One job that was so dangerous that staff adverts specifically requested orphans only was the job of chimney sweeps in the 18th and 19th centuries. Chimney sweeps were responsible for cleaning the soot and debris from inside chimneys, a task that was extremely hazardous due to the tight spaces, toxic fumes, and risk of fires.

Because of the dangerous nature of the job, many chimney sweeps were young boys who were small enough to fit inside the narrow chimneys. Orphans were often chosen for this role because they were considered expendable and had no family to support them if they were injured or killed on the job.

Chimney sweeps faced numerous health risks, including respiratory problems from inhaling soot and carbon monoxide, as well as the risk of falling from heights or getting trapped in the chimney. Many chimney sweeps suffered from burns, cuts, and other injuries as a result of their work.

Despite the dangers, chimney sweeps were in high demand during the Industrial Revolution, as the use of coal for heating and cooking led to a buildup of soot in chimneys. As a result, orphaned boys were often forced into this dangerous profession in order to survive.

Today, the practice of using orphaned children as chimney sweeps is no longer legal, and there are strict safety regulations in place to protect workers in hazardous occupations. However, the history of chimney sweeps serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by workers in the past.

For more information on the history of chimney sweeps and their dangerous work conditions, you can visit this BBC article or this History Extra piece.

In conclusion, the job of chimney sweeps in the 18th and 19th centuries was so dangerous that staff adverts specifically requested orphans only, highlighting the harsh realities faced by workers in the past.

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