It is certainly true that any machine can be dangerous.  Accidents, while not as frequent or as generally horrific as charged, did occur.

Employers however, far from being indifferent to such conditions, were on the whole greatly concerned.  A serious accident after all might frighten the workers to such an extent that a whole run of production would have to be shut down, and the accident itself would be an interruption - and likely result in the loss (however temporary) of a skilled employee.

Little was then known about providing protection from moving machinery parts by "boxing in" the assembly.  However, as difficulties arose, remedies were applied in most cases as quickly as possible.

It is a fact that the only way that a factory or mill can operate in the profit column, is for production to occur - as quickly and efficiently as possible.  If workers are frightened of the machines, they will not produce efficiently, if they produce at all.

A well-running, safe factory or mill makes more profits than a dangerous one.  This fact was quickly observed, and the major force moving to make factories, mills, and mines safer places to work came more often from the employers themselves, and not from the workers or unions as is frequently claimed.

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