Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/188

 vention often makes it impossible for the manufacturer to obey some inflexible and awkward law, whereas a body of scientific men who can fix standards, and require safety devices which are workable, is much more practical. These experts can provide a museum of safety devices all of which are tested and require the employer to use such devices. Think too, of the saving in insurance. The reduction of the cost of the maimed, killed and wounded in any mutual insurance company will show whether the system is to be a success or failure. The actuarial, technical experience gained in this way will be of great use in cheapening the actual insurance in the workmen's compensation act besides providing for the prevention of accidents and more humane and better conditions.

The following excerpts from the law will indicate how it approaches the general form of the railroad commission and public utility acts. It fixes certain standards for the commission to administer, throws the burden of proof upon those who object to its decisions, and provides a very simple procedure.

"Section 2394-41. (2) The term 'employment' shall mean and include any trade, occupation or process of manufacture, or any method of carrying on such trade, occupation, or process of manufacture in which any person may be engaged, except in such private domestic service or agricultural pursuits as do not involve the use of mechanical power…