and a trapper (who worked the ventilation doors, usually boys) in a UK coal mine about 1853. |alt=Lithograph showing a cross-section of a coal mine tunnel with two people pushing a coal cart and one boy opening a wooden door. During the
Victorian era, there was concern about working conditions for women and children in mills, factories, workshops, and particularly in coal mines. A report by a
royal commission, conducted in 1842 showed that there were children eight years of age and younger who were employed in the mines. In eastern Scotland, there were both girls and boys who worked in the mines. There were also women who worked in mines. The key finding was that mine owners were not concerned about the working conditions, which were found to be degrading. In 1842, the Mines and Collieries Bill was passed in Parliament to prevent girls and women from working underground and placed a minimum age of ten for boys.
Anthony Ashley-Cooper supported the bill. Due to the number of accidents in coal mines, the
Coal Mines Inspection Act 1850 (
13 & 14 Vict. c. 100) mandated the appointment of coal mine inspectors who reported to the Home Office. The 1850 act stipulated the inspector's responsibilities and powers. ==Legislation==