Context Of Silkwood V. Kerr Mcgee Nuclear Corp - 1316 Words

Introduction The 1983 film Silkwood, was inspired by Karen Silkwood of the monumental Silkwood v. Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corp. (81-2159) whistleblowing case. Silkwood, a union activist and whistleblower who worked at the Cimarron, Oklahoma Kerr-McGee Nuclear Fuel Processing facility from August, 1972 through November 1974. While the activist was investigating alleged wrongdoing, specifically plutonium contaminations on her body and throughout her house, she was killed in a suspicious auto accident. The case portrayed in film shows implications for modern whistleblowers, set a precedent and was essential in creating proper protections for whistleblowers. This paper will analyze the context of Silkwood v. Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corp. in modern day whistleblowing. Silkwood v. Kerr-McGee (1979) After the discovery of plutonium contamination on Karen Silkwood’s body and in the house she shared with co-workers, Silkwood died in a mysterious auto accident. Her father, who was her estate administrator, then filed suit against Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corporation for personal injury, mental distress, and property damage. The Silkwood v. Kerr-McGee case raised new questions about safety of workers in the nuclear industry. At the plant where Silkwood worked, employees worked with plutonium, which presents a high risk of serious health complications on the internal organs, tissues, and bone, especially if the element is inhaled or has any sort of internal contact. Silkwood was a laboratory analystShow MoreRelatedThe Union Organization And The Silkwood V. Kerr Mcgee Nuclear Corp Essay730 Words   |  3 PagesIntroduction The 1983 film Silkwood, was inspired by Karen Silkwood of the monumental Silkwood v. Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corp. (81-2159) whistleblowing case. Silkwood, a union activist and whistleblower, worked at the Cimarron Kerr-McGee Nuclear Fuel Processing facility in Oklahoma from August 1972 until November 1974. While the activist was investigating alleged corporate wrongdoing, specifically plutonium contaminations on her body and throughout her house, she was killed in a suspicious auto accident