The Hoover Dam In The 1930's

The Hoover Dam project was a success in the 1930's despite the depression for many reasons. With respect to unique characteristics of the Hoover Dam project, including the isolated and uncivilised location of the site, its geologic features, and its completion two years ahead of schedule, resulted in significant failure to ensure health and safety of the workers. It has been documented that many employees were exploited of their civil rights such as having poor sanitary conditions, an extortionate supply of fresh drinking water and unauthorized extensive overtime hours leading to exhaustion and/or physical injury. Many workers died of carbon monoxide poisoning in tunnels with inadequate ventilation, heat stroke and falling to their deaths from cliff faces. Even though the hats were suggested to be worn, it was not required whereas after now it is illegal to be on a construction site without correct protective clothing. Despite being equipped with medical services, attention was scarce upon until after the deaths of many workers.

Employers clearly lacked to effectively apply the civil laws relating to health and safety resulting in many fatal accidents. This led to investigations and since1940 there had been enough collected evidence suggesting unacceptable working conditions leading to the establishment of the The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 “It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all of his employees” (HSW Act). This act is “a criminal law aimed at protecting employees who may be affected by work activities”. In other words, employees have right of raising concerns regarding their health and safety being at risk and it is the “employer’s legal duty to do a risk assessment”