Progressivism Research

"The Public Health Service is in the midst of one of the biggest health programs ever"

"Under the direction of Dr. Louis I. Thompson, the work of eliminating 'health hazards' in the department is going on as the newest branch of activity of the Government service."

Kept saying "hazard" like there was a blurry line between what one would consider a hazard

"Dr. Hugh Cummings, surgeon-general, would like to get authority from Congress to extend the health hazard program of the Public Health Service to every Government department."

Kept capitalizing government as if it is a proper noun. Almost indicates respect

Four steps necessary to allow the health experts to reach a "case" on health hazard elimination
1. Visit must be made from inside worker to an ill employee
2. Report is made outlining the sickness
3. Report card is made telling how long the sickness/what disease it is/if the illness has any relation to the work
4. If it does have to do with the workplace, steps are taken to improve the conditions of the workplace
(supplying more ventilation in the office if fainting spells were under investigation in the office)

Printers of Bureau of Engraving and Printing
      reports came into the bureau of ink poisoning
      investigations showed that it was because the way that the printers were washed after using the ink that cause skin eruption
      eliminated hazard by washing hands with soap and sawdust
     
Link to Newpaper


I found this incredibly interesting, mainly because instead of reading a textbook that tells you what happens, the newspapers showed what happen which I feel is a great way of getting someone to understand and formulate their own opinion. I learned about actually accounts of health hazards in the progressive era and how it was dealt with, rather than just hearing that there were problems and that they were dealt with. I also found it interesting how the people dealt with the problems: as efficiently as possible. In order to solve the ink to skin irritation issue, they had the workers wash their hands in sawdust, and it apparently worked extremely well. This shows the innovation that went into the progressive era and how much they were thinking forwardly.