14.07

25.64

6,996

7.15

Laborers............................ .......
Semiskilled. ________

635
6,361

1
49

1.57
7. 70

Wood products__________ _____

2,174

28. 06

Laborers... ____________
Semiskilled ........ .
Straw...... ................................
Laborers________________
Textiles............ ................. .......

Lumber and furniture—laborers_____
Brooms and brushes—laborers..
Semiskilled______
Trunks—laborers_____
Semiskilled_____
Miscellaneous_____
Laborers........................
Semiskilled__________

Im
pair
ment

Dis Central
figure nerv Other
ous
ment system

3
3

823
1,140
6
34
43
- 128

296
807

2
115

1,103

Under 2 and 3 weeks
All
under 3 and
glasses 2 weeks
weeks
over
lost
lost
lost

195
587
117

j Number of temporary disability
cases

1
42

6
9

8.16

1
i
..............

1 |..............

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Manufacturing—Continued.
Rubber.. _________

Women
injured
Number
of
Rate
women
em
per
ployed Num
1,000
ber
em
ployed

Clerical, professional, etc............................................

98, 581

109 |

1.11

98 |

16
1

Office employees..................... ........................—
Agents, canvassers, collectors............. ................

29, 441
298

20
1

.68
3.36

Care and custody of buildings...................... .
Charwomen_________________ _______

1,336
913
104
319

9
9

6. 74
9. 86

28,538
38,9G8

13
66

.46
1. 69

4,344

3. 45

18
4,326

4
11

222. 22
2.54

4
11

159

6. 29

janitors............................................................

Street railway conductors and laborers-------Agriculture—garden, greenhouse, orchard, and

14, 621

Stock clerks----------------------------- ----------------

4,876
217
9, 202
326

.41

26
1

2.83
3. 07

Salespersons------------------- -------------------------Other------- ------------------------------- --------- -----

8
8

1
1

1
5

12
61

1
1

25
2

............

.............. 1.............-

1
4

G E N E R A L TA B LES

1. 98

Trade.........................................................—------ --------

00
o
-a

308

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Table XIV.—Estimated severity of disability in terms of total days lost, by
industry and by State (cases of permanent disability)
A. NEW JERSEY
Estimated days lost due to—
Number
Esti
of women mated
em
ployed 1 days lost1

Industry

Death

Perma Rate (per
nent
1,000
disa
hours' ex
bility
posure) *

All industries4.........................................................

253,720

197,534

18,000

179,534

0.26

Manufacturing_____________ _____ _______________

91,503

155,438

6,000

149,438

.57

Automobiles......................................... ........................
Buttons (composition)_________________ ____ _
Chemicals and allied products_____ _____ _____
Clay, glass, and stone products
Clothing (including dressmaking)
Electrical supplies
Food and kindred products
Iron and steel__ _____ _______________________
Laundry work, cleaning, and dyeing
Leather products............................................... ..........
Metal goods.______________________________
Paper boxes"
Paper and pulp
Printing and publishing
Rubber
Textiles..___________ ___________ ______
Wood products...........................................
Miscellaneous__ ____ __ _____________________

255
617
2,223
1,925
16,190
4,631
8,363
3, 567
1, 606
1,903
2,031
794
350
1,018
1,750
37,906
745
5,639

300
2,250
11, 502
180
5,100
14, 520
12,450
13,200
13, 578
4,050
9, 960
6, 600
7, 500
420
1,278
17,130
300
35,120

300
2, 250
11,502
180
5,100
14,520
12,450
13,200
13, 578
4,050
9,960
6, GOO
1,500
420
1,278
17,130
300
35,120

.39
1.22
1.72
.03
. 11
1.05
.50
1.23
2.82
.71
1.63
2.77
7.14
.14
.24
• 15
• 13
2.08

Clerical, professional, etc
Transportation—street railway conductors and la
borers. _________ ______ ________ _____ _________
Agriculture—garden, greenhouse, orchard, and
nursery laborers_____________
Trade........................

146,475

36,006

24,006

.08

1,950

6.70

377
15, 268

960
3,180

-85
• 07

. . . . . . . . . IIZIIIIIIII!

