Dangerous Jobs: ‘The Way We Worked’ Exhibit [Photo Gallery]

May 7, 2014
We owe a debt of gratitude to previous generations of workers, especially those who were killed or seriously injured on the job. The blood of those workers has spurred the creation of new safety regulations, processes and technologies aiming to protect future workers from suffering the same fate. Over the years, photography has been one of the most powerful tools for documenting hazardous workplace conditions and driving lawmakers and employers to take action.

We owe a debt of gratitude to previous generations of workers, especially those who were killed or seriously injured on the job. The blood of those workers has spurred the creation of new safety regulations, processes and technologies aiming to protect future workers from the same fate.

Over the years, photography has been one of the most powerful tools for documenting hazardous workplace conditions and driving lawmakers and employers to take action.

“Social reformers have used photographs as evidence to ban child labor, reduce the hours that women could work and expose unsanitary workplaces,” the National Archives and Records Administration explains in “The Way We Worked,” an exhibit of historical workplace photographs. “Engineers have photographed the details of machinery and processes to improve operations and practices.”

The images in the exhibit show how work and workplaces changed between the mid 19th and late 20th centuries, and “honor those who built this country – the working men and women of America.”

Sponsored Recommendations

June 23, 2025
Learn about lone working laws in the US, key hazards and risks, and get actionable advice on how to keep your lone workers safe.
June 23, 2025
Chemical substitution can quickly get messy, with unclear steps and the risk of swapping one hazard for another. This checklist helps you avoid costly mistakes, prioritize which...
June 23, 2025
A mature approach to health and safety means making safety a core part of your culture, where everyone plays a role and performance is measured by more than just numbers. In this...
June 23, 2025
Behavior-based safety focuses on observing and encouraging safe behaviors to reduce workplace risks. Experts explain how strong safety culture, clear methods, and digital tools...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!