Review the readings and videos in the resources section of this module addressing the history of safety and
health in the workplace, as well as those addressing the costs and benefits of safety and health programs. With
the advent of OSHA regulations established in the United States, and with other regulations internationally, we
have actually come a long way in reducing workplace injuries. In 1970, when OSHA was created and when we
had far fewer workers in the workplace, the Vietnam war was on the minds of all Americans. The video states
that in 1968, at the height of the war, 14,000 troops were killed in Vietnam. However, 14,000 workers were
killed at home on the job. Another 2.5 million workers suffered a disabling injury, which was 54 times that
wounded in the war. OSHA was viewed by some as “Big Brother” back then (read Orwell’s “1984” for context),
but the story of OSHA was and is that a safe and healthy workplace makes good business sense. And yet, we
still have around 5,000 occupational fatalities in the US every year.
Let’s start a discussion around the role of safety and health programs and the role of the safety and health
professional in a business organization. First, delineate the impact of occupational fatalities, injuries, and
illnesses as a significant public health problem and cost to individuals, communities, and especially business
organizations. What are the costs to organizations of on-the-job injuries and illnesses? What is the social
burden of continuing to have workplace illnesses and injuries?
Next, knowing that the American Society of Safety Professionals was founded (as the United Society of
Casualty Inspectors) in 1911 after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, the American Society of American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists was formed in 1938, and the American Industrial Hygiene
Association was formed in 1939, imagine yourself as a safety and health professional at a company before the
establishment of OSHA regulations in 1970. What historical relevance and information did the videos and
readings provide that helped you understand the need for an occupational safety and health program? Do we
need regulations to mandate safety programs, or can we justify injury and illness prevention programs by
understanding the benefits in the wider context of business processes and market and societal influences?
Video Links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v2JTQjiCdc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-TXgSQ-0c4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grwXqfEfW3g
Sample Solution