What Can You Learn From The Worst Workplace Accidents In US History?

Workplace accidents are probably something you shy away from as a business owner. In truth, though, hiding from workplace risks is almost as bad as overlooking health and safety altogether, and it can leave you open to worker fatalities despite your best efforts. Hence why, instead of hiding, you would be far better off facing workplace hazards head-on.

While this isn’t always for the faint of heart, deep-diving into historic workplace injury cases can be especially useful for making sure that you don’t make the same mistakes as your predecessors.

In this article, we’ll consider just a few of the lessons you could learn from the worst workplace accidents seen across US history.

# 1 – The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, 1911

A fire broke out on the 8th, 9th, and 10th floors of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in March of 1911, resulting in more than 146 deaths. The Lower Manhattan factor was later criticized for safety oversights including cramped working conditions, locked doors, and the presence of just one fire escape that collapsed during rescue efforts.

While the fire itself was started by a careless match, the fatalities that followed were largely preventable. These serious safety violations left the building owners facing serious charges from criminal defense attorneys. Obviously, times were different back then and only minimal fines were handed out for the offense. Nowadays, however, similar crimes could see business owners facing serious sentencing, highlighting the need to always focus on building and workplace safety, as well as implementing clear and compliant fire procedures.

# 2 – The Port Chicago Disaster, 1944

In July of 1944, an explosion on an ammunition-loaded ship at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in California resulted in an astonishing 320 deaths, many of whom were African-American Navy personnel subjected to the Navy’s segregationist policies. While no known cause was ever listed, unsafe handling procedures and a lack of training were considered contributing factors. The incident also put workplace inequalities under a stern spotlight.

This incident highlights the need for essential and ongoing workplace training, especially when it comes to specific safety rules like the handling of hazardous materials. The incident also highlights the importance of equality in the workplace, which ensures the safety and workplace happiness of every member of your team.

# 3 – Willow Island Cooling Tower Collapse, 1978

Construction at a power station in Willow Island came to a tragic end in April of 1978 when concrete that had been poured the previous day failed to support scaffolding. Reports of the incident outline that a cable went slack when workers were transporting additional loads, resulting in a collapse that killed all 51 construction workers on the scaffolding at the time.

Later investigations reported several contributing safety violations, including a failure to allow the concrete to cure adequately. This highlights the need to follow proper procedures at all times, especially within dangerous environments like construction.

# 5 – New York City Crane Collapse, 2008

While it’s easy to assume we’ve moved on from historic workplace accidents, the New York City Crane Collapse in March of 2008 paints a different picture. In this instance, seven people were killed, including a nearby resident, when a tower crane collapsed.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), this incident arose for various reasons, including inadequate safety precautions. Reports also highlighted that the crane was being used in ways that went against manufacturer guidelines and was also inspected improperly before use. Lessons from this incident highlight both the importance of always ensuring proper equipment use, and also of carrying out regular, thorough inspections on all workplace equipment.

# 5 – Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster, 2010

We’ve also seen notable workplace accidents as recently as April of 2010 when a coal dust explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia led to 29 deaths. The incident arose when a methane gas leak reduced oxygen levels to deadly levels and eventually ignited, resulting in an underground explosion. This was the worst mining incident since 1970 and was thought to be largely preventable. Reports stated that the mine’s owner operated in a ‘profoundly reckless’ manner.

This was not the first safety violation reported in the Upper Big Branch Mine and highlights the need to follow through and improve on any safety issues that arise within the working environment. If steps towards improvement had been made sooner, many lives would have been saved.

Workplace accidents can feel like the stuff of nightmares, but facing up to major historic mistakes like these can help you run a far safer business in general.