The history has been long and often chequered.

The rise of the Factory inspectorate,the development of the Trade union movement, the rights of the worker to protection and compensation, the eradication of child labour, the emancipation of women have all been part of that evolution.

In many parts of the world some of the old, dirty, dangerous practices continue; young children continue to be employed for slave wages; worker safety is ignored. Inhumanity, in the name of profit, rules.

Medicine has played a distinguished role in improving practice and reducing the health risks of the workplace. Occupational medicine is recognised as a specialty in its own right with specific training and skills.