The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is an independent charity that, for 100 years (2016),
has promoted safety awareness in Britain. For much of its history, the Society has used poster images, design
and illustration to communicate its message effectively.The concept of safety is quite straightforward. At a basic level we understand it as safety from predatory violence.
Now, thankfully and for the most part, we live beyond this red-in-tooth-and-claw-survival-of-the-fittest arrangement.
Nevertheless, the continuing acceleration of modern society and the consequent ferociousness of the machine-ensemble
provide ample reason for safety issues to remain important.It’s worth noting that some of Britain’s biggest industries have, in the past, been so dangerous that they
were obliged to provide orphanages for the destitute children of deceased workers! The big the coal industry,
the shipbuilders, