New Preventive Concepts in Occupational Safety and Health

Abstract

Over the last decadesgovernment social policy has undergone considerable qualitative and quantitative development. The group of persons covered, the estimated risks and the level of benefit have been expanded with the results of a comprehensive and differentiated system of social security. Expenditure for the individual areas of social security (e g financing of pensions and the health system) is growing, and the inadequacy of retrospective corrective interventions has become evident. In particular with this in mind, it is now acknowledged that the preventive elements in our social system have to be strengthened. This not only has economic benefits in the long run, but the prevention of illness, the safeguarding of the workplace etc are prerequisites for the individual to enable him to lead a dignified and active life in our society.