The Towering Inferno (1974)

November 20, 2023 by TheBookworms 8 Comments

Source: Google Images (The Towering Inferno, 1974).M)OVrIE SUMMARY:

MOVIE SUMMARY

The Towering Inferno is a disaster film released in 1974 that demonstrates the consequences of ignoring quality protocol and its fatal effects. Architect Doug Roberts has designed a spectacular 138-floor building in San Fransisco, which has earned the name “tallest building in the world”. When the grand opening party has to take place, Roberts decides to conduct a short inspection and ensure everything including the building’s electrical capabilities is not compromised. However, upon inspection, he noticed that faulty wiring with low-quality specifications was used in the generator instead of the ones he advised. He alerts the builder Jim Duncan and mentions to him that his instructions on using only high-quality wiring were not followed and that he needed to consult his son-in-law, the electrical engineer Roger Simmons. Duncan pays no attention as he figures it isn’t a big issue and the party must continue despite any concerns. The reason for this was that the senator was going to issue an important document, an urban renewal contract, allowing Duncan to start the construction of another skyscraper. As the architect contacts the electrical engineer about his negligence, without his knowledge, a breaker system catches on fire in the utility room on floor 81. Security is made aware, however, due to the inefficient measures and systems implemented, they do not make it an issue and continue to prepare for the party.

In a matter of hours, as the party progresses on floor 135, the fire in the utility room grows and finally the fire department is alerted. The architect returns to the building and tries to out the fire without concerning and frightening anyone. However, the fire spirals out of control and O’Halloran, the fire chief is contacted along with more of his men. Both the chief and architect try to persuade Duncan to cancel or at least move the party to a lower floor. He dismisses the issue to please his guests and not compromise his contract and proceeds with the party. The fire continued to spread throughout the building, injuring and killing many occupants. As Duncan is made aware of this, he finally decides to move the guests, but it is too late and the entire center of the building is in flames, with nowhere to escape. He and the electrical engineer both argue as it is revealed Duncan had only located funds to finance the height and aesthetics of the building and ignored all safety protocols, including the quality of the resources used. This was done to “cut corners” to continue to add more floors to the building. With no evacuation system, other means of escape, and poor construction, more guests continue to perish in the fire. Towards the end, the last alternative was for Chief O’Halloran and the architect to blow up the water tanks above the floor of the party, putting out the fire completely. Despite less than 200 deaths, it was a lesson learned especially towards the builder on how ignoring certain protocols can lead to extreme consequences.

INTRODUCTION

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is responsible for the safety, health, and welfare of employees and focuses on the improvement of these standards throughout the workplace. According to the Occupational Medical Partners of Colorado, ensuring an organization implements appropriate health and safety policies can help identify current and potential hazards, so that employees have the training, safety equipment, and other resources needed to work safely (Partner, 2021). The dimensions of quality are essential when determining the level of standards needed to improve efficiency and performance. The safety and quality blog would be an investigation into the movie “The Towering Inferno”. There would be an evaluation of the dimensions of quality witnessed throughout the movie. The OSH considerations would be determined by the hazards observed, along with recommendations on how to minimize the effects caused and a risk assessment would be documented.

DIMENSIONS OF QUALITY

Source: 8 Dimensions of Quality (Google Image, 2023)

RELIABILITY

1. Reliability – “The Towering Inferno,” a 1974 classic, vividly illustrates the dimension of quality known as reliability, Reliability in this instance refers to the consistency and dependability of a product or service i.e. the tower. It measures the likelihood of the product or service to perform without failure over a specified period. We examine the consistency and dependability of a towering skyscraper faced with a catastrophic fire. In the movie, the reliability of the tower’s design and construction is called into question due to the catastrophic fire. The building’s systems, including fire safety measures, failed to prevent or adequately contain the fire, leading to a life-threatening situation. The film transcends its cinematic narrative to shed light on real-world occupational safety and health concerns associated with high-rise buildings. It underscores the importance of adherence to building codes, regular inspections, and robust fire safety measures to prevent disasters, mirroring the reliability challenges that can arise in actual architectural endeavors.

