The Uk back in the day were heavily industrised with all sorts of factories, from cotton mills to leather factories. Health and safety were none existant until the late 1800s. The very first appointed factory inspectors started under the provisions of the Factories Act 1833.

 

To begin with their main duty was to prevent injury and overworking children in child textile workers.

 

For how big the industry was only four inspectors had been set on to look after such a large industry. they would be responsible for approximately 3,000 textile mills and had powers to enter mills and question workers.

 

The inspectors had special powers in Law, whereby they could formulate new regulations and laws to ensure the Factories Act could be suitably enforced within the Mills that they found were flouting health and safety.

 

Some Mps and Employers were furious and opposed the poweres that the inspectors had,. however the factory inspectors were enthusiastic and were able to influence subsequent legislation relating to machinery guarding and accident reporting.

 

Time was approaching the next century and by 1868 there were 35 inspectors and sub-inspectors, each one of them was responsible for a distinct geographical area.

 

Changes to legislation during the period 1860 to 1871 extended the Factories Act to practically all workplaces and the inspectors took on the role of technical advisers in addition to their enforcement duties.