There is a fine line between being safe and getting work done. Working in an industrial capacity as I do, I see it all the time--safety is paramount, until something needs to get done now, and it is down to the individual to make personal risk assessments when performing a task.
This is assuming, however, that the worker is aware of the hazards involved. That is largely the responsibility of the employer to ensure that their people are properly educated.
That is one of the reasons why it is somewhat facetious of the author to categorically state that the hazards of radium were know by 1901--sure
some people were aware, and there was one or tow things published in niche journals, but there are few, if any, business professionals who are able to keep abreast of ALL events happening in their industry, even if they do read the pertinent journals.
So, as I was saying, yes, the company is responsible with educating their workers of potential hazards, and the reason they are (today) is because of events such as what is documented in this book. It is not hard science, but I believe it is necessary: it provides context for the moderately-educated masses to watch out for similar abuses that are occurring today.
...did that make any sense?
[edit]Of course, now that we are done with it,
The Radium Girls goes on sale for $2.99 at
Amazon.com.