The practice of workplace inspections has a rich history, evolving over time to ensure the safety and well-being of workers. While it is challenging to pinpoint the exact origins of inspections, they have been conducted in various forms for centuries. However, the modern concept of workplace inspections, as a systematic and structured process for identifying and addressing hazards and risks, can be traced back to the early 20th century. Let's explore some significant dates in inspection history that have shaped the way we approach workplace safety.
1802: The Factory Act
The United Kingdom passes the Factory Act, marking the establishment of the first regulatory framework for factory safety. This landmark legislation aimed to protect workers, particularly children, by introducing measures to improve working conditions and limit working hours. The Factory Act laid the foundation for future safety regulations and demonstrated the growing recognition of the need to ensure the well-being of workers.
1911: Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
The tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City resulted in the loss of 146 lives, mostly young immigrant women. This devastating event served as a catalyst for change, leading to significant advancements in workplace safety. The fire prompted the establishment of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the development of new regulations and standards to safeguard workers' rights and improve workplace conditions.
1970: Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
The United States passes the Occupational Safety and Health Act, a groundbreaking piece of legislation that sets the foundation for workplace safety regulations. OSHA ensures workers' right to a safe and healthy work environment and establishes standards to mitigate hazards and prevent accidents. The act empowers OSHA to enforce these standards and conduct inspections to ensure compliance across various industries.
1978: Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
Canada enacts the Occupational Health and Safety Act, prioritizing the well-being of workers nationwide. The OHSA establishes workers' rights to a safe and healthy work environment and outlines the responsibilities of employers, supervisors, and workers in maintaining workplace safety. The act highlights the importance of preventive measures, training, and hazard assessment to protect workers from harm.
1980: Occupational Safety and Health Convention
The International Labor Organization (ILO) adopts the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, which sets forth global principles and standards for the promotion of occupational safety and health. This convention provides a framework for countries to develop comprehensive safety and health policies, raising awareness and fostering cooperation to ensure the well-being of workers worldwide.
2000: Introduction of The Checker
Devtra, Inc. introduces The Checker, revolutionizing inspection and audit practices. The Checker quickly becomes the industry standard for checklist inspection books, enabling organizations to streamline and improve their inspection processes. This innovative tool helps standardize inspections, enhance efficiency, and promote consistency in identifying and addressing workplace hazards.
2010: The Checker Software
Recognizing the need for advanced inspection and audit software, Devtra, Inc. introduces The Checker Software. This powerful tool empowers organizations to develop comprehensive and systematic audit/inspection programs. The software allows for digital inspections, facilitating data collection, analysis, and reporting. By leveraging technology, The Checker Software improves the effectiveness and accuracy of inspections, ensuring a safer working environment.
Inspection practices have evolved over time to prioritize workplace safety and protect the rights of workers. From the establishment of regulatory frameworks to the development of innovative inspection tools, these milestones have significantly shaped how we approach workplace inspections. Lastly, it is important to maintain clean and accurate data in inspection records to ensure effective follow-up, analysis, and continuous improvement efforts. By documenting and maintaining precise records, organizations can better address identified issues, track progress, and enhance overall safety and compliance.
