NA PRAGU DRUGE INDUSTRIJSKE REVOLUCIJE – Franc Primšar: Strojne poškodbe 1906–1910

Abstract

A Slovene surgeon Dr Franc Primšar published his professional article “Machine Injuries 1906-1910” in the May 1912 issue of Liječnički vjesnik. It opens with a comprehensive introduction, and continues with statistical analysis and comments with recommendations for the future. This article betrays a deep insight into the relationships between the man, work, health and diseases. It gives a number of guidelines and defines requirements for government institutions and physicians to reduce the frequency and extent of occupational injuries and diseases. Primšar’s article on machine injuries was the first Slovene paper to address occupational injuries, and included observations from the author’s own practice and their statistical evaluation. It also provided general and specific guidelines for factory/plant physicians to prevent occupational injuries and diseases. One hundred years later, Primšar’s “Machine Injuries” give us an insight into the complex public health and historical issues from Ramazzini to the first legal and healthcare actions to protect workers. Hence its universal professional and historical value.