Beginning in United kingdom with industrial revolution, The United Kingdom was the first nation to industrialise. Its Industrial Revolution is said to have begun around 1760, By the end of the Eighteenth century. That era was the transition to new manufacturing processes,This transition included going from hand production methods to machines, the development of machine tools and the rise of the factory system.
The general population was shifting from the old rural, agricultural economy to new industrial towns, women & children were taking part in production process , along with that transition shocking evidence appeared serious physical and moral harm suffered by women, children and young persons in the cotton textile mills.
These new machines were a threat to operators by injuries, fatalities caused by it, people had no knowledge about safe operating, the result was huge number of injuries and fatalities in the united kingdom. Humanity started to realize the dangers they face, they started to care more about Health and safety in 1802 when Sir Robert Peel, himself a mill owner, introduced a Bill to Parliament with the worthy aim of improving their conditions.
” Harry McShane, age 16, 1908. Pulled into machinery in a
factory and had his arm ripped off at the shoulder and
his leg broken without any compensation “
Generally believed to be the first attempt to regulate conditions of work in the United Kingdom, That Act (sometimes called the first ‘Factory Act’)applied only to cotton textile mills.
in 1833 The first factory inspectors were appointed under the provisions of the Factories Act 1833.
In 1840 a Royal Commission was established to investigate working conditions in the mining industry.
unfortunately, there are no accurate statistics about the true number of injuries but for sure the true number is disastrous. the proof is according to the following:
international labor organization published global statistics:
- 250millions occupational accidents per year.
- 160 millions occupational diseases per year.
- 355 thousands work-related fatal accidents per year.
- 2.78 million workers die from occupational accidents every year.
- 374 million workers suffer from non-fatal occupational accidents
Aside from the economic cost, there is an intangible cost, not fully recognized in these figures, of the immeasurable human suffering caused by poor occupational safety and health conditions. This is tragic and regrettable because, as research and practice over the past century has repeatedly demonstrated, this suffering is largely preventable
never learn Safety by accident
– Safety Advisor
In 1919 international Labour Organisation (ILO) is created, When we look to the future of health and safety at work, we are also called to take stock of the developments of the past century.
in the rationale for its creation. While its response to occupational health and safety challenges has changed over time, the adoption and promotion of health and safety related instruments has continued to occupy a central place in the activities by ILO.
check updated ILO statistics , continue reading Why Do Health and Safety Matter
These occupational health and safety statistics with the latest invented technologies so can you imagine about occupational health and safety statistics of injuries in 19th century?!
thanks to United Kingdom who developed alot of health and safety act, now days we have alot to learn about Health and safety, you can easily now search for safety course, to learn more about occupational health and safety courses you can Join the health and safety platform for beginners.