(Footnotes on p. 310)

6,000

12,000

309

GENEBAL TABLES

Table XIV.—Estimated severity of disability in terms of total days lost, by
industry and by State {cases of permanent disability)—Continued
B. OHIO
Estimated days lost due to—
Number
Esti
of women mated
em
days
lost2
ployed 1

Industry

Death

Perma
nent
disa
bility

Hate (per
1,000
hours' ex
posure) 3
0.23

All industries4.................. .....................................-*

347,982

235,560

36,000

199, 560

Manufacturing------- --------- ------------------ ---------------

77,058

179,274

18,000

161,274

.78

2,367
1,684
5,200
15,206
3,375
12,823
5,488
3,944
5,091
2,333
512
1,196
3,188
5,156
5,538
157
1,678
2,122

10,500
3,750
8,778
6,300
7,170
21,456
23,460
19,950
4,950
22,800
3,960
4,500
8,100
3,450
11,100
300
2,400
16,350

10, 500
3,750
8, 778
6,300
7,170
15,456
23, 460
13, 950
4, 950
22, 800
3,960
4, 500
8,100
3, 450
11,100
300
2,400
10,350

1.48
.74
.56
.14
.71
.56
1.42
1.69
.32
3.26
2. 58
1.25
.85
.22
.67
.64
.48
2. 57

222,299
11,613
37,012

34,470
750
21,066

22,470
750
15,066

.05
.02
.19

Food and kindred products......................................
Laundry work, cleaning, and dyeing----------------

Transportation—telephone operators....... .....................
Trade......................... ...........................................................

Footnotes on p. 310)

6,000
6,000

6,000
12,000
6,000

310

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Table XIV.—Estimated severity of disability in terms of total days lost,
industry and by State (cases of permanent disability)—Continued
■

C. WISCONSIN

Estimated days lost due to—
Industry

Number
of women Esti
mated
em
ployed 1 days lost2

Death

Perma Rate (per
nent
1,000
disa
hours' ex
bility
posure) 3

All industries*1_____ _______ _____

146,693

89,250

36,000

53,250

Manufacturing_______________________

33, 491

75,030

30,000

45,030

.75

600
480
1,440
4,950
2,850
7.200
3,600
3,750
2,700
3,600
762
1,620
4,578
5, 700

1.96
.27
.07
1.67
.19
1.99
.94
.35
11.71
2. 46

Agricultural implements......................
Automobiles____________________
Clothing (including dressmaking).. _
Electrical supplies________________
Food and kindred products________
Iron and steel.____________________
Laundry work, cleaning, and dyeing
Leather products____________ _
Metal goods.............................................
Paper boxes______________________
Paper and pulp___________________
Printing and publishing___________
Textiles______ _____ ____ _____ ____
Wood products_______ ___________
Miscellaneous____________________
Clerical, professional, etc__.........................
Trade.........................................

600
480
1,440
4,950
2, 850
7.200
3,600
3,750
32,700
3,600
762
1,620
4, 578
5,700

30,000

1.200

98, 581
14,621

11,070
3,150

6,000

0. 20

.21

.47
.22

1.200

.87
.36

5,070
3,150

.07

U. S. Census of Occupations, 1920, and Carl Hookstadt’s “Reclassification of the United States 1920
Occupation Census, by industry,” Monthly Labor Review, July, 1923.
2 For scale of time losses, see p. 35.
?
employees multiplied by 3,000 (hours assumed to have been worked during the year by the
establishments) gives number of employee-hours of exposure to risk. This figure divided into estimated
Humber of days lost gives the severity rate, expressed in terms of days lost per 1,000 hours’ exposure
1 Total for industries for which compensated accidents were reported.

GENERAL TABLES
Table

311

XV.—Length of healing period, by extent of disability and by industry
Women employed

Women injured

Industry
Num
ber

Manufacturing.......... ........................................................................
Automobiles................................... ... ......................
Buttons (composition)................................................. ..............
Chemicals and" allied products_________ ________________
Clay, glass, and stone products........................................... .......
Clothing (including dressmaking) ...
_____
Electrical supplies____________ ___________
Iron and steel
Laundry work, cleaning, and dyeing.....................................
Leather products______
Metal goods..................................................
Paper boxes.................................. ............... .................................
Paper and pulp
Printing and publishing______ ______ _____ ___ ______
Rubber............. .......................... ...................................
...
Straw_____ ________________ __________________
Textiles_________________________________________
Wagons and carriages
Wood products ................................ ............. .........

