New-York tribune., 1919-01-10
Department of Labor
Offers Aid to Employers
VIII Serve as Consulting Expert
TO Workers and Employers
in Production

WASHINGTON. Jan. 9.-How the De-
partment of Labor can, through scien-
tfc investigations, obtain material that
will enable it to serve as a consulting
expert to employers and employees
alike in industrial production is out
lined by Secretary Wilson in state
ment describing the methods in which
the Working Conditions Service can
assist IN this plan.
His statement follows:
Every public discussion shows how
sincerely and eagerly the business men
OF the country are seeking labor
policy that viii enable them to take
advantage of the many commercial op-
portunities awaiting them Business
men are coming to recognize generally
that efficiency in production and con-
sidclation of the interests of workers
are inseparable.
''It is natural that these men turn
to the Government Tor leadership in
dealing with problem that is national
IN scopc and interest The tendency
Of government is toward closer rela-
lions with industry. The research work
to secure The data and determine the
standards as the basis Of business or
ganization can best be performed by a
disntcreStcd governmental agency able
20 gather the experiences of all and to
reach conclusions based upon widest
information.
"The Department of Agriculture, the
Department of Commerce, and the De
partment Of Interior have constantly
been developing more practical SER
vice to the interests they serve. There
is an analogous service the Depart
ment of Labor can perform. Just as
the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic
Commerce furnishes information on
resources, transportation and trade
of foreign countries, the Bureau OF
Mines advises mine operators on tech
nical problems, safety and sanitation
standards, the Department of Agricul-
turc furnishes farmers the scientific
information necessary to successful
production and sale of farm products,
so there is scientific field in which the
Department of Labor can serve as con-
sulting expert to employers and en-
ployes in industrial production. That
field includes sanitary and safety
standards, the administration of meas
ures necessary to prevent physical
disabilities, and the relations between
managers and employees known as en-
plONmenC prODlemS.
"This service is distinct from that
performed by the mediation and con-
citation branch, which deals with
working conditions and industrial re-
lations as controversial issues between
employers and employees, Anticipating
the increasing Importance of estab-
fishing working conditions on a scien-
tfic basis, the Department of Labor
created the Working Conditions Ser
vice. The work of the service is con-
Quoted through three coordinated divi-
sions: Division of Industrial Hygiene
and Medicine, Division of Labor Ad-
ministration and Division of Safety
Engineering.
"The Division of Industrial Hygiene
and Medicine will develop standards of
sanitation and medical practice in in
dustries. The personnel of this divi-
sion is detailed from the United States
Public Health Service
"'The Division of Labor Admins stra-
tion viii advise employers as to en-
ployment systems and labor manage
ment policies, and assist in putting into
operation standard policies.
"Thc Division of Safety Engineering
will develop standards and practices
for accident prevention, and advise
employers as to safety methods best
adapted to their plants.
"The Department of Labor offers
business practical service at time
when its need is manifest This assist
ance is available to owners and man.
ayers OF industrial establishments in
working out labor policies and stand
ards'