The movie unravels a series of reliability failures, from compromised fire safety systems and faulty electrical components to blocked service elevators and unusable entrances engulfed in flames. From a real-world perspective, a reliable building should have robust fire safety systems, evacuation procedures, and structural integrity to withstand various hazards. In the case of “The Towering Inferno,” the fact that a fire breaks out and poses such a significant threat suggests a failure in the reliability of the building’s design and safety features.

Moreover, evacuation procedures become perilous, showcasing how inferior products and design choices contribute to the unfolding disaster. The climax and resolution emphasize the desperate measures taken when reliability falters, with the controlled explosion of tanks serving as a last resort to extinguish the inferno, revealing the collateral damage caused by compromised reliability. As we reflect on this cinematic masterpiece, it prompts a critical examination of the real-world implications of reliability in the structures that surround us, emphasizing the paramount importance of safety standards for both occupants and the overall integrity of our built environment.

PERCEIVED QUALITY

2. Perceived Quality – We now delve into the dimension of Perceived quality which can be referred to as the customer’s/user’s subjective evaluation of a product or service. It includes factors like brand reputation, customer perception, and overall satisfaction.

In the movie “The Towering Inferno,” Perceived Value emerges as a central theme, where characters’ subjective evaluations shape their responses to the catastrophic situation. James Duncan, the owner, embodies the film’s exploration of perceived quality, displaying unwavering confidence in the building’s durability despite expert advice to evacuate. This decision, driven by arrogance and a belief that the fire wouldn’t impact them, highlights the subjective nature of perceived quality. Conversely, the building’s architect Doug Roberts upon inspection, and fire officers, including the structural engineer Mr. Johnson, perceived the building as poorly designed, due to the materials and electrical shortcomings identified. As the movie progresses and more information on the actual construction of the tower is revealed, a plethora of diverse perspectives relative to the structural integrity of the building is formed further contributing negatively to the ultimate perceived value of the structure.

It is worth highlighting also that Mr. Johnson’s perception of the building’s structural strength in the promenade room which becomes a pivotal moment in the film. His belief in the ability of the structure to withstand an explosion serves as an example of how perceived quality can influence decision-making. The decision to blow up water tanks to “drown” the fire is rooted in a perception of structural strength, emphasizing the interconnectedness of stress, load factors, and building design.

Duncan’s son-in-law, Roger Simmons, adds another layer to the narrative, recognizing the building’s poor design and making multiple attempts to escape. His tragic demise during a chaotic evacuation underscores the consequences of disregarding safety concerns. The film exposes an arrogant disregard for occupational safety and health (OSH) matters, symbolized by Mr. Duncan and his son-in-law’s willingness to cut corners, use inferior materials, and dismiss the importance of fire drills. The juxtaposition of these attitudes against the real-world consequences, including a prolonged escape time due to a makeshift pulley, highlights the intricate interplay between perceived value, structural integrity, and the harsh realities of a disaster scenario. The characters’ decisions and their ultimate fates serve as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of aligning perceived value with genuine quality and safety considerations.

CONFORMITY

3. Conformity – In the case of “The Towering Inferno,” the dimension of conformity is especially significant to the film’s narrative. Conformance refers to the degree to which a product or process adheres to established standards and specifications. Within the storyline, the towering skyscraper is a symbol of architectural prowess, and adherence to safety regulations and building codes becomes vital in determining the overall quality of the structure.

Examining conformity in this context involves scrutinizing whether the construction methods, fire safety protocols, and emergency response measures support the established standards in the architectural and engineering industries. The film may provide instances where the building either conforms or deviates from these standards, affecting the characters’ ability to navigate and survive the disaster. Moreover, conformity is not limited to the physical aspects of the building but also extends to the organizational and procedural dimensions. The effectiveness of the emergency response teams, evacuation procedures, and communication protocols all contribute to the conformity aspect of quality. The film may showcase instances where these elements either meet or fall short of the expected standards, influencing the overall portrayal of quality in the face of a crisis. As noted in the movie, wiring codes were not adhered to. The builder was also reluctant to move his party upon learning of the fire, demonstrating a non-conformance to the safety measures that were in place.

