‘It should never have happened’: death of boy, 16, at sawmill highlights rise of child labour in US

‘It should never have happened’: death of boy, 16, at sawmill highlights rise of child labour in US  The Guardian

‘It should never have happened’: death of boy, 16, at sawmill highlights rise of child labour in US

Tragedy Strikes: A Fatal Accident at Florence Hardwoods

In late June, Jim Schuls and his 16-year-old son, Michael, woke up at 4am for their usual drive from their apartment in Florence, Wisconsin, to begin work at 5am at a sawmill. Father and son made this journey together five times a week in the summer, when Michael worked longer hours than he did in term time. His two older brothers had also worked at the same mill when they were about his age.

Their day at Florence Hardwoods – one of the largest employers in the town with a population of about 2,000 – began as normal. Jim operated a forklift outside while Michael worked alone inside the mill. Jim says he never worried because he believed “young kids were stacking lumber”, not operating dangerous machines.

A Tragic Accident

According to a Florence County sheriff’s office report, when the conveyor machine became jammed Michael stepped on to it to try to straighten the wood, but he had not pressed a safety button to turn it off. The conveyor started to move and he became caught in the machine. The teenager was trapped for 17 minutes before a supervisor, who had been operating a forklift outside, discovered him unconscious.

A yellow banner reads ‘Mikey Strong, gone but not forgotten,’ at the homecoming bonfire at Florence high school in Wisconsin<h2>SDGs, Targets, and Indicators</h2>

<h3>SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:</h3>
<ol>
  <li>SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth</li>
  <li>SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities</li>
  <li>SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions</li>
</ol>

<h3>Specific Targets Based on the Article's Content:</h3>
<ul>
  <li>Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.</li>
  <li>Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.</li>
  <li>Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:</h3>
<ul>
  <li>Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.</li>
  <li>Indicator 10.7.1: Recruitment cost borne by employee as a proportion of yearly income earned in country of destination.</li>
  <li>Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators</h2>

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>SDGs</th>
      <th>Targets</th>
      <th>Indicators</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth</td>
      <td>Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.</td>
      <td>Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities</td>
      <td>Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.</td>
      <td>Indicator 10.7.1: Recruitment cost borne by employee as a proportion of yearly income earned in country of destination.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions</td>
      <td>Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.</td>
      <td>Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

<p>Based on the article, the issues highlighted are connected to SDGs 8, 10, and 16. SDG 8 focuses on decent work and economic growth, which is relevant to the discussion of child labor violations and the need to eradicate forced labor. SDG 10 addresses reduced inequalities, particularly in relation to migration and mobility, which is discussed in the context of child labor and exploitation. SDG 16 emphasizes peace, justice, and strong institutions, specifically in relation to ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children.</p>

<p>The specific targets identified based on the article's content are Target 8.7, Target 10.7, and Target 16.2. Target 8.7 aims to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and eliminate the worst forms of child labor. Target 10.7 focuses on facilitating safe and responsible migration and mobility, including through well-managed migration policies. Target 16.2 aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children.</p>

<p>The indicators mentioned or implied in the article are Indicator 8.7.1, Indicator 10.7.1, and Indicator 16.2.2. Indicator 8.7.1 measures the proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor. Indicator 10.7.1 measures the recruitment cost borne by employees as a proportion of their yearly income earned in the country of destination. Indicator 16.2.2 measures the number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, considering factors such as sex, age group, and form of exploitation.</p><p><strong>Behold!</strong> This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.</p><p><strong>Source: <a href=theguardian.com

 

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