The Control of Industrial Accidents: Economic Theory and Empirical Evidence

摘要: The passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1970 represents latest extension a form government regulation that began in United States almost century ago. Government standards concerning physical environment workplace were first promulgated America by Massachusetts, which required 1877 "[t]he belting, shafting, gearing drums all manufacturing establishments, when so located as to be, opinion inspectors hereinafter mentioned, dangerous employees while engaged their ordinary duties, shall far practicable, securely guarded."1 This standard covered less than 350,000 employees. Today, under federal legislation, 62 million American workers are safety rules govern virtually every aspect workplacefrom asbestos particles toilet partitions. Compared other significant programs, legislation has historically been uncontroversial. Early was adopted an era most forms intervention business labor affairs regarded unconstitutional. A similar accommodating attitude prevailed more recent times. debate prior focused on administrative details proposed rather wisdom large effort. typically noncritical nature is surely due moralistic issue. Even question basic premises via often associated with insensitivity toward workers' safety. It just such examination, however, necessary order understand evaluate particular statutes 1970. purpose this paper examine both theoretical empirical alternative methods available for industrial accident control.2