ABSTRACT
In the earlier part of this century, women workers living in western countries were singled out as needing “special” laws to protect them from low wages and long hours. Since that time, protecting the health of working women has continued to be a focal point in controversies involving the working conditions and job opportunities afforded women. In the US, one of the first pieces of legislation enacted to protect the health of women workers was aimed at the textile industry. The statute was upheld as a proper health measure by Massachusetts Supreme Court in 1876. This disparity between the treatment of men and women was partially resolved when the Court recognized the constitutionality of protective labor laws for men as well as women. In exchange for income insurance, compensation programs require that workers and their families relinquish their right to sue employers for injuries covered by the acts.
