What event had an enormous effect on U.S. workplace safety?

A. A new minimum wage

B. The first labor union

C. A worker strike

D. A deadly factory fire

Answer

The correct answer is D. A deadly factory fire.

Explanation:

One of the most significant events that had a profound impact on U.S. workplace safety was the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which occurred in New York City in 1911. This tragic event led to the deaths of 146 workers, most of whom were young immigrant women. The fire highlighted the dangerous working conditions and lack of safety measures in factories at the time, including locked exits and inadequate fire escapes.

In the aftermath of the fire, there was a public outcry and a push for reforms in workplace safety regulations. This led to the establishment of stricter building codes, fire safety regulations, and the eventual rise of labor rights movements aimed at improving working conditions across various industries. Consequently, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire is often cited as a pivotal moment in the history of labor and workplace safety reform in the United States.