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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The Boston Bombing: Stop the Bleed

The Boston Bombing: Stop the Bleed

How a national tragedy created a new kind of first responder.

3:19
The Indianapolis: Movement Reporting

The Indianapolis: Movement Reporting

A filing error left 900 men stranded in the open ocean.

3:35
Flight 981: The Cargo Door Directive

Flight 981: The Cargo Door Directive

A faulty latch and a manufacturer's deadly oversight.

4:12
The Slocum Disaster: Maritime Safety

The Slocum Disaster: Maritime Safety

Why life preservers once drowned the people they should save.

4:08
The New London Explosion: The Smell of Safety

The New London Explosion: The Smell of Safety

How a deadly oversight led to a now-universal warning.

3:51
The Circus Fire: Flame Retardant Tags

The Circus Fire: Flame Retardant Tags

How a 1944 disaster wrote the safety rules we live by today.

3:49
The Georgia Spill: Irradiation Safety

The Georgia Spill: Irradiation Safety

How deadly accidents led to safer food preservation.

3:58
Thalidomide: The Drug Regulation

Thalidomide: The Drug Regulation

How one doctor's refusal averted a national tragedy.

3:10
The Hot Coffee Spill: Tort Reform

The Hot Coffee Spill: Tort Reform

How a 'frivolous' lawsuit changed corporate safety.

3:42
The Dalkon Shield: Medical Device Regulation

The Dalkon Shield: Medical Device Regulation

How a flawed IUD led to crucial FDA oversight.

3:24