Street railway conductors and laborers
Telephone operators___________ __________ ______

Per
cent

Num
ber

7C0,324

100.0

1 3,253

203,652

26.8

2, 528

127
3,213
737
4, 2G6
7,136
38,146
8,995
26,094
10,263
6,824
10,607
5,295
1,793
2, 750
5,357
7,688
286
50,440
174
4, 597
8,864

Per
cent

77.7

(2)
.4
.1
10.6
.9
5.0
1.2
3.4
1.3
.9
1.4
.7
.2
.4
.7
1.0
(■)
6.6
(2)
.6
1. 2

82
18
86
97
188
160
298
280v
86
108
209
93
40
102
91
4
323
2
83
173

21, 547

2.8

156
21,391

(j)
2.8

22
45

2. 5
.6
3.0
5.8
4.9
8.6
2.6
3.3
6.4
2.9
1.2
3.1
2.8
.1
9.9
2.6

.7
1.4

Agriculture—garden, greenhouse, orchard, and nursery laClerical, professional, etc......................... ..................................

846

467,355

61.5

489

Public utilities—gas works........................ ................. .....................

23
66,901

1 Excludes 15 fatal cases and 17 cases not reporting complete data.
J Less than 0.05 per cent.

1
8.8

164

15.0
(>>
5.0

312

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Table XV.—Length of healing period, by extent of disability and by industry—
Continued
Permanent disability cases
Cases having a healing period of—
Industry

All
classes

Under 2

2 and
under 4
weeks

4 and
under 12
weeks

Num Per Num Per Num Per Num Per
ber cent bcr cent ber cent ber cent
1

* 800 100.0
Manufacturing _.
Agricultural i m p 1 e ments____
Automobiles...
Buttons (composition).
Chemicals and allied
products........ ..
Clay, glass, and stone
products_____
Clothing (including
dressmaking)
Electrical supplies
Food and kindred
products..
Iron and steel
Laundry work, cleaning, and dyeing
Leather products
Metal goods...
Paper bores
Paper and pulp
Printing and publishing________
Rubber.
Straw ...
Textiles.
Wagons and carriages..
Wood products
Miscellaneous
Transportation
Street-railway conductors and laborers
telephone operators...

690

87
100.0

86.3

76 | 87.4

! 100.0

12 and
under 52
weeks
Per
cent

ber

142 100.0

ber

168 100.0

379

154

91.7

341

90.0

6
1

2.4
.8

3.5

108

76.1

|
1
21
6

.1
2. 6 1
.8 1

4.6

3.0

28
51

3.5
6.4

2
6

66
102

8.3
12.8

25
25
77
24
9

9.2

4.8

3.7

2.8

4.8

3.7

1.4

2.3
6.9

2.4
2.4

13
30

3.4
7.9

6
13

6.9
14.9

17
34

10.1
20.2

12.4

3.1
3.1
9.6
3.0
1.1

1
11

1.1
12.6

2.6
3.2

1.1

2.4
5.4
7.7
3.6
1.2

10
12
48

9
13
6
2

3.7
1.3

26
12

3.3
1.5

2
2

2.3
2.3

1
17
82

7.0
.1
2.1
10.3

2
8

3
1
2

4.2
1.2

7
10

4.9
7.0
4.9

2.6
1.3

7.0
2.1
3.5
2.8
.7

4.8

5.3

10.6

2.3
9.2

5
16

3.0
9.5

9
48

2. 4
12. 7

7.0

.1
.3

1
1

7.1

9.4

3.9

100.0
45.8

4.2
12.5

8.3
4.2

4.2
4.2

4.2

33.3

4.9
2.1

14.9

Clerical, professional, etc...

cent

1.1

Agriculture—garden,
greenhouse, orchard, and
nursery laborers

52 weeks
and over

1
11.5

6.5

13.4

9.2

Public utilities—gas works
Trade_____

1 Excludes 3 cases not reporting complete data.

20.8

GENERAL TABLES

313

Table XV.—Length of healing period, t>y extent of disability and by industry—

Continued
Temporary disability cases
Cases haying a healing period of—
All
classes

Industry

Under 2
weeks

2 and
under 4
weeks

4 and
under 12
weeks

12 and
under 52
weeks

52 weeks
and over

Num Per Num Per Num Per Num Per Num Per Num Per
ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent ber cent
545 100.0 1,109 100.0

