skip navigational links http://www.dol.gov www.msha.gov United States Department of Labor
A to Z Index | Find It! in DOL |            [skip navigational links]     Search MSHA's Website   Search MSHA
 
A Pictorial Walk Through
the 20th Century

Little Miners


Little Miners
Breaker Boys
The coal was crushed, washed, and sorted according to size at the breaker. The coal tumbled down a chute and moved along a moving belt. Boys, some as young as eight, worked in the picking room. They worked hunched over 10 to 11 hours a day, six days a week, sorting rock, slate and other refuse from the coal with their bare hands. If the boy did not pay attention, he might lose fingers in the machinery.

Go Back One Page Go To Next Page




Back to Top   Back to Top www.msha.gov www.dol.gov
Frequently Asked Questions | Freedom of Information Act | Customer Survey
Accessibility | Privacy & Security Statement | Disclaimers
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
1100 Wilson Boulevard, 21st Floor
Arlington, VA 22209-3939		 Phone:    (202) 693-9400
Fax-on-demand: (202) 693-9401
Technical (web) questions: Webmaster
On-line Filing Help: MSHAhelpdesk@dol.gov
or call (877) 778-6055
Contact Us