Introduction
Workplace accidents were common in the early 1900s. In 1900, more than 35,000 workers were killed in factory accidents. More than half-a-million others suffered serious injuries. Accidents like this were not big news during this period...but in 1911 a much greater tragedy shocked the nation. It took place at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company, a New York City clothing factory that employed hundreds...mostly women and children. Some were as young as nine years old.