696 100.0

1,838

74.9

441

4
61
12

.2
2.5
.5

49
73

12,453 100.0

Agricultural

99 100.0

100.0

80.9

861

77.6

486

69.8

48.5

50.0

1
16

.2
2.9

1
31
5

.1
2.8
.5

1
13

.1
1.9
1.0

1
1

1.0
1.0

2.0

2.2

1.8

2.2

2.0

3.0

3.3

2.3

1.0

25.0

160
109

6.6
4.4

43
27

7.9
5. 0

72
47

6. 5
4.2

41
35

5.9
5.0

4.0

232
178

9.5
7.3

58
45

10.6
8.3

97
86

8.7
7.8

68
41

9.8
5.9

9
6

9.1
6.1

61
83
132
69
31

2.5
3.4
5.4
2.8
1.3

12
23
24
16
9

2.2
4.2
4.4
' 2.9
1. 7

23
40
75
31
16

2.1
3.6
6.8
2.8
1.4

25
19
32
20
5

3.6
2.7
4.6
2.9
.7

1
1
1
2
1

1.0
1.0
1.0
2.0
1.0

76
79

14
26

2. 6
4.8

1
3

1.0
3.0

9.5

12.1

8.1

27
18

5.0
3.3

4.0
3.4
.4
11.1
.1
2.3
4. 1

2.4
1.7

44
38
4
123
1
25
45

17
12

267
1
66
91

3.1
3.2
.2
10.9
(2)
2.7
3.7

9
26

1.3
3.7

4
2

4.6
2.0

25.0

2.6

2.9

2.3

2.7

2.0

25.0

21
43

.9
1.8

3
13

.6
2.4

6
20

.5
1.8

11
8

1.6
1.1

25.0

2.0

1.0

11.9

163

14.7

142

20.4

44.4

4.2

5.2

6.8

4.0

25.0

i m p1 e-

Buttons (composition).
Chemicals and allied
Clay, glass, and stone
Clothing (including
Food and kindred
Laundry work, clean-

Pnnting and publish-

Wagons and carriages. _

Street-railway conducTelephone operators...
Agriculture—gar d en,
greenhouse, orchard, and
Clerical, professional, etc...

414

16.9

Public utilities—gas works.

Trade............ .........................

133

(2)
5.4

1 Excludes 14 cases not reporting complete data.
• Less than 0.05 per cent.

43094°—27----- 21

314

INDUSTEIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN

Table

XVI.—Compensation paid in cases of accident, by extent of disability
and by State
All States
Extent of disability

New Jersey

Compensation paid
Number
of
women

Total

Average
per case

Compensation paid
Number
of
women

Total

Average
per case

All cases...................................................

3,285

$329,490

1,096

$131,429

$119.92

Fatal cases.........................................................
Permanent disability cases

15
803

21,124
228,088

1,408. 27
284.04

3
332

648
103,383

216. 00
311.39

Dismemberment.......................................
Ankylosis...................................................
Impairment______________ ____ ____
Disfigurement____________ ____ ____
Central nervous system..........................
Allother.............. ............ .........................

404
55
277
13
31
23

92, 093
27,172
79,897
965
16,034
11,927

227.95
494. 04
288. 44
74.23
517. 23
518. 57

157
25
132
6
4
8

43,047
11,105
38, 284
92
6, 292
4,563

274.18
444. 20
290. 03
15.33
1,573. 00
570.38

Temporary disability cases.........................

2, 467

80,278

32. 54

761

27,398

36.00

$100.30

Ohio
Extent of disability

All cases................. ................................

W isccnsin

Compensation paid
Number
of
women

Total

Average
per case

Compensation paid
Number
of
women

Total

Average
per case

1,545

$138,320

$89.53

644

$59, 741

$92.77

6
372

12,759
90, 700

2,126. 50
243.82

6
99

7,717
34,005

1,286.17
343. 48

Dismemberment.....................................
Ankylosis_________________ ________
Impairment..................................... .........
Dis’figurement...... ...................................Central nervous system..........................
All other______________ ______ _

200
26
107
3
26
10

35,436
14,797
28,157
36
7,775
4,499

177.18
569.12
263.15
12.00
299.04
449.90

47
4
38
4
1
5

13, 610
1,270
13, 456
837
1,967
2, 865

289. 57
317.50
354.11
209.25
1,967. 00
573.00

Temporary disability cases..........................

1,167

34, 861

29.87

539

18,019

33.43

Fatal cases................................................... .
Permanent disability cases.........................

APPENDIX B
SCHEDULE FORMS
SCHEDULE I

This schedule was used for the data pertaining to disabled women
recorded in the files of the State compensation commission, one
schedule being used for each case.
TJ. S. Department of Labor
Women’s Bureau

1. Accident number____ ____ 2. Accident date________ 3. Industry......... ............................................
4. Firm name___________ ___________ ___ 5. Firm address................ -..........................................................
6. Injured employee: (a) name------------- --------------------------- (b) address.............. ................... ...............
(c) occupation.................................... (d) age------------- (e) married or single................. ...............
(f) native or foreign born............................ (g) speak English.................. (h) dependents.............
7. Cause and manner of accident......... ................................. .........-...........................................................................

