Key factors in the development of workplace accident prevention

It is difficult to clearly identify all the forces responsible for the wave of change in work safety and occupational health. The visible indicators of change are perhaps the changed role of the govermnent inspectorate, the safety representative and media promotion. These signs of change represent only the curl of the wave. The real forces are far less obvious than inspectors, representatives and media promotion. Some examples are listed below. 

Many educational institutions offer studies in occupational health and safely or a particular aspect of this field, such as ergonomics or occupational Itygiene. These courses have led to a large increase in highly skilled and career minded professional people working in the field. 

Govermnent departments exist to admiiuster the occupational health, safety and welfare legislation. These departments have an inspectorate role and may also provide information, education and traiiting services. They are also given the responsibility to prosecute for a breach of particular legislation and the task of produeing standards and codes of practice. Some also provide research grants for occupational health and safety studies. 

The interest created by safety and health reform around the world has led to a growth in the number of people working in the field of accident prevention and health management. 

Internationally, associations such as the International Social Security Association and the International Commission on Occupational Health have emerged as groups with potential for influence. A range of national professional associations also exists. 

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