I ask this because I was just remembering the stories my grandmother told about her life in Catholic school. Physical punishment was the norm, although never usually harsh enough to draw blood or leave a bruise for too long.
If slave-owners beat their slaves, and teachers lightly beat their pupils, and parents lightly beat their children, what was the go-to punishment for owner/employee?
Certainly there was. However, there is a fundamental difference between free labour and slavery. You could hit your slave because they weren't people. Similarly, today, you can punch your sofa as much as you like without fear repercussions. Your weren't infringing on their personhood, because slaves weren't people, in the eyes of the law. That is why the rape of slaves was endemic as well.
Now, in regards to labour in the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution in the U.S, workers had no protection really until after the Civil War. You worked 12 hours plus, for pennies an hour. The owner of the place you worked, usually, gained lots of wealth and influence, so even if you were to go to police with claims of abuse, its was your word against your bosses. You are a lowly worker, while the boss likely had inroads with police or politicians.
The lack of leverage and oversight in the early 19th century sparked the labour movement in the U.S, and, the most significant anarchist movement the country has seen. I suggest researching American labour history for more insight.