What was the primary purpose of the Federal Employees Liability Act enacted in 1908?

The primary purpose of the Federal Employees Liability Act (FELA), enacted in 1908, was to protect and compensate railroad employees who were injured while performing their duties. This act was significant because it shifted the burden of proof from the employee to the employer, allowing injured workers to more easily secure compensation for their injuries caused by the negligence of the railroads. It was a response to the high number of accidents and injuries in the railroad industry at that time, aiming to ensure that workers who faced dangers and risks on the job were afforded legal protection and relief for work-related injuries.

While regulating employment practices, establishing safety standards, and providing health insurance might also relate to the welfare of employees, FELA's specific focus on injury compensation sets it apart as a crucial piece of legislation meant to provide direct support to railroad workers in the event of workplace accidents.