Course:SPPH381B/Essays/Occupational Health since Ramazzini - Ye-Von

Introduction

Ramazzini is known as the first influential figure in the study of occupational health, which has earned him the title “ father of occupational health” . However, following Ramazzini’s contribution, many other scientists, doctors, and government officials became involved in the area of occupational health as they began to see an increase in accidents due to the dangers and hazards of the workplace that were previously outlined by Ramazzini . As a result, the study of occupational health evolved greatly throughout the early 19th and 20th centuries succeeding the Ramazzini period .The field of occupational health progressed significantly as new scientific discoveries, governmental policies and public knowledge increased.

After Ramazzini in the 18th Century

Soon after Ramazzini, Western and European countries began to make discoveries that showed relationships between diseases and occupations. Percivall Pott, an English surgeon studied young boys and girls who worked as chimney sweepers in 1775 . These children were only about six years of age and tiny in size, making them suitable to fit inside a chimney and therefore perfect for the job. However, the harsh environments and abuse was not the only threat to these children. Percivall Pott discovered that there was an increased rate of scrotal squamous cell carcinoma in chimney sweepers . As a result, Pott became the first scientist to link an environmental occupational carcinogen to cancer, declaring that the soot from the chimney had a direct effect on these children’s health . This event eventually led to the establishment of the Chimney Sweeper’s Act in 1788 .

In the 19th Century

Percivall Pott’s Chimney Sweeper Act was not the only notable event in the 19th century in the field of Occupational Health. In 1798, the forerunner of the United States public health service passed an act in support of seamen who were sick or disabled . The marine hospital service became an influential role model for future assistance of occupational health. Furthermore, in 1842 at Great Britain, Edwin Chadwick an English social reformer wrote a report in guidance of sanitary conditions for laboring populations . Additionally, in Germany, companies and employers were educated and directed to offer paid workers compensation insurance . In addition, in 1867 in the United States, the state of Massachusetts began hiring factory inspectors to protect employees and workers from the dangers caused by the machinery and environment they were exposed to . In 1898, Sir Thomas Morrison Legge became the first medical inspector for British factories .

The Industrial Revolution

Subsequently, due to the increasing occurrences of trade and industrial accidents during the Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century and early 20th century, programs that reinforced employee compensation programs were initiated in America . Throughout the Industrial Revolution, there was an increase in the usage of machines in factories and certain workplaces . The machines were extremely dangerous in general, but posed a greater threat to the workers due to the lack of safety practices and compensation systems . As a result, the workers' well-being and lives were threatened on a daily basis. From the sacrifices of the workers, dangers of the workplace were brought to attention, which eventually instigated occupational and health safety laws to be formed .

In the 20th Century

In the 1900’s, substantial research was carried out regarding the possible dangerous effects of chemicals, that workers were exposed to in their workplace, i.e. metal and fibrous material . For example, asbestos was identified as a respiratory carcinogen with clinical symptoms of asbestosis . Additionally, in 1911, Wisconsin legalized that the employer must provide a safe and healthful environment for their workers . Also, these programs led state and federal organizations to implement enforcement, education and consultative services to both employers and employees . As workplace accidents and occupational diseases increased in numbers, scientists and medical doctors moved forward in the field of occupational health . A national consensus of the minimum standards of a workplace was developed for professional societies such as the National Council, Engineering societies, industrial hygiene associations, trade associations and even the federal government . Even insurance companies used this consensus standard to assess workplace environments . Also in 1970, President Richard Nixon passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act that obligated employers to meet the national standard of improving health and safety for all workers . This act allowed the US to have a nationwide minimum standard for all states to follow and reinforce to employers.

Canada's Movement

Similar to the United States and European countries, evolution of health safety in Canada evolved dramatically in the 20th century as a result of upsetting accidents . In 1960 the Ontario government took the first step in improving safety regulations of the workplace in Canada after the death of 5 immigrant workers who died due to unsafe work conditions . As a result, the Industrial Safety Act was passed in 1964 . In the same decade, the federal government passed the Canada Labor code, which outlined new laws and policies for employees to follow for the safety of workers . In 1968, the Canada Labor was in full effect . Then ten years later, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety was formed to further present employers and employees with health and safety education, knowledge and training . A decade later, in 1988, the workplace hazardous materials information system was established . This system made it an obligation for workers to learn about the hazardous materials they encountered in their workplace such as chemicals so that they will be educated and as a result ensure their safety .

Conclusion

As links between occupation and diseases became recognized by medical scientific figures and societies, the government responded by initiating and developing more opportunities for employers to be able to access better workplace exposure information, to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. In conclusion, the field of occupational health expanded and progressed greatly and is still doing so in the present time.