Impact
After the case, the Consumers League investigated other radium dial plants. Florence Kelley, President of the Consumers League led the investigation with Alice Hamilton. Kelley, Hamilton, and Berry, the attorney for the "Radium Girls," met with medical examiners of New York and New Jersey to propose a general conference to Surgeon General Hugh Cumming of the U.S. Public Health Service. The medical examiners signed the proposal for the conference, which was supported by Walter Lippmann, editor of the New York World.
"In many aspects, the disease is surrounded by mystery which only an expert, impartial and national agency can remove… clearly this is a task for the Public Health Service."
~Walter Lippmann
December 28, 1928, General Cummings called the conference in New York. They were joined by the American Association for Labor Legislation (AALL) and set up two committees: one to investigate existing conditions and one to recommend ways to protect workers.
After the Radium Girls lawsuit became big media news, radium was no longer seen as a miracle working substance. The 1938 Food Drug and Cosmetic Act outlawed deceptive packaging that marketed products with radium.
"In many aspects, the disease is surrounded by mystery which only an expert, impartial and national agency can remove… clearly this is a task for the Public Health Service."
~Walter Lippmann
December 28, 1928, General Cummings called the conference in New York. They were joined by the American Association for Labor Legislation (AALL) and set up two committees: one to investigate existing conditions and one to recommend ways to protect workers.
After the Radium Girls lawsuit became big media news, radium was no longer seen as a miracle working substance. The 1938 Food Drug and Cosmetic Act outlawed deceptive packaging that marketed products with radium.
Safety Laws in the Workplace
One of the major long term impacts of the "Radium Girls" was the installment of the first safety laws in the workplace. In 1933, the federal government's Public Heath Service demanded safe work procedures in luminous dials and watches. In fact, New Jersey currently has some of the strictest labor laws in the United States.
Current Laws in New Jersey
34:6A-33. Responsibilities of employers
Every employer shall:
a. Provide each of his employees with employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards which may cause serious injury, physical harm or death to his employees; and
b. Comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this act.
34:6A-35. Inspections; compliance
c. If either commissioner concludes that conditions or practices in violation of any provision of this act under his jurisdiction exist in any workplace, he shall inform the affected employees and employers of the danger.
12:122-3.1 Right to enter and inspect
(a) The Compliance Officer shall enter without delay and at reasonable times any establishment or field site of any employer where work is performed by an employee if there is reason to believe that a violation of this chapter has occurred or is occurring and to conduct such investigations as the Compliance Officer shall deem to be necessary.
(b) Employers shall permit the Compliance Officer to inspect within the establishment or field site all pertinent conditions, structures, machines, apparatus, devices, equipment and materials.
~Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
One of the major long term impacts of the "Radium Girls" was the installment of the first safety laws in the workplace. In 1933, the federal government's Public Heath Service demanded safe work procedures in luminous dials and watches. In fact, New Jersey currently has some of the strictest labor laws in the United States.
Current Laws in New Jersey
34:6A-33. Responsibilities of employers
Every employer shall:
a. Provide each of his employees with employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards which may cause serious injury, physical harm or death to his employees; and
b. Comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this act.
34:6A-35. Inspections; compliance
c. If either commissioner concludes that conditions or practices in violation of any provision of this act under his jurisdiction exist in any workplace, he shall inform the affected employees and employers of the danger.
12:122-3.1 Right to enter and inspect
(a) The Compliance Officer shall enter without delay and at reasonable times any establishment or field site of any employer where work is performed by an employee if there is reason to believe that a violation of this chapter has occurred or is occurring and to conduct such investigations as the Compliance Officer shall deem to be necessary.
(b) Employers shall permit the Compliance Officer to inspect within the establishment or field site all pertinent conditions, structures, machines, apparatus, devices, equipment and materials.
~Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
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