Revista Cubana de Salud y Trabajo (May 2021)
Bernardino Ramazzini (1633-1714) and his comprehensive lesson in occupational risks prevention, workers' health protection and promotion
Abstract
Introduction: Bernardino Ramazzini, an academic at the School of Medicine of Modena, lived in the second half of the 17th century. Although his work is remembered mainly for being the first systematic contribution to the knowledge of occupational diseases, it deserves more detailed and complete consideration. This essay aims to illustrate his visionary commitment to visiting workplaces, identifying health threats, suggesting measures to prevent risks, and protecting workers' health. Development: Many aspects of his thinking can be recognized: understanding the association between environment and health; suspect the environmental origin of each disease; propose interventions aimed at risk protection; provide appropriate recommendations for a healthy lifestyle; and suggest a relevant strategy to combat a devastating bovine plague epidemic that was taking place at the time. Conclusion: Ramazzini had a broad vision covering multiple aspects from: observations of health disorders to studies on air and climate impact; from workplace inspection to recommendations for effective health protection; from proposals for personal protective devices to advices on lifestyle behavior. His scientific stature is evident in the modernity of his thinking in light of the current trend of occupational and public health that requires a strong alliance and a better integration with other medical and non-medical fields.
