I think a lot of people feel over protected or at times maybe even harassed by safety issues on the job. Some times they are a little over zealous depending on the size of the business you work for and what your occupation is. Today's blog is going to take a look into the past when safety concerns were far more lax.
The Radium Girls were female factory workers who painted watch dials for United States Radium factory around 1917. The women had been told the paint was harmless,I imagine being women of that time they never thought to question this statement,even though the owners of the plant,scientists and chemists avoided exposure using lead screens,masks and tongs. The brushes they used to paint the dials would lose shape after a few strokes and the supervisors encouraged the women to shape the brushes with their lips or tongues. Some of the Radium Girls painted their nails,teeth and faces for fun. Once the women began to get sick the company rejected their claims and even started smear campaigns to discredit the women. Out of the 70 women employed by the plant only 5 (dubbed the Radium Girls) went on to sue the company. The case was settled in 1928,they received $10,000 and $600 per year annuity and medical expenses while they lived.
Kind of makes things today look pretty cushy!
The Radium Girls were female factory workers who painted watch dials for United States Radium factory around 1917. The women had been told the paint was harmless,I imagine being women of that time they never thought to question this statement,even though the owners of the plant,scientists and chemists avoided exposure using lead screens,masks and tongs. The brushes they used to paint the dials would lose shape after a few strokes and the supervisors encouraged the women to shape the brushes with their lips or tongues. Some of the Radium Girls painted their nails,teeth and faces for fun. Once the women began to get sick the company rejected their claims and even started smear campaigns to discredit the women. Out of the 70 women employed by the plant only 5 (dubbed the Radium Girls) went on to sue the company. The case was settled in 1928,they received $10,000 and $600 per year annuity and medical expenses while they lived.
Kind of makes things today look pretty cushy!
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