Lots to 'Law'f About
With the record-breaking $87,430,000 fine against BP's Texas City, Texas, refinery serving as just the latest high-profile example of OSHA's return to life after its long "vacation," a lot of attention has begun to focus on the issue of safety compliance.
This has raised many questions, such as: Am I in compliance? What sort of enforcement is coming my way? What changes can I expect to safety standards? What's a safety standard?
In order to know what the future may bring, it's important to look back at what's been done. Particularly, we must revisit the mistakes of the past in the hope that we won't repeat them. Of course, if laughter ensues, all the better. Without further ado, here's a totally random, unsubstantiated sample of some dumb laws from our past that were created to ensure our health and safety.
Fire Safety
In New Britain, Conn., it is illegal for fire trucks to exceed 25 miles per hour, even when going to a fire. (Source: www.bored.com/crazylaws/)
Personal Safety
In 1982, Georgia voted unanimously to pass a law that required all heads of households to own at least one firearm with ammunition. (Source: www.idiotlaws.com)
In Texas, an anticrime law requires criminals to give their victims 24 hours notice, either orally or in writing, and to explain the nature of the crime to be committed. (Source: www.lawguru.com)
Transportation Safety
In Alabama, it is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a vehicle. (Source: www.lawguru.com)
Also, it is legal to drive in the wrong direction down a one-way street if you have a lantern attached to the front of your automobile. (Source: www.bored.com/crazylaws/)
In Texas, when two trains meet each other at a railroad crossing, each shall come to a full stop, and neither shall proceed until the other has gone. (Source: www.ahajokes.com)
Hearing Protection
In North Carolina, it is against the law to sing off key in public. (Source: www.associatedcontent.com)
Vision Protection
In Texas, it is against the law to sell your right or left eye. (Source: www.associatedcontent.com)
Respiratory Protection
In Alabama, masks may not be worn in public. (Source: www.bored.com/crazylaws/)
Personal Hygiene
In Arizona, Mohave County passed a decree that declares anyone caught stealing soap must wash him/herself with it until it is all used up. (Source: www.bored.com/crazylaws/)
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Please, feel free to contribute to this list and add to the hilarity.
Posted by Marc Barrera on Nov 09, 2009