HISTORIA Y EVOLUCIÓN DE LA SALUD OCUPACIONAL

Summary

This video explores the history of occupational health, tracing its origins from prehistoric times when early humans devised basic protective tools. It delves into ancient laws like the Code of Hammurabi, the early medical notes of Hippocrates, and the development of protective gear. The script highlights milestones such as the Industrial Revolution, labor laws, and the founding of the International Labour Organization (ILO). In Colombia, occupational health policies evolved from the early 20th century, culminating in legislation and the establishment of institutions dedicated to worker safety, health, and compensation, all aimed at improving conditions and preventing workplace accidents.

Takeaways

• 😀 Early human protection against injury began with simple devices made of stone, bone, and clay.
• 😀 The Code of Hammurabi (circa 2100 BCE) was one of the first legal systems addressing worker safety, introducing penalties for negligence.
• 😀 Hippocrates (460-377 BCE) recognized occupational health risks, particularly from metallurgy, and designed the first respiratory protective mask using an animal bladder.
• 😀 The 16th century saw significant medical discussions around the harmful effects of mining and mercury poisoning.
• 😀 Bernardino Ramazzini (1633-1714) is considered the father of occupational health, introducing the concept of 'hygiene' and describing occupational diseases in his treatise.
• 😀 The Industrial Revolution brought the widespread use of machinery, transforming work environments and highlighting the need for worker safety regulations.
• 😀 The first labor union was created in 1796, marking an early step toward formalizing worker rights.
• 😀 In Colombia, General Rafael Uribe Uribe initiated the first occupational safety policies in 1904, laying the groundwork for future laws.
• 😀 In 1915, Colombia passed Law 57, requiring companies to provide medical assistance and compensation for workers.
• 😀 The creation of the Ministry of Health in 1954 and the development of the first occupational health plan in Colombia helped formalize the profession and regulations for worker safety.

Q & A

What are the earliest examples of occupational health practices mentioned in the script?

The earliest examples of occupational health practices include the use of protective devices made from stone, bone, and clay by hunters to protect themselves from injury while hunting, as well as early forms of safety measures in metallurgy.

What was the role of Hammurabi's Code in occupational safety?

Hammurabi's Code, dating back to 2100 BC, applied the principle of 'an eye for an eye' to regulate occupational hazards, establishing explicit punishments for wrongdoings and injuries, including those that occurred in the workplace.

How did Hippocrates contribute to the understanding of occupational health?

Hippocrates, between 460 and 377 BC, noted the health risks associated with metallurgy, describing diseases caused by exposure to substances like zinc and mercury, and even designed the first respiratory protection mask using an ox bladder.

What significant contributions did the 16th century make to the understanding of occupational health?

In the 16th century, the dangers of mining, including diseases and deformities caused by exposure to metals, were discussed. Notably, in 1555, a doctor recognized as the father of mineralogy began studying the health risks of mining.

What was the role of Bernardino Ramazzini in occupational health?

Bernardino Ramazzini, in the 17th century, wrote a treatise on diseases of workers, introducing the term 'hygiene' and describing the risks associated with various occupations, including 54 different professions.

What were the key legislative milestones in the early 19th century related to worker safety?

In the early 19th century, significant milestones included the creation of the first workers' union in 1796, the 1833 labor law aimed at regulating child labor in the textile industry, and the first workers' compensation law in 1867.

How did the creation of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 1919 contribute to occupational health?

The creation of the ILO in 1919 marked a global effort to improve labor conditions, including worker safety and health, through international cooperation and the establishment of standards and recommendations.

What was the importance of the Chicago Massacre of 1930 in the context of occupational health?

The Chicago Massacre of 1930 highlighted the need for labor reforms, with workers striking for better conditions, including the establishment of the 8-hour workday, which was an important step in improving occupational health and labor rights.

What developments in occupational health occurred in Colombia in the early 20th century?

In Colombia, General Rafael Uribe Uribe was the first to propose a policy focused on worker safety in 1904. This was followed by the 1915 approval of Law 57, requiring businesses to provide medical assistance and pay indemnities, and the creation of the Office of Labor Medicine in 1934.

What were the major milestones in the development of occupational health in Colombia after 1945?

After 1945, major milestones in Colombia included the introduction of social security insurance in 1946 through Law 90, the first disease tables in 1950, and the formation of the Division of Occupational Health by the Ministry of Labor in 1961.