The last Senior Medical Inspector of Factories and his place in the history of occupational health.
BACKGROUND
Apart from a few industrialists with senses of enlightened self-interest and of ethics, 19th century Occupational Health (OH) in the United Kingdom was essentially in the care of Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate (HMFI). Two World Wars drew attention to the special health and efficiency needs of workers in the armaments industry, but it required the climate of a Welfare State after the Second for more general provision to be considered. A number of committees made recommendations for enhancing OH that were not implemented, and it was not until 1972 that a political will developed to enhance the State's provision. As a result of a far-sighted senior civil servant, a remarkable Senior Medical Inspector was in post, ready and willing to assist in bringing about change.


METHODS
Published official materials have been reviewed in the light of the author's observation of events and persons from 1967 onwards.


RESULTS
For a few years, as a consequence of a political will, academic, corporate, and governmental OH burgeoned in Britain, but with a decline in the economy and political change favoring deregulation, it underwent regression.


CONCLUSIONS
Any number of committees may meet to discuss OH provision but their reports will moulder until there is a will for implementing their recommendations, at which the requisite funds and persons materialize to establish institutions. When the political climate changes, it will not be difficult to find persons who for a consideration will assist in their demolition.
Greenberg
Morris
M
London NW117S4, UK. mgreenberg@toucansurf.com
D006284:Health Plan Implementation / Q000266:history; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000266:history*; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000266:history; D006113:United Kingdom