Ethics and safety_CON271
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Dec 6, 2023
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Uploaded by GeneralCatMaster44
Zayaan Bharucha
CON 271 By Richard Standage
Ethics Due 19
th
November 2023
The Willow Island Cooling Tower Collapse: An Ethical
Perspective
Introduction:
The Willow Island disaster of April 27, 1978, marked a dark chapter in U.S. construction
history. The collapse of a cooling tower at a power station in Willow Island, West Virginia,
resulted in the tragic loss of 51 construction workers. This incident, considered the worst
construction accident in the country, calls for an in-depth investigation into the ethical
implications surrounding the collapse.
Briefly Unfold the Story:
The Allegheny Power System was in the process of expanding its plant at Willow Island,
constructing a larger facility with two generators boasting a total capacity of 1300 megawatts.
By April 1978, one cooling tower had been completed, and a second was under construction.
On the fateful day of April 27, 1978, as tower number 2 reached a height of 166 feet, disaster
struck. The collapse occurred during the third lift of concrete, leading to the falling of
scaffolding and the tragic deaths of all 51 workers on the scaffold.
ASCE and AIC Ethical Codes Violated:
In the construction industry, safety is paramount, and ethical standards are set by
organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the American
Institute of Constructors (AIC). The Willow Island collapse raises questions about adherence
to these standards, particularly concerning worker safety and construction practices.
Analysing Ethical and Professional Decisions:
The decisions made by construction managers come under scrutiny in the aftermath of the
collapse. Factors such as budget constraints, scheduling pressures, and potential shortcuts
may have influenced choices that compromised safety and ethical standards. The collapse
itself, triggered during a concrete lift, underscores the importance of careful planning and
execution in construction projects.
Formulating Ethical Prevention Measures:
To prevent such tragedies, ethical considerations must be prioritized. Safety measures, proper
planning, and adherence to ethical codes should take precedence over expediency. Alternative
decisions, processes, or safety measures could have been implemented to avert the collapse,
ensuring the well-being of the workers.
Impact of Technical Solution:
Global Impact: The collapse undoubtedly had repercussions on the global construction
industry, leading to increased scrutiny of safety practices and potential changes in regulations
to prevent similar incidents.
Economic Impact: Beyond the human cost, the economic impact of the collapse, including
legal consequences and potential financial implications for the construction industry,
reshaped the economic landscape surrounding such projects.
Societal Impact: The societal context, affected by the loss of lives and the subsequent
investigations, prompted changes in public perception and safety regulations, with
implications reaching far beyond the construction site.
Conclusion:
The Willow Island cooling tower collapse serves as a stark reminder of the ethical
responsibilities inherent in construction projects. Learning from the past is crucial to prevent
the recurrence of such tragedies. Adherence to ethical codes, prioritizing safety, and
meticulous planning are essential to safeguard not only the lives of workers but also the
integrity of the construction industry.
References
National Bureau of Standards. (1979, November 30). Investigation of Construction Failure of
Reinforced Concrete Cooling Tower at Willow Island, West Virginia (NBS IR 78-1578).
Authors: Hai S. Lew, S. G. Fattal, J. R. Shaver, T. A. Reinhold, B. J. Hunt.
Charleston Gazette. (1978, April 28). Willow Island Disaster
https://www.nist.gov/el/failure-cooling-tower-west-virginia-1978#:~:text=The%20Willow
%20Island%20disaster%20was,51%20construction%20workers%20were%20killed
.
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