.
9.
11.
12.
15.

Nature, location, and extent of injury
Plant scheduled hours: (a) day ........... (b) week_____ 10. Time or piece worker................................
Weekly wage....... ............ —................................ ................ .......................................................................................
Compensation rate________ 13. Total compensation______________ 14. Medical aid
Disability: (a) temporary, Y N weeks lost........ ...................... (b) permanent, Y N compensation
paid --------- ------------------------------- ------------ -------- ------------------------------- -------- ----------------------------16. Returned to work Y N (a) same work Y N (b) same wage Y N..................17. Remarks............................

Note.—6 (e) Not secured in Wisconsin and Ohio. 6 (f) Not secured in Wisconsin. 6 (g) Not secured
in New Jersey and Wisconsin. 9. Not secured in Wisconsin. 16. Not secured in New Jersey and Wis
consin.
SCHEDULE II

This schedule was used for the data reported by permanently dis
abled women in home interviews, one schedule being used for each
case.
U. S. D
L
, W
’ B
epartment of

Accident number
I. Personal Data: 1. Name .................................. .
2. Address____________ _______ _________
.
3. Nativity, N F, W B 0. 4. Marital status,
S M W S D.
5. Date of birth_______ 6. Schooling
7. English, S R W; other language, S R W'
(specify)...........................................................
II. Family Data*: 1. Number in household (a)
------------- (b).................. 2. Number of wage
earners (a)...... .......... (b).................. 3. Weekly
income...... ............

1. Firm name
........ 2. Industry.................
3. Occupation..................... 4. T P B
5. Plant weekly hours.............. 6. Day shift,
Y N.
7. Weekly wage................ .............................
8. Time in trade................. ..................................
9. Cause and manner of accident..................

abor

omen s

ureau

IV. Readjustment After Accident:
1. Means of meeting living expenses: (a) during
waiting period..................................................
(b) during compensated period..... ..............
2. Vocational rehabilitation...... ...........................
3. Return to work—(a) same employer Y N,
(b) same work Y N, (c) disabled for former
work, Y N (d) former work not available
Y N, (e) mental shock Y N.
4. Did not return to work—(a) disabled for all
available work Y N, (b) no work available
Y N, (c) other (specify).......... ............ ..
(d) mental shock Y N.
5. Present effects, reduced endurance, lost
weight, lives of others, future plans, etc.
V. Accident History [other than scheduled ac
cident] :
1. Date..................... 2. Occupation..................
3. Cause and manner of accident.........................
4. Nature and extent of injury .............................
5. Disability: temporary, permanent partial,
permanent total-........................................... .
Notes: __________ ____________________________________

Lump sum Y N.
12. Medical aid, Y N (a) medical cost to
13. Number of weeks out of work because of
14. Number of weeks before securing job (vol.)

1 (a) Refers to time of accident, (b) refers to time of interview.

315

316

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS TO WOMEN
SCHEDULE II—Continued
VI. Industrial History

1. Industry

2. Occupa
tion

3. How
secured

8. Returned to work too soon..........

4. Training

Result .....................

5. Length of
time in job

6. Wage

7. Reason for
leaving

9. Refusals because of accident—number

..................nature of jobs........................................ ...................................................................................................
Agent
Date

PUBLICATIONS OF THE WOMEN’S BUREAU
[Any of these bulletins still available will be sent free of charge upon request]
No.

