New-York tribune., 1905-07-04
PREVENTING ACCIDENTS

In the July issue of "CaSsier's Magazine"
George Ethelbert Walsh points out what seems
10 him an anomalous situation Although
America is noted for the invention of an ex-
uaordlnary variety of safety devices, he saws
relatively larger amount of harm is done bv
accident here than in Europe His first illus
tration is taken from the mining industry. The
average number Of men who are injured here
in the course of year, it is asserted, is 236
out OF .every thousand, while in Germany IL is
1.SS in England 15S and in France OS5 Ref
erence is then made to the mischief wrought
In one way or another on railroads. and finally
10 the hazards which attend marble and granite
cutting and the occupation Of the truckman
Mr.. Walsh contributes frequently to the pages
of technical periodicals, and is usually pains
taking in his inquiries and accurate in his state
ments. Nevertheless, his article in "Cassier's
though short, gives evidence OF haste in prepa-
ration. Thus, the figures which he gives I'm
regard 10 mining accidents are probably cor
rect but his conclusions are not particularly
instructive He is not altogether clear In his
own mind whether the unfavorable showing
made by this country is TO be explained by
local conditions or by lax laws. 1t is TO be
regretted that he did not study the question
n little more diligently.
Again, there are two classes of people who.
suffer from accidents railways, passengers
and employees, and Mr. Walsh does not make
any distinction between them. The injuries
sustained by the patrons of the transportation
companies are, beyond doubt, far too numer-
Ous for the credit of America but in one re-
spect, at least, men engaged in the service of
the railways on this side Of the Atlantic enjoy
an advantage which is probably unique Not
only did the automatic coupler originate here,
but its use is made compulsory by the laws of
the United States. We do not believe that eny
European government requires it's adoption.
Mr.. Walsh frankly admits that workmen
sometimes refuse to benefit by means which
offered for their protection. man with
whom he once conversed had occasion 10 en-
ploy a large number OF truckmen. Finding that
the frequent slipping of barrel would result
in broken leg or other severe injury, he SUP
piled his employees with safety skids. These
were equipped with ratchets which were de
signed automatically 10 stop the progress of
barrel or other heavy object which travelled too
rapidly. The men pronounced the skids toys
and would not use them. A somewhat similar
story was told by the head of certain granite
works His men could not be persuaded to
wear goggles TO shield their eyes from flying
chips while engaged in cutting stone. their only
apparent objection being unwillingness 10 learn
new methods! In Germany, says Mr.. Walsh,
the use of such safeguards is made obligatory.
Here II is optional Primarily. then, the fault
must be imputed to the employees, not TO the
employer. and it is doubtful how far il would
be wise TO resort TO legislation TO mitigate the
evil Indeed, Mr.. Walsh does not advise any
such step. but he believes that something might
be accomplished in another way.
1t is suggested that permanent exhibitions of
safety devices be provided in this country, as
they have been abroad for educational pur-
poses A particularly fine museum OF this char
acter exists In Amsterdam. and might well
serve as a model. Manufacturers from various