During the twentieth century many countries began to develop requirements for manufacturers and service industries to reduce high rates of injury, illness, and fatality in both the working environment and in consumer products. Led by professional organizations and by the United Nations, safety standards set criteria for the construction of machinery to prevent injury to operators of the machines, and for the production of consumer products to avoid injury to purchasers. Through such standards, dramatic improvements have occurred throughout the world in industrial health and accident prevention. Not all countries have well-developed or enforced standards, however, and standards continue to be refined and developed.
(SEE ALSO: Occupational Safety and Health; Prevention; Primary Prevention)
— BARBARA TOEPPEN-SPRIGG
