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 "worker-safety agencies" ...
-
Death in the Energy Fields
This story investigates the underreported fatalies and accidents in the oil and gas industry. The oil and gas industry is "it's own subculture, out of the mainstream; it operates in high rural areas; it's a hugely profitable industry that directly or indirectly controls communities and states, so questions are not raised and concerns are buried. And the victims - the workers and their next of kin - are not well equipped to stand up for worker safety."
Tags: worker safety; oil and gas industry; fatalities; unions; drilling; work accidents; worker-safety agencies
-
Why Did Brandi Have To Die?
KIRO-TV investigates dangerous machinery at a local recycling plant. After a worked died, investigators discovered that managers failed to fix equipment or properly educate those operating it. The state of Washington did not launch an investigation until the reporter started asking questions. The investigation looks at a company using drug rehabilitation "as an excuse for free labor and a state agency falling down on the job."
Tags: TAPE; TRANSCRIPT; labor; industry; worker safety
-
OSHA penalties: A double standard
A Free Lance-Star investigation reveals that state government agencies are among the most common violators of worker safety standards, but - unlike private bodies - they never get fined. The story lists the top violators in the Fredericksburg, VA area in the last 25 years. The No. 1 local violator over this time period is Keller Industries, a private company that stopper operating in 1996, and No. 2 is the Virginia Department of Transportation. Among the top ten violators are also the City of Fredericksburg and the County of Stafford. "Virginia is one of eight state-run OSHA programs that never fine governments for violations," the Star reports. The article includes a table of the most common injuries and sources of injury.
Tags: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); state government; local government; deaths; injuries; CAR
-
"Dirty Secrets" and "Broken Promises"
Dirty Secrets and its sequel Broken Promises, examine the $150 billion computer-chip industry. The series exposed health and safety problems of the chip-making industry and the conflict between profit and worker safety.
Tags: FOIA Economy Business OSHA Environmental Protection Agency EPA
-
No title (id: 13077)
This Inquirer series looks into asbestos removal and how many contractors ignore safety rules and spotty inspections allow them to persist. Sloppy abatements many times put more asbestos in the air than before, putting both removal workers and the public at a health risk. (Oct. 22 - 25, 1995)
-
Who's Protecting Whom
A computer-assisted investigation reveals a shocking pattern of lax enforcement at the agency charged with protecting worker safety.Multiple examples show that OSHA is reducing fines 99% of the time, collecting only 33 cents on the dollar. The story of Patrick Hayes, killed in a corn silo, was chosen to highlight how OSHA can save on fines and criminal prosecutions, despite findings of deliberate violations of worker safety. (Aug. 1, 1995) See Handout entry #479 for more information on Hayes case and FOIA problems encountered.
-
Deep danger
Daily Herald(Arlington Heights, Ill. iinvestigates the disregard for worker safety by contractors and government agencies in the construction of a deep storm-drainage tunnel. Ten men have been killed and hundreds injured in the project.