Gambling with Lives examines the work, hazards, and health and safety programs from the early building of the railroad through the construction of the Hoover Dam, chemical manufacturing during World War II, nuclear testing, and dense megaresort construction on the Las Vegas Strip. In doing so, this comprehensive chronicle reveals the long and unfortunate history of exposing workers, residents, tourists, and the environment to dangerous work—all while exposing the present and future to crises in the region. Complex interactions and beliefs among the actors involved are emphasized, as well as how the medical community interpreted and responded to the risks posed.
Updated through 2020, this second edition includes new and expanded discussions on:
- Union activity, sexual harassment and misconduct, and race and employment
- The change to Las Vegas’ “What happens here, stays here” slogan
- The MGM Grand Fire and 1918 influenza pandemic
- Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the service industry
- Legionnaire’s Disease outbreaks at resorts
- Effects of the Route 91 Harvest Festival Shooting
- The COVID-19 pandemic
Few places in the United States contain this mixture of industrial and postindustrial sites, the Las Vegas area offers unique opportunities to evaluate American occupational health during the twentieth century, and reminds us all about the relevancy of protecting our workers.