As such, by exploring Garvin’s dimension of conformity in the context of “The Towering Inferno,” one gains a deeper understanding of how the film addresses and reflects the importance of adhering to established norms and standards in the realm of architecture, construction, and safety – all of which play pivotal roles in determining the quality of the depicted structure and its response to a life-threatening situation.

AESTHETICS

4. Aesthetics – Garvin Dimension of Aesthetics consists of the visual, feel or texture, scent, and sound of a product. In the fictional movie, the theme of aesthetics is centered around the Glass Tower (skyscraper). It is known as the tallest building in the world with 138 floors that includes both commercial and residential space. It is a modern and stylish building that has captivated many people. The grand opening of the Glass Tower hosted the mayor, national officials, and other dignitaries accompanying a red carpet, professional photographers, and a commemorative red ribbon to remember the day’s event. On the Tower’s high floor were cocktails, cuisines, and live entertainment near the glass walls, showing the night stars. The narrative took a stark turn when the tower caught on fire on the 81st floor due to faulty wiring systems. The floors collapsed into each other and the pleasing aesthetics of the tower started to diminish. At this point, occupants were experiencing the scent of smoke and the heat of the flames.

DURABILITY

5. Durability – When it comes to durability, it refers to the measurement of how long a product will last and the amount of use a consumer or user of said product may get before the product itself deteriorates, becomes redundant, or is no longer worth the cost it takes to repair. Durability is a feature that can be measured by the number of cycles or periods of time a component or feature will function and work as a part of the product’s life (Garvin, 1987). “In “Towering Inferno” there are two main products identified, 1) the building itself, and 2) the technology used inside the building. When it comes to the building, it is expected to last a significant amount of time but features of the building such as the floors, elevators, lights and or doors are expected to face the most amount of wear and tear of the years. Durability is essential for maintaining the longevity of the building and as such upkeep of these features must be maintained to a high standard to prevent the breakdown of the durability of the building. The ‘glass’ or the windows of the ‘Glass Tower’ must also be maintained as it is a contributing factor towards not only the durability of the building but the aesthetics. The durability of the building may further be affected by environmental stressors like heavy winds, hail, and hurricanes as such if the building is not built to certain specifications to prevent damage to the building, its durability will be reduced.

The technology of the building, while already faulty, is an aspect that should not be overlooked as it contributes to factors that can break down the integrity and durability of the building. As seen in “The Towering Inferno”, faulty technology can lead to physical hazards and affect chemical hazards as well. It is due to the faulty technology in the movie that the building’s durability is severely reduced, causing a fire, and severely damaging the building. As such for the durability of technology, it must be carefully installed and maintained by professionals, tested in batches, and put to intermittent stress testing to prevent failure and faults that can reduce durability.

HAZARDS

The following (5) five types of hazards were observed throughout the movie: Biological, Chemical, Ergonomic, Physical, and Psychosocial Hazards.

BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines biological hazards; “Biological hazards are disease-producing agents (pathogens) that can be transmitted to individuals through various routes of exposure (modes of transmission). Exposure to these hazards may result in acute or chronic health conditions.”  The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) further states: “Biological hazards include bacteria, viruses, fungi, toxins and others such as protozoa. These can all cause harm to human health. Although rarely visible, biological hazards are not always understood. Exposure can lead to sudden and long-term health issues, and sometimes life-threatening diseases.” Instances of Biological Hazards in the movie are as follows:

(1) Human Bodily Fluids: One mode of transmission of biological hazards is through the exchange of bodily fluids. In one of the first scenes of the movie, we see an instance of intercourse between two of our characters. A possible threat exists as no form of protection is used nor is it indicated that this is the norm for either party. Below to the left demonstrates this scene.

Source: Scene demonstrating no protection used during intimacy (The Towering Inferno, 1974) and (Google Image, 2023).

Recommendations: In such instances, it is better practice to use forms of protection such as condoms to avoid the transmission of unknown diseases between parties. Alternatively, testing can/should be done for both parties provided that there are no other parties involved in the sexual dynamic of the relationship. This eliminates the need for protection as well as avoiding instances of unknown transmission. Above to the right shows the various methods of protection.

