Heroic Rescue at Newport Steam Laundry: Quick Thinking Saves Worker's Hand
When Mrs. O'Connor's hand was caught in a mangle, Miss Margaret Ripley sprang into action, stopping the machine and preventing a worse injury.
Mrs. O'Connor, an employee of the Newport Steam Laundry, had her hand caught in a mangle while working at the machine on Wednesday morning. The ends of her fingers were badly burned and crushed by being caught under the rolls. The accident might have been much worse but for the presence of mind and quick action displayed by Miss Margaret Ripley, who was working at an adjoining machine. Miss Ripley noticed Mrs. O'Connor's danger and sprang to the machine and stopped it by putting her foot on the brake.
“Miss Ripley noticed Mrs. O'Connor's danger and sprang to the machine and stopped it by putting her foot on the brake.”
Workplace accidents like this were common in the early 20th century, before modern safety regulations. Today, OSHA and workers' compensation protect employees, but the quick thinking of a coworker can still make all the difference.
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