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Health and Morals of Apprentices Act 1802

The Health and Morals of Apprentices Act 1802 was an early British law aimed at improving working conditions for young apprentices in factories and mills. It mandated basic safety measures, like adequate ventilation and proper clothing, and limited work hours to prevent overexhaustion. The law also required reasonable rest and hygiene standards to protect apprentices’ health and morals. Essentially, it was one of the first efforts to regulate industrial labor, ensuring that young workers weren't subjected to harsh or unsafe environments, laying groundwork for future labor protections.