(2) Salmonella: Another instance of a biological hazard is salmonella. This is a bacterium that occurs in the gut/intestine and causes predominantly food poisoning. The bacterium is usually transferred from the animal it resides into persons through contaminated food or undercooked food substances. In the movie, there is a dinner scene featuring at least 300 dining patrons. In an instance such as this the likelihood of there being some form of undercooked food increases. Below is an image that demonstrates this.

Source: Scene demonstrating the likelihood of undercooked food due to large crowd (The Towering Inferno, 1974)

Recommendations: There should be quality control done in instances of food preparation as well as temperature control in the transport and presentation of food items. Whether the food is prepared on-site as an alternative or inspected upon arrival special attention should be given to avoid such instances.

(3) Mould: This is a naturally occurring type of fungus especially in moist environments. In the below image, there are two bowls of pretzels set out on a bar counter. These appear to be “hard pretzels” which retain their freshness for a longer period. However, they can still develop mould, oftentimes not visible on the exterior of the pretzel. Ingesting mould or being in the vicinity of mold can cause allergic reactions to various degrees as well as affect respiratory systems.

Source: Scene demonstrating the food left on the counter for a period of time (The Towering Inferno, 1974)

Recommendations: In a simple case like this the food item should be kept in secure storage while not in use instead of always being exposed. Efforts should be made to identify and dispose of food items that have been left out for extended periods or keep track of how long since items were bought and opened.

CHEMICAL HAZARDS

According to safeopedia.com, a chemical hazard is” any chemical that has the potential to cause injury, adverse health effects, or damage to the environment.” Chemical hazards can appear in various ways, including but not limited to, dust, vapours, fumes, solvents, acids, and petroleum. Osha.gov states that chemical hazards pose a wide range of health hazards and physical hazards. These include irritation, sensitization, carcinogenicity, flammability, corrosion, and explosibility.

(1) Poorly Stored Chemicals: It was noted that the flammable chemicals were stored next to strewn cloth and electrical boxes. The electrical box, which had faulty wiring, initiated a fire. The fire was then spread by the combustible chemicals which were near the electrical outlet. Before seeing the electrical outlet catching afire, it was noted as a potential hazard. From the still below to the left, it can be noted that the flammable items are next to the electric panels. Electrical panels, if not wired properly can be subjected to fires. As such, the resulting fire would have been exasperated by the chemicals nearby.

Source: Scene demonstrating chemicals stored close to electric panels (The Towering Inferno, 1974) and (Google Image, 2023).

Recommendations: Chemicals should not be stored near electrical outlets. They should not be stored on high shelves or in direct sunlight. Flammable chemicals should be stored in a well-ventilated area.  These chemicals should not be stored in environmental rooms (cold/warm rooms). The image above to the right shows the correct method of storing chemicals.

(2) Opening the door to the fire: Upon opening the door to the room where the fire originated, a violent explosion ensued, resulting in the burning and tragic demise of an employee. This catastrophic event was exacerbated by the sudden influx of oxygen, intensifying the flames. The introduction of oxygen into the equation underscores the formation of the “Fire Triangle,” a fundamental concept in fire dynamics. This triangle represents the three essential elements necessary to sustain a fire: fuel (such as flammable chemicals), heat (generated, for instance, by faulty electrical wires), and oxygen. Understanding and addressing these components are crucial in implementing effective fire prevention and control measures. Below to the right is an image showing an explosion due to the influx of oxygen. On the right is an image of the fire triangle.

Source: Scene demonstrating explosion due to the influx of oxygen (The Towering Inferno, 1974) and (Google Image, 2023).

Recommendations: Staff training in fire response protocols is imperative. Recognizing the initial signs of a fire, such as smoke emerging from beneath a door, is crucial. Employees should have been equipped and ready to address the situation, with access to essential firefighting tools like fire hoses or sand, particularly if they were aware of the room’s contents. It is essential to ensure that staff is well-informed about the materials stored in various rooms and educated on the proper storage procedures for flammable items. Regularly apprising employees of the contents of storage rooms enhance their awareness and preparedness in case of emergencies.

