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The Impact of Employers' Liability on 19th‐Century U.K. Coalmining Fatalities

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  • Cento Veljanovski

Abstract

The effects of the increase in the employers' liability on work accidents is underresearched. This article investigates the impact using time series analysis of changes brought about by the Employers' Liability Act 1880 and Workmens' Compensation Act 1897 on the U.K. coal mining fatality rates and wages over the period 1873 to 1914. The statistical analysis finds little evidence that these reforms affected coal mining fatality rates. There is some statistical evidence that this may have been due to offsetting wage adjustments as the employers were required to compensate those injured and the survivors of deceased miners.

Suggested Citation

  • Cento Veljanovski, 2021. "The Impact of Employers' Liability on 19th‐Century U.K. Coalmining Fatalities," Journal of Empirical Legal Studies, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 18(3), pages 660-683, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:empleg:v:18:y:2021:i:3:p:660-683
    DOI: 10.1111/jels.12293
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    References listed on IDEAS

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