OSH History and Introduction
OSH History and Introduction
Paracelsus (1493-1541)
Paracelsus is best known today as the “Father of
Toxicology” because of his observations of dose
and response:
“All substances are poisons; there is none which is
not a poison. The right dose differentiates a poison
and a remedy.”
OHS History
Agricoloa (1494-1555)
He noted the need to provide ventilation for miners
“Some mines are so dry that they are entirely devoid of water
and this dryness causes the workmen even greater harm, for
the dust, which is stirred and beaten up by digging, penetrates
into the windpipe and lungs, and produces difficulty in
breathing and the disease the Greeks call asthma. If the dust
has corrosive qualities, it eats away the lungs and implants
consumption in the body. In the Carpathian mountains women
are found who have married seven husbands, all of whom this
terrible consumption has carried off to a premature death.”
OHS History
o Work should offer real possibilities for personal achievement, self-fulfilment and service society1.
Occupational health and safety policies must be established. Such policies must be
implemented at both the governmental and enterprise levels. They must be effectively
communicated to all parties concerned.
There is a need for consultation with the social partners (that is, employers and workers)
and other stakeholders. This should be done during the formulation, implementation and
review of such policies.
Principles of Occupational Health and Safety
Prevention and protection must be the aim of occupational health and safety programmes
and policies. Efforts must be focused on primary prevention at the workplace level.
Workplaces and working environment should be planned and designed to be safe and
healthy.
Information is vital for the development and implementation of effective programmes and
policies. The collection and dissemination of accurate information on hazards and
hazardous materials, surveillance of workplaces, monitoring of compliance with policies
and good practices, and other related activities are central to the establishment and the
enforcement of effective policies.
Health promotion is a central element of occupational health practice. Efforts must be
made to enhance workers‟ physical, mental and social well- being.
Occupational health services covering all workers should be established. Ideally all workers
in all categories of economic activity should have access to such services, which aim to
protect and promote workers‟ health and improve working conditions.
Compensation, rehabilitation and curative services must be made available to workers
who suffer occupational injuries, accidents and work related diseases. Action must be
taken to minimise the consequences of occupational hazards.
Principles of Occupational Health and Safety
Education and training are vital components of safe, healthy working environments.
Workers and employers must be made aware of the importance and the means of
establishing safe working procedures. Trainers must be trained in areas of special relevance
to different industries, which have specific OHS concerns.
Workers, employers and competent authorities have certain responsibilities, duties and
obligations. For example, workers must follow established safety procedures; employers
must provide safe workplaces and ensure access to first aid; and the competent authorities
must devise, communicate and periodically review and update occupational health and
safety policies.
Policies must be enforced. A system of inspection must be in place to secure compliance
with occupational health and safety and other labour legislation.
OSH Tragedies and Effects