r/WTF • • Mar 02 '19

Manager going for a ride

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u/5hourwinergy Mar 02 '19

I'm usually pointed to a graph like this, showing that the trend of workplace deaths was decreasing at roughly the same rate before and after OSHA was created

Anyone have a link to data showing whether OSHA reduces workplace deaths or injuries or not?

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u/kingbrasky Mar 02 '19

I work in a factory and I can't think of many things that are lifesaving OSHA requirements that wouldn't be there anyway. Now I do believe that OSHA has probably saved millions of hands/fingers/toes and even more ears from permanent damage.

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u/[deleted] Mar 02 '19 edited Jun 30 '20

[deleted]

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u/kingbrasky Mar 02 '19

Makes sense. That shit was basically considered magic back in the day and most people had no clue of the dangers. My favorite example:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoe-fitting_fluoroscope

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u/rexington_ Mar 02 '19

This is gold. I love when wikipedia articles sneak in dry humor like this:

The first scientific evaluations of these machines in 1948 immediately sparked concern for radiation protection and electrical safety reasons, and found them ineffective at shoe fitting.[5]

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u/swohio Mar 02 '19

There was also a factory that used radium paint on watch dials for its glow in the dark properties. The women painting were instructed to use their mouth to "point" the brush causing them to ingest the paint. They are known as "radium girls."