(3) Water on a Chemical Fire: Upon discovering the fire, the fire hose was drawn to extinguish the fire. However, the water exasperated the existing fire.

Source: Scene demonstrating staff attempting to extinguish the fire (The Towering Inferno, 1974)

As seen above, the staff attempted to extinguish the fire with a water hose. However, they are unsuccessful as the fire spreads and the water mixes with the flammable chemicals. The oxygen in the water would add to the chemicals in the fire.

Recommendations: Having known that chemicals were stored in the storage room, a chemical extinguisher should have been utilized to extinguish the fire. The chemical extinguisher would cut out the oxygen in the chemicals and thereby extinguish the fire. OSH Act Chapter 88:08 Part 2 General Duties 6(4) states, “An employer shall ensure that a hazardous chemical is not used, handled or stored in the industrial establishment unless the prescribed requirements concerning identification, chemical safety data sheets, and worker instruction and training are met.” It can be noted that this was not adhered to as the chemicals were not stored safely. It can also be noted that the employees may not have been aware of the chemicals being stored next to the panel. Should they have known, they could have instructed the fire department to use sand to extinguish the chemical aspect of the fire.

ERGONOMIC HAZARDS

Ergonomic hazards occur when there are any physical factors found within a workplace that can affect one’s health or cause injuries. According to a recent study conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the main cause of ergonomic factors being musculoskeletal disorders is ranked as the top cause of years lived with disabilities, as 60-70% of adults are affected within industrialised countries (IHME, 2019). Despite the obvious dangers witnessed throughout the movie, the ergonomic hazards found affected the safety and health of the characters whilst being almost unrecognisable.

(1) Poor Desk Design: The Towering Inferno places major emphasis on the newly constructed building that welcomes a luxurious and modern atmosphere. However, regardless of its façade, the building’s functions and design are quite deceptive. This can be observed in the layout of workstations for the employees.

Source: Scene demonstrating poor work desk design (The Towering Inferno, 1974) and (Google Image, 2023).

From the image screenshotted above to the left, the desk is far too low for the employee in comparison to the chair size. This issue can result in carpal tunnel syndrome and neck pain. The distance from the employee’s eyes to her desk area which can include computers or paperwork is too high, straining her eyesight, The chair does not bring any comfort because it is made out of plastic, resulting in discomfort to her lower back and behind, as well as poor blood circulation. Also, her posture is affected due to the height of the chair’s back, causing shoulder and back pain. 

Recommendations: The image above to the right shows an example of a recommended desk design. The organisation needs to provide desks that are the correct height, in this case, higher, so the workspace can be at eye level, or slightly lower. The chairs also need to be switched out for a bigger and more comfortable design. One with a higher back and armrests, with padding everywhere. For employees who spend most of their time seated, it is important to invest in a high-quality workplace to provide comfort and help improve productivity.

(2) Lighting: With the movie being set in the 70’s, it is understandable that the infrastructure and amenities of the building were dated. However, the building should have had sufficient lighting for its employees and guests. The gif below shows (1) one of many scenes where the lighting of the rooms was very dim, despite having ceiling-to-floor windows. The lighting under the employee to the left is almost non-existent, which can hinder productivity due to poor eyesight, glare, or shadows. This continues throughout the room, where there are insufficient lighting fixtures, with poor light distribution. If the hazard is left neglected, it can cause many issues such as chronic eyestrain and headaches.

Source: Gif of a room in the building with poor lighting (The Towering Inferno, 1974).

Recommendations: To help prevent this issue, more lighting needs to be installed and desk lamps can be added to the employee’s workspace. Also, to make use of the ceiling-to-floor windows, desks can be rearranged closer to the natural lighting. Another creative solution to help improve the brightness of a room can be to change the wallpaper. Instead of the dark colours used, more pastel, brighter colours can create a softer and lighter atmosphere. 

(3) Lifting Heavy Objects: The Health and Safety Executive reported that around 21% of workplace injuries were directly caused by heavy lifting, carrying, and moving objects (HSE, 2022). At the beginning of the movie, whilst performing the finishing touches on the building for its grand opening, workers can be seen lifting heavy equipment back and forth. The image to the left below shows (2) two men carrying a metal beam and this is observed a few other times. Lifting heavy objects for a long period, as well as performing strenuous tasks can put a strain on the body, and cause muscle sprains, tears, and back pain. 

