Short showRules Written in Blood

Discover the tragic and shocking true stories behind the safety regulations and laws that shape our daily lives. From workplace accidents to public scandals, explore how human error led to strict policies and the unexpected consequences that followed. This is the history of the red tape designed to keep us safe.

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Abigail's Alliance: The Right to Try

Abigail's Alliance: The Right to Try

How a lost lawsuit led to a nationwide policy change.

3:23
The Northridge Quake: Senate Bill 1953

The Northridge Quake: Senate Bill 1953

The disaster that forced hospitals to be disaster-proof.

3:19
The Amber Hagerman Case: A Citizen's Alert

The Amber Hagerman Case: A Citizen's Alert

How a local tragedy sparked a nationwide lifesaver.

3:32
The Donora Smog: The Clean Air Act

The Donora Smog: The Clean Air Act

How a deadly fog forced the US to regulate its air.

3:49
The Pemberton Mill: Building Codes

The Pemberton Mill: Building Codes

How a deadly structural failure created modern safety laws.

3:08
The Swill Milk Scandal: Pure Food Laws

The Swill Milk Scandal: Pure Food Laws

How thousands of infant deaths sparked a food safety revolution.

3:20
The Jungle: The Pure Food and Drug Act

The Jungle: The Pure Food and Drug Act

How a novel about labor rights created food safety laws.

3:01
The St. Francis Dam: Engineering Licensure

The St. Francis Dam: Engineering Licensure

How one man's fatal error created dam safety laws.

3:30
The Henry Clay Fire: Steamboat Safety

The Henry Clay Fire: Steamboat Safety

A deadly race on the Hudson River forced new federal laws.

3:22
The Poisoned Salad: Food Safety Laws

The Poisoned Salad: Food Safety Laws

How a cult's plot to win an election changed federal policy.

3:17