21-Aug-2023 - 5 min read

The Radium Girls by Kate Moore: A Review from the HR Lens

The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women is a non-fiction book written by Kate Moore and published in 2017. The book describes the tragic history of the young women who worked in radium dial factories during the early 20th Century. These women, known as Radium Girls, were responsible for painting watch and clock dials with luminous paint containing radium. A substance which of course we now know to be incredibly dangerous but at the time was considered safe and even beneficial to health due to its glowing properties. The book chronicles the women's exposure to the deadly substance, their subsequent illnesses, and their fight for justice. 

 Kate Moore's book delves into the personal stories of several of these women, highlighting their determination and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity. The book records the lives of these women who were drawn into the glamorous world of radium-based products. They would often put the paintbrushes in their mouths to create fine points on the brushes to be more acurate in their painting, ingesting small amounts of radium in the process. As a result, many of the women suffered from severe health issues, including radiation poisoning, bone fractures and cancer. The devastating effects of radium exposure were not immediately understood, and many of the women faced an uphill battle against their employers and the legal system as they fought for their rights, proper compensation and acknowledgement of their suffering. 

In reading this book through a HR lens The Radium Girls explores the ethical implication of workplace practices, the importance of worker safety, and the long-lasting effects of employee well-being. The book highlights the lack of safety measures and regulation in place during that time. Moreover, the book shows how the radium companies ignored the risks of radium exposure and put their employee's health at risk in the name of profit. The companies actually tried to cover up the dangers of radium exposure, even after the women started to get sick and in public would deny that the radium was to blame for the women's illnesses, and they refused to provide them with any financial assistance. But the women sued the radium companies and eventually in 1938 the case went to trial and the jury found in favour of the women. The company was ordered to pay them damages, and it was also forced to change its safety practices. Moore's narrative vividly captures the struggles faced by these women, making it a thought-provoking read for HR professionals and anyone interested in labour rights and workplace safety. 

The impact of this story on health and safety today is significant. It serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety regulations and the need to protect workers from harmful substances. The radium dial factories did not have proper safety protocols in place, which resulted in the women's exposure to high levels of the toxic substance. As a result, many of them suffered from radiation poisoning, which caused health issues, including cancer and death.  

Workplace Practices:

The book highlights the importance of having clear and transparent safety policies and procedures in place. Moore's detailed storytelling reveals the dark side of the radium factories, where unethical workplace practices were rampant. As HR professionals, it is essential to examine the historical context and learn from mistakes of the past. The Radium Girls servers as a stark reminder of the significance of fair labour practices, fair wages, and employee well-being in the workplace. It encourages HR practitioners to prioritise creating an environment that ensures the physical and mental well-being of employees. The book also provides a valuable lesson in the importance of employee training, so that employees are aware of the risks associated with their work and how to protect themselves.  

Employee Safety

The book shows the importance of having a culture of safety in the workplace, where employees feel comfortable speaking up about safety concerns. The book highlights the devastating consequences of neglecting worker safety. The young women who painted radium dials suffered grave health issues due to prolonged exposure to radium, and their employers were increasingly aware of the risks involved. For an HR standpoint, this serves as a reminder of the critical role HR plays in working with the Health and Safety representatives within an organisation to champion occupational health and safety. It emphasises the importance of implementing robust safety protocols, conducting regular risk assessments, and prioritising employee health to prevent workplace accidents and injuries. 

Legal and Ethical Implications:

The Radium Girls underscores the legal and ethical dimensions of labour rights and corporate responsibility. The companies involved knowingly endangered their employees' lives, putting profit above the well-being of their workers. HR professionals can draw valuable lessons from this narrative, understanding the importance of upholding ethical standards in the workplace. It serves as a reminder to continuously review and align HR policies with legal and moral obligations, ensuring the protection and fair treatment of employees. 

Employee Advocacy:

Moore's account demonstrates the power of collective action and the need for employee advocacy. The radium girls and their families, fought tirelessly for justice, demanding compensation for their suffering and providing channels for employees to voice their concerns and grievances without fear of reprisal. The book's narrative acts as an illusion for promoting a culture of open communication, active listening, and fostering an environment where employees feel supported and empowered. 

The book serves as a reminder that it is crucial for employers to prioritise the health and safety of their workers. Employers have a responsibility to protect their employees from workplace hazards. And employees have a right to a safe workplace. Today, we have more advanced technology and knowledge of harmful substances, which allows us to better protect employees from workplace hazards. However, it is still necessary to remain vigilant and ensure that all safety measures are in place to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. 

Through meticulous research and detailed storytelling, Moore paints a vivid and often heart wrenching picture of the radium girls' experiences capturing the individual tragedies and the broader sociaetal implications of their story, along with their fight for justice. Kate Moore's writing is engaging and compassionate, allowing readers to connect with the women at the heart of the narrative. The Radium Girls is a poignant reminder of the sacrifice made by these young women and their determination to create lasting change. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of unchecked corporate practices and the importance of worker's rights. 

From an HR perspective it serves as a powerful reminder to prioritise employee well-being, champion worker safety, and uphold ethical standards in all aspects of HR management with a clear illustration of the devastating consequences that can occur when proper protocols are not in place. 

The Radium Girls is a deeply moving book that uncovers a piece of history that deserves to be remembered. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a call to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of those who have been marginalised by history. Kate Moore's work shines a light on these brave women, ensuring that their stories will not be forgotten.