O. P. Hoff - Labor Commissioner

Labor Commissioner

Hoff was the first leader of the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) to conduct safety inspections of factories. In 1906, he reported that 653 of the 673 factories inspected had dangerous or unsafe conditions, but he won the authority to fine violators and force compliance with safety laws. Under Hoff's leadership of BOLI, Oregon created the first enforceable minimum wage law in the United States, enacted a child labor law, and pursued a shorter 10-hour working day for women. He was also an advocate for teachers, whom he called "about the poorest paid class of wage earners in the state." After his appointment by Governor Chamberlain in 1903, Hoff was elected to the position for a full four-year term in 1906 and reelected in 1910 and 1914. He continued in office until January 6, 1919 and was replaced by Charles H. Gram who had been elected in 1918.