The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "industrial safety" ...
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Road Hazards
Drivers with "poor safety records and histories of drug and alcohol abuse," poorly inspected and maintained trucks and lax enforcement of safety laws are the main problems affecting the truck driving industry in the state of Texas. The Dallas Morning News investigates, spurred by the case of Miroslaw Jozwiak, a trucker who falsified his log reports before causing a fatal accident, which he survived. The stories of those who perished in the crash are told, as are those of the people who survived the crash.
Tags: Miroslaw Jozwiak; truck drivers; truck safety; highway safety; fatal auto accidents; poor truck inspections
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Relicensing Oyster Creek
"An investigation into the weakness of the Oyster Creek nuclear generating station, the oldest commercial nuclear plant in the nation, as it seeks to run for another 20 years. The series found that the reactor's radiation containment system was so weak that it could not with stand core damage, and that this design flaw is common in the nuclear industry. The plant is also showing signs of poor aging, such as weakened reactor metal, failing control cables, and lack of proper training for employees. Employee errors have caused several safety issues at the plant which was rated one of the worst in the nation. "State officials also have failed to adequately design evacuation plans for the seaside tourist areas."
Tags: nuclear; reactor; radiation; evacuation; safety
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Water Worries
"This four part series found serious flaws in management of the Madison Water Utility and, as a result, troubling problems with safety of the city's water supply. The series showed that the utility's response to the contaminant manganese in the tap water of many Madison homes and the potential health impacts of exposure to the mineral was late and inadequate."
Tags: water; magnese; industrial carcinogen; aging wells; pipes; Board of Water Commissioners; Madison Water Utility
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Dangerous Dams
There are several "high hazard" dams in Maryland which the state Department of the Environment considers unsafe and a threat to public safety. Some of these dams are in imminent danger of failing. A "high hazard" dam indicates that a collapse would cause loss of life and damage to residential, industrial or agricultural areas, public utilities and infrastructure. The story detailed lax enforcement of rules and regulations when a dam owner is told by state inspectors to fix problems.
Tags: Dams; safety; breach; unsafe; high hazard
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Collision Course
The number airborne incidents in Canadian air space are occuring at an alarmingly increasing rate while the Canadian government agency that oversees air safety plans to decrease industry oversight and increase self-regulation.
Tags: air safety; airplane; flight; air traffic; regulation; Canada
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In Harm's Way
The Houston Chronicle funded and conducted a study into air quality at 84 homes and 16 public places in four Southwest Texas communities adjacent to major refineries and/or chemical plants. The newspaper also analyzed more than a decade's worth of air pollution data collected by the state. The effort revealed that residents in this area were being exposed to elevated levels of dangerous and cancer-causing pollutants. Officials were aware of this and some of their own employees charged with monitoring the air were getting sick themselves. The study was able to pinpoint the culprit, adjacent industries.
Tags: pollution; industrial waste; public safety; pollutants; benzene; 1; 3-butadiene; air toxins; Texas Release Inventory; Texas Emissions Events; Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
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BP Explosion: What Went Wrong
After the March 2005 BP refinery accident, the worst in over a decade, the Houston Chronicle investigated. A collection of problems were discovered that BP had not revealed. The deaths of 15 workers were due to BP not keeping to its own safety standards, or those of the industry.
Tags: BP; oil; refinery; accidents; safety standards
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After dust settles, workers pay with their lives
The reporters investigated genuine concerns over the effect of asbestos exposure at a now defunct factory that produced asbestos cement pipe. Of the fewer than 300 workers that worked there over the factory's existence, 11 died of mesothelioma, five of lung cancer, and eight more died after suffering with severe asbestosis. Most died in their 50's or early 60's. At least 4 more are fighting for their lives and dozens more are suffering with asbestosis. Alabama state laws require workers seeking compensation to file their claims within two years of exposure,although asbestosis usually takes several years to show up. Reporters also examined the problems of workers at other companies that protected themselves by declaring bankruptcy or moving out of state, leaving the victims with little hope of legal redress.
Tags: asbestos; legal liability; acute respiratory illness; Capco; cement-asbestos pipe; mesothelioma; libel; FOIA; industrial safety; health
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Toxic Cargo; Crowded Inland Rails at Risk for Dangerous Chemical Spills
The investigation showed that Inland Southern California faces increasing risk of toxic spills from freight trains carrying chlorine, anhydrous ammonia and other deadly chemicals. The authors found a public unaware of the risk, local authorities unprepared and an industry with a questionable safety record.
Tags: chemical transportation; chemical spills; rail transportation; California; freight trains; public safety; FOIA
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Indoor Tanning: Unexpected Danger
This survey of nearly 300 indoor tanning facilities around the country found evidence of widespread failures to inform customers about possible risks, including premature wrinkling and skin cancer, and to follow recommended safety procedures, such as wearing eye goggles. The tanning industry is minimally regulated, and compliance with the few existing rules is poor.
Tags: tanning beds; health; skin care; beauty; sunlight; skin cancer; melanoma