Source: Scene demonstrating workers carrying a heavy object (The Towering Inferno, 1974) and (Google Image, 2023).

Recommendations: It was evident that the builder/owner had cut many corners throughout the construction process, resulting in several hazards occurring and jeopardizing the lives of many. So, to help prevent these hazards from developing, he should have invested in equipment tailored to lifting heavy objects instead of using manual labour. The image above to the right is an example of a lifting beam used to carry metal beams for the construction of buildings. Another recommendation was to allocate more than (2) workers to help alleviate the pressure and weight of the beam. Lastly, occasional rest breaks, along with job rotation should be implemented when workers are constantly lifting heavy objects.

PHYSICAL HAZARDS

Physical hazards can be placed into three major categories: 1)  The inherent properties or characteristics of equipment, which in some cases can range from the high voltages utilised by the equipment to the sharp blade of a saw. 2)  Failures, more specifically the failure of a safeguarding feature to act in its capacity to prevent a negative outcome. This can include human failure to follow outlined instructions to prevent certain outcomes and technological failure, such as a pressure gauge failing because it was overheated. 3)  Environmental stresses. This includes factors not within the operator’s control but aspects that should be monitored due to being exposed to environmental stresses such as rain causing corrosion of outside ladder or platform, lightning being able to strike exposed high voltage areas, and humidity and heat causing overheating and personal strain. (Wald & Stave, 2002)

Physical hazards are often those that cannot be prevented but rather can be controlled through monitoring and upkeep.

(1) Poor quality of equipment used: This falls into the inherent properties or characteristics of the equipment category. Roger Simmons, the electrical engineer, was hired to complete the wiring and electrical work for the new building. In the work done by him, it was noted that they cut various corners by using faulty wiring which led to the initial electrical short-circuit which caused the fire on the 81st floor followed by another short-circuit in the main utility room. It was upon examination of the utility room that it was noted that the wiring used seemed to be of poor quality. Despite the short-circuiting happening, the chief of public relations, Dan Bigelow, turns on all the lights in the tower. This further exacerbates the poor electrical work done before it was turned off by the architect of the building, Doug Roberts. It was already too late as the poor wiring had led to the fire on the 81^st floor. The image below demonstrates the poor quality of the equipment and its wiring.

Source: Scene demonstrating poor wiring (The Towering Inferno, 1974)

Recommendations: It is recommended, for such a large building to use multiple electricians and inspectors to oversee the wiring and other electrical components in large buildings such as the 138-floor building known as The Glass Tower. It is also recommended that several electrical engineers and fire marshals form a team to work in such a large building with an adequate budget to avoid decisions being made to cut corners. Having the opinion of both the engineers and marshals would result in preventative measures to ensure the fire does not happen. This is even noted in the movie, “One these days, they’re going to kill 10,000 in one of these fire traps. And I’m gonna keep eating smoke and bringing out bodies.

(2) Technological Failure: This falls into the failure category of physical hazard as despite being hailed as a meticulously constructed, state-of-the-art 138-floor building completely equipped with new central communication and security systems, it was identified that half of the newly implemented technology does not actually work. The building constructor James Duncan, played by William Holden, says, “I told you we shouldn’t have held the party until the safeguards were installed”. This failure to commit to ensuring all systems are working eventually culminates with after the original fire begins spreading, more of the electrical equipment malfunctions and failures leading to gas leaks which cause further explosion, spreading the fire. With the explosion taking place, the building’s power begins to fluctuate further disrupting attempts to exit the building.

Recommendations: To avoid situations whereby technological failure and malfunctions can occur, it would prove pertinent to hire several building inspectors and electricians to double-check the work being done and ensure that everything is in working order before being opened up to testing. In this movie the builder, James Duncan, hired his son-in-law Roger Simmons played by Richard Chamerlain, to handle the electrical work believing he would do so without cutting corners or sabotaging the building. In trusting the work without a second opinion before testing, it allowed for the 81^st floor to catch fire.

(3) Fire and Heat: This hazard falls into the environmental hazards. The fire that spread throughout the building caused personal and technological strain. The heat and fire were noted to kill several identified characters and several more off-screen. The fire caused by faulty wiring and short-circuiting spread to various floors which resulted in the breakdown of the working technology. The individuals in the building initially refused to take the fire seriously as it spread deceptively slow which allowed the persons in the building to believe a fire on one floor could be taken care of easily. Duncan himself said, “I’m not going to concern myself with a fire in a storage room on 81, as it can’t possibly affect us up here. Not in this building”. That is until Norman Burton fails to comply with fire regulations that state to not open doors if the handle proves to be hot or if there is smoke to be seen under the door. Burton goes on to be the first casualty of the fire. This fire is then taken seriously as it spreads faster than before creating personal distress and technological failure as due to the heat and damage to the working equipment, they eventually fail. Below to the left is an image of the entire upper building in flames.

Source: Scene demonstrating building on fire (The Towering Inferno, 1974) and (Google Image, 2023).

Recommendations: Adherence to Building Fire regulations and careful monitoring of areas that can be potential breeding grounds for electrical fires due to exposure to chemicals and faulty wiring. These areas should be easily accessible to staff only and carefully monitored and upkeep to a safe degree. Also, a carefully outlined and accessible fire escape plan should have been presented on all floors of the building whereby the occupants would route to follow in the event of another disaster. Above to the right is an example of an escape plan.

PSYCHOSOCIAL HAZARDS

These hazards encompass aspects of the workplace environment that affect the psychological well-being of the employee, which often gives rise to negative emotions such as mental disorders, stress and depression, and even physical harm. These hazards can occur through various factors, such as work-related trauma, workplace bullying/mobbing, ineffective leadership, and sexual harassment. It is important to recognize and address these hazards, as it can reduce the probability of employee well-being, employee engagement, organizational productivity, and performance. Organizations must proactively implement strategies to mitigate these psychosocial hazards to create a mentally safe space for employees.

(1) Fear and Panic: This emerged as the most intense psychosocial hazard observed in the movie. The constant uncertainty of imminent danger of the encroaching fire, smoke, and collapsing building. There was a constant struggle for the characters to escape, scenes had shown people were trampled on in desperation to survive. The impact of psychological hazard has become evident as it influences the decision-making process and impairs the rational thinking of the individual who is in crisis. The relentless physical threats of the fire increased individuals’ psychological layer which has led to distress and alertnesses, as individuals have become desperate to escape and survive. Therefore, the escalation of the psychosocial factors has added to physical danger thus showing how psychosocial and physical peril are interrelated when faced with a crisis. 

In the fictional movie, Doug Roberts, the lead character, tells the men on the eight-first (81st) floor ‘… the fire’s out of control below us. They figure we got maybe 15 minutes…’  This information intensifies their fear which adds another layer of psychological factors. Therefore, as shown in the gif below, men who are gripped with intense fear started fighting to be the next individual on the breeches buoy to survive abandoning the established numbering system implemented to maintain order and fairness. The panicking men caused a chaotic rush to the breeches buoy to secure a seat. This chaotic rush resulted in men being kicked off the buoy and falling to their deaths. Eventually, the buoy lost its stability due to the tugging and fighting, ultimately collapsing, killing the remaining men who were on the buoy seeking refuge. 

Source: Scene demonstrating men pushing to get a seat on the buoy (The Towering Inferno, 1974).

Recommendations: To effectively address this situation, it is recommended to implement training programmes and strategies aimed at managing and mitigating stress when faced with fear. Another recommendation can incorporate professionals or experts who are capable of providing training to individuals on how to effectively manage their panic mode, to be equipped to make effective choices in similar situations. The approach of training will prepare staff to be resilient, effective and ensure others and themselves safety in critical conditions.

(2) Trauma: The impact of trauma manifests in various ways causing psychological scars, which includes, nightmare, flashbacks, intense stress, and fear. These scars add to the character of the individual, altering their behavior and attitude towards society. Distress and self-blame are engraved in the individual causing guilt, which influences the individual’s moral and ethical values. 

In the movie, Roger Simmons, the electrical engineer, was the one responsible for the faulty wiring in the skyscraper that caused the combustion of fire. He feels guilty and remorseful and grapples with the consequences of using cost-cutting measures and shortcuts to the electrical system. He now realizes that his actions have put everyone in the building at grave risk because of his greedy and selfish behavior. His guilt intensified as he witnessed the loss of life and injuries resulting from the crisis. While the manager and the architect of the building strive to maintain order, he copes with his guilt by drinking alcohol. As a result,  he made irrational decisions that caused himself and others to die. In the scene shown below, Roger formed a team demanding a seat on the next breeches buoy to safety. Thus, due to the convergence of trauma and guilt, he is propelled to behave irrationally, causing harm to those around him. 

Source: Scene demonstrating irrational behaviour caused by guilt (The Towering Inferno, 1974).

Recommendations: To address this psychosocial impact, it is recommended that individuals should be exposed to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which aims to identify and modify psychological factors such as stress and trauma, by instigating positive changes in attitudes and behaviors. By implementing this approach, individuals can gain knowledge to become resilient and manage high-stress situations effectively. 

(3) Violence Harazards: Workplace harassment encompasses any inappropriate behavior that causes harm towards an employee. These inappropriate behaviours can be manifested in various form, which includes sexual harassment, bullying, or mobbing. The consequences of workplace harassment lead to elevated stress and depression for the victim. It is important to address these behaviors when fostering a healthy work environment that satisfies all employees in the organisation.

The movie portrays a scene where, James Duncan, the owner of the Glass Tower, resorted to violence by punching his subordinate in the stomach. This was observed as an act of aggression from Mr. Ducan because his subordinate attempted to disregard his authority. This instilled fear in the bystanders in the space, where challenging Mr. Duncan leads to violence. This portrayal of violence has created a negative environment for the victim and the bystanders.

Source: Scene demonstrating violence due to subordinate’s disrespect (The Towering Inferno, 1974).

Recommendations: Implementing a comprehensive prevention and training programme that focuses on raising awareness of workplace harassment to create a culture of respect within the work environment. Additionally, it will provide individuals with the knowledge to report the offense and measures to prevent harassment from occurring.

RISK ASSESSMENT

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CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we can assert that many of the hazards found in the movie were either preventable or the impact could have been mitigated through proper systems and procedures/controls. More often than not human error contributes to injury or death when it comes to dealing with hazards. It is imperative therefore that education as well as training through the form of drills for core staff/personnel be done. Accidents happen, but it is through preparation and diligent efforts on the part of all responsible parties that these same issues can be addressed and avoided. 

Thank you for reading our health and safety blog. We do hope it was informative.

CONTRIBUTORS:

Adrian Persad Aisha Sampson

Earlisa James Emily Antoine

Jared Mohammed Kernesha Ryan

REFERENCES:

Home. Accessed November 18, 2023. https://www.osha.gov.tt/Portals/0/Documents/Brochures/A_Guide_to_Risk_Assessment_Web.pdf?ver=2d7b20BobQNPiPDFjhbDFw%3d%3d.

HSE. (2022). Health and safety statistics. Retrieved November 12, 2023, from https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/index.htm

Musculoskeletal disorders — Level 2 cause. (n.d.). The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. https://www.healthdata.org/results/gbd_summaries/2019/musculoskeletal-disorders-level-2-cause

Office of The Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs – “Bringing the Pieces Together”. Accessed November 18, 2023. https://agla.gov.tt/downloads/laws/88.08.pdf.

Partners, C. O. M. (2021, October 8). The Importance of Occupational Health & Safety. Colorado Occupational Medical Partners. Retrieved October 18, 2023, from https://www.occmedpartners.com/blog/the-importance-of-occupational-health-safetySpellman, Frank R., and Revonna M. Bieber. Physical Hazard Control: Preventing Injuries in the Workplace. Government Institutes, 2011.

Spellman, Frank R., and Revonna M. Bieber. Physical Hazard Control: Preventing Injuries in the Workplace. Government Institutes, 2011.