Sleep deprivation can cause occupational hazards in industries such as transportation, construction, and healthcare. One usually wouldn’t expect “late-night fatigue” to have a major impact on legislation.

However, for Becky Carney – a State Representative of North Carolina, it was hazardous. Most wouldn’t consider it a hazard in the physical sense, but surely it was hazardous to her career. Then again, if you are an environmentalist and oppose hydraulic fracking for oil, you would in fact consider this an occupational hazard.

Becky Carney accidentally pressed the wrong button during the vote on a key fracking bill in North Carolina. According to The Atlantic Wire, the House needed exactly 72 votes to override the veto. She was lobbying Democrats to vote no. Unfortunately when it was her chance to vote, she pressed the green button.

Green means yes to fracking.

The House has a peculiar rule that does not allow one to change their vote if it has any impact on the outcome. In this case, the vote could not be changed and hydraulic fracking in North Carolina now has the “green” light.

Who said occupational hazards couldn’t involve the pressing of a button?

[Source: theatlanticwire.com]