1. Proposed Employment of Women During the War in the Industries of Niagara
Falls, N. Y. 16 pp. 1918.
No. 2. Labor Laws for Women in Industries in Indiana. 29 pp. 1918.
No. 3. Standards for the Employment of Women in Industry. 7 pp. 1919.
No. 4. Wages of Candy Makers in Philadelphia in 1919. 46 pp. 1919.
♦No. 5. The Eight-Hour Day in Federal and State Legislation. 19 pp. 1919.
No. 6. The Employment of Women in Hazardous Industries in the United States.
8 pp. 1919.
No. 7. Night-Work Laws in the United States. 4 pp. 1919.
♦No. 8. Women in the Government Service. 37 pp. 1920.
♦No. 9. Home Work in Bridgeport, Conn. 35 pp. 1920.
♦No. 10. Hours and Conditions of Work for Women in Industry in Virginia. 32 pp.
1920.
No. 11. Women Street Car Conductors and Ticket Agents. 90 pp. 1920.
No. 12. The New Position of Women in American Industry. 158 pp. 1920.
No. 13. Industrial Opportunities and Training for Women and Girls. 48 pp. 1920.
♦No. 14. A Physiological Basis for the Shorter Working Day for Women. 20 pp. 1921.
No. 15. Some Effects of Legislation Limiting Hours of Work for Women. 26 pp. 1921.
♦No. 16. See Bulletin 40.
No. 17. Women’s Wages in Kansas. 104 pp. 1921.
No. 18. Health Problems of Women in Industry. 11 pp. 1921.
No. 19. Iowa Women in Industry. 73 pp. 1922.
♦No. 20. Negro Women in Industry. 65 pp. 1922.
No. 21. Women in Rhode Island Industries. 73 pp. 1922.
♦No. 22. Women in Georgia Industries. 89 pp. 1922.
No. 23. The Family Status of Breadwinning Women. 43 pp. 1922.
No. 24. Women in Maryland Industries. 96 pp. 1922.
No. 25. Women in the Candy Industry in Chicago and St. Louis. 72 pp. 1923.
No. 26. Women in Arkansas Industries. 86 pp. 1923.
No. 27. The Occupational Progress of Women. 37 pp. 1922.
No. 28. Women’s Contribution in the B'ield of Invention. 51 pp. 1923.
No. 29. Women in Kentucky Industries. 114 pp. 1923.
No. 30. The Share of Wage-Earning Women in Family Support. 170 pp. 1923.
No. 31. What Industry Means to Women W'orkers. 10 pp. 1923.
No. 32. Women in South Carolina Industries. 128 pp. 1923.
No. 33. Proceedings of the Women’s Industrial Conference. 190 pp. 1923.
No. 34. Women in Alabama Industries. 86 pp. 1924.
No. 35. Women in Missouri Industries. 127 pp. 1924.
No. 36. Radio Talks on Women in Industry. 34 pp. 1924.
No. 37. Women in New Jersey Industries. 99 pp. 1924.
No. 38. Married Women in Industry. 8 pp. 1924.
No. 39. Domestic Workers and Their Employment Relations. 87 pp. 1924.
No. 40. State Laws Affecting Working Women. 53 pp. 1924. (Revision of Bulle
tin 16.)
No. 41. Family Status of Breadwinning Women in Four Selected Cities. 145 pp. 1925.
No. 42. List of References on Minimum Wage for Women in the United States and
Canada. 42 pp. 1925.
No. 43. Standard and Scheduled Hours of Work for Women in Industry. 68 pp. 1925.
No. 44. Women in Ohio Industries. 137 pp. 1925.
No. 45. Home Environment and Employment Opportunities of Women in Coal-Mine
Workers’ Families. 61 pp. 1925.
No. 46. Facts About Working Women—A Graphic Presentation Based on Census Sta
tistics. 64 pp. 1925.
No. 47. Women in the Fruit-Growing and Canning Industries in the State of Wash
ington. 223 pp. 1926.
♦ Out of print.

No. 48. Women in Oklahoma Industries. 118 pp. 1926.
No. 49. Women Workers and Family Support. 10 pp. 1925.
No. 50. Effects of Applied Research Upon the Employment Opportunities of American
Women. 54 pp. 1926.
No. 51. Women in Illinois Industries. 108 pp. 1926.
No. 52. Lost Time and Labor Turnover in Cotton Mills. 203 pp. 1926.
No. 53. The Status of Women in the Government Service in1925.
103 pp. 1926.
No. 54. Changing Jobs. 12 pp. 1926.
No. 55. Women in Mississippi Industries. 89 pp. 1926.
No. 56. Women in Tennessee Industries. 120 pp. 1927.
No. 57. Women Workers and Industrial Poisons. 5 pp. 1926.
No. 5S. Women in Delaware Industries. 156 pp. 1927.
No. 59. Short Talks About Working Women. 24 pp. 1927.
No. 60. Industrial Accidents to Women in New Jersey, Ohio, and Wisconsin. 316 pp.
1927.
No. 61. Minimum Wage Laws : The History of Their Development in the United States,
1912 to 1927. (In press.)
No. 62. Women’s Employment in Vegetable Canneries in Delaware, 47 pp. 1927.
Annual Reports of the Director, 1919*, 1920*, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925,
1926.
II

Full text of Industrial Accidents to Women in New Jersey, Ohio, and Wisconsin : Women's Bureau Bulletin, No. 60

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