The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

[Pete Zicato]

100 years ago this Friday.

I don't think this could happen today. So what do you think the difference is - better laws governing businesses, more altruistic owners, something else?

[Spexxvet]

Originally Posted by Pete Zicato

100 years ago this Friday.

I don't think this could happen today. So what do you think the difference is - better laws governing businesses, more altruistic owners, something else?

Altruistic owners? Not.

Social safety nets. Citizens feel that they can leave an unsafe job without fearing that they won't be able to provide for their family.

BTW, 14 American workers die every day.

[wolf]

It can, and does happen.

Station Nightclub, West Warwick, Rhode Island.
(siswolf lived around the corner from this place, less than 1/2 mile away. Several times when visiting her I had considered going to check it out. I also have met the Rhode Island CISM coordinator)

republica Cromagnon, Buenos Aires, Argentina

And countless others.

Poor fire control systems, confusing floor plans, flammable decorations, and "security" involving chaining doors shut to prevent people from sneaking in.

[Pete Zicato]

Originally Posted by wolf

It can, and does happen.

Oh I understand that fires can and do happen. But I think that the work condition circumstances in the Shirtwaist incident are a lot less likely today.

[Cloud]

this incident specifically gave rise to the unions, which did a lot in terms of protecting workers' rights and improving conditions.

I, too, thought of the nightclub fires in recent years. No unions for partygoers, unfortunately.

[footfootfoot]

Originally Posted by Cloud

this incident specifically gave rise to the unions, which did a lot in terms of protecting workers' rights and improving conditions.

I, too, thought of the nightclub fires in recent years. No unions for partygoers, unfortunately.

That's why

You

have
to
fight

for
your
right

to
P A R T Y !

[infinite monkey]

Originally Posted by footfootfoot

That's why

You

have
to
fight

for
your
right

to
P A R T Y !

Hell yeah!

[wolf]

There are plenty of sweatshops still operating in most major cities, and many of them have the same sorts of conditions that lead to the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, including the poor ventilation and locked exits.

[Pete Zicato]

Originally Posted by wolf

There are plenty of sweatshops still operating in most major cities, and many of them have the same sorts of conditions that lead to the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, including the poor ventilation and locked exits.

Ok so we haven't done as well as I thought.

Does anyone still want to argue that we don't need to regulate business?

[Crimson Ghost]

Originally Posted by wolf

There are plenty of sweatshops still operating in most major cities, and many of them have the same sorts of conditions that lead to the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, including the poor ventilation and locked exits.

True.
Just ask Kathie Lee Gifford.

[Cloud]

fire codes have improved considerably and regulated more closely also

[Spexxvet]

Originally Posted by wolf

There are plenty of sweatshops still operating in most major cities, and many of them have the same sorts of conditions that lead to the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, including the poor ventilation and locked exits.

Especially for undocumented/illegal worker/aliens.

Originally Posted by Cloud

fire codes have improved considerably and regulated more closely also

OSHA saves lives. And fingers, and eyes....

[Clodfobble]

Originally Posted by wolf

There are plenty of sweatshops still operating in most major cities, and many of them have the same sorts of conditions that lead to the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, including the poor ventilation and locked exits.

Poor ventilation and panicked crowds that clog exits, absolutely. But exits locked from the inside? I was pretty sure that nowadays any commercial building has the kind that automatically lock from the outside, with the big pushbar to open from the inside. It's standard building code.

[Spexxvet]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

Poor ventilation and panicked crowds that clog exits, absolutely. But exits locked from the inside? I was pretty sure that nowadays any commercial building has the kind that automatically lock from the outside, with the big pushbar to open from the inside. It's standard building code.

Sometimes, they get chained, so that partiers can't open a door to let in other who avoid paying the cover charge.

[tw]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

Poor ventilation and panicked crowds that clog exits, absolutely. But exits locked from the inside? I was pretty sure that nowadays any commercial building has the kind that automatically lock from the outside,

Don't be so sure. In late 1970s, I was visiting friends in Stone Harbor NJ. We were in a crowded night club called Shelter Haven. I smelled something I did not like. Then noticed employees running about in a very concerned manner. I could not get to the front door - it was too crowded. Told friends I was going out back to check for an exit. Found a few. All doors with push bars that were chained and locked on the inside.

Well, I started back to the front. When I finally got out, the staff suddenly started asking everyone to leave quickly. As multiple fire trucks were arriving at the front door.

I called CBS news that night. Reported what had happened and what I found. Never heard anything. Even in modern times, too many people are more concerned about controlling costs rather than safety. And will do what is required only if laws demand it with stiff financial penalties. Too many people think the purpose of a business is profits.