Investigating the impact of working conditions on mortality rates in 19th century northern Sweden

Introduction

Northern Sweden in the 19th century was a place where working conditions were harsh and often dangerous. The study presented in this article focuses on the impact of these working conditions on mortality rates at the time. The findings of this study may shed light on the social and health situation of the population in the region at the time.

Methodology of the study

The study was conducted using mortality statistics from 19th-century church registers from northern Sweden. The data included overall mortality rates and a breakdown by age, sex and cause of death.

Data analysis was conducted using advanced statistical tools such as linear regression and Student's t-tests. This made it possible to identify the relationship between working conditions and mortality rates.

Working conditions in 19th-century northern Sweden

The primary sector of the economy in that region was mining, woodworking and agriculture. Workers in these occupations were exposed to many dangers and hardships.

Safety conditions in the mines were often harsh, leading to dangerous accidents and occupational diseases. In the timber industry, the work was physically grueling, and inadequate protective measures led to frequent injuries and amputations.

Agriculture, on the other hand, required strenuous physical labor, and exposure to weather conditions contributed to various infections and illnesses.

Results of the study

The results of our study indicate that working conditions had a significant impact on mortality rates in 19th-century northern Sweden. In general, the region had a high mortality rate, especially among younger age groups.

Analysis of the data showed that work in the mines was particularly dangerous, leading to higher mortality rates among miners. Frequent accidents and exposure to dust and harmful substances had a significant impact on the health and lives of workers.

Another interesting finding of the study is that timber workers had a higher risk of premature death. Accidents related to the use of wood and lack of adequate protection negatively affected their health.

For farmers, the main causes of death were infections and diseases related to poor sanitation and lack of access to medical care. Heavy physical labor also contributed to higher mortality in this occupational group.

Conclusions

The study confirmed that working conditions had a significant impact on mortality rates in 19th-century northern Sweden. Difficult and dangerous working conditions in the mines, timber industry and agriculture contributed to higher mortality rates among workers in these sectors.

The findings of this study may be useful not only to historians, but also to public health researchers and those concerned with improving working conditions. It shows how important it is to ensure safe and sanitary working conditions for the health and lives of workers.

In the case of 19th-century northern Sweden, the study sheds light on the social and health issues of the time. This is important for understanding and appreciating the difficulties that workers in the region faced, and for taking steps to improve working conditions today.