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1900s
Before modern safety regulations, steelworkers dressed in ordinary clothing and worked without a hard-hat or a harness to prevent a fall. During early skyscraper construction, only a small percentage of the laborers were skilled, usually master masons for the facades and the heads of rivet crews. The majority were common laborers, hired without regard to their fitness for the work or training.
Most transportation of material within the job site was performed by hand. Construction techniques were far less efficient than those used now, requiring more common labor. In general, hours were longer and included Saturdays, and the amenities were a bare minimum, changing rooms and toilets.
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