The Hawk's Nest Incident

The Hawk's Nest Incident, which occurred in the early 1930s in West Virginia, involved the construction of a hydroelectric tunnel. Workers were exposed to high levels of silica dust, leading to severe lung problems, particularly silicosis. Despite warnings about the dangers, safety measures were inadequate, and many workers suffered or died as a result. The disaster highlighted the need for better workplace safety regulations and workers’ rights. The incident remains a significant example of industrial negligence and the importance of protecting laborers in hazardous environments.