 In 2000 BC, the “Code of Hammurabi” dictated that damages were assessed against those who injured others.  “An Eye for an Eye.”

 Slaves were treated poorly and severely punished for slave work.  Around 1500 BC, Ramses II created an industrial medical service for workers.  Workers were required to bathe everyday, given regular medical exams and sick workers isolated.

 Constructed aqueducts, public baths, sewage systems, ventilation systems for houses.

 Treaties were developed and written about:  Mining diseases  The danger of Mercury and poor ventilation in mines.

 In industry, occupational and industrial medicine practices were founded.  Patients were examined and questioned about their health and occupation.  This included work issues such as body posture, unnatural body movements, repetitive motion and sedentary work (inactive)

 Steam power replaced people and animal power.  New hazards to workers emerged.  Machines were substituted for people.  New methods for changing/converting raw materials (chemicals).  Places became more organized.  Workers boredom increased.

 Attentiveness decreased.  Accidents increased sharply.  Machines created more pollution.  This led to unhealthy and unsafe workplaces.  Children worked as slaves, for long hours (over 12 hours)in unhealthy and unsafe conditions.

 Factory inspections introduced  Employer’s Liability Law  Government Department for Accident Investigation  Worker’s Compensation Laws passed  National Safety Council created

 Restricted child labour, hours of work, cleanliness, standards, and wages.  Examinations of payrolls and employment records – issued fines.

 World War II – labour shortages, so couldn’t afford to lose workers in accidents.  Development of the 3 E’s of Safety: 1. Enforcement – workers obey rules and practices. 2. Education – what, when, where, why, Law of Safety. 3. Engineering – better products and process

 1950’s – steady growth in safety awareness.  1960’s – legislation promoting workplace safety passed (however, work injuries & death still high)  1970 – Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)  1970 – Labour Code  1977 – Federal Mine Safety Act  1978 – Occupational Health and Safety Act NL

 Events that changed OH &S:  St. Lawrence – industrial disease due to mining.  Baie Verte – open pit mining of asbestos. (Miners went on strike because of OH & S issues.)  Ocean Ranger – oil rig disaster