Unsafe Working Conditions in the 1900's: Steel Mill Workers

Steel manufacturing has been a vital American industry for decades, and here in Steel: The Hardest Metal in the World, viewers are treated to an eye opening look at the history of steel production. In this exacting promotional film detailing hazardous working conditions, first the liquid pig iron is heated to 2600 degrees, and then sent down a chute to be formed (this is what pig iron is used for, mostly). After cooling, the iron hardens into steel ingots. The ingot form is then rolled into elongated sheets by the steel mill workers. This entire process is being watched by inspectors to ensure the quality of the product, though it illustrates unsafe working conditions in the 1900's. Not entirely automated, there are men inside the factory that must manually work machines in these adverse conditions. Afterwards, the steel is cut by a secret metal that is tougher than steel. In fact, it cuts through adamantine steel as if it were cheese, generating a lot of heat in the process. Steel: The Hardest Metal in the World is a prime example of historic cases of unsafe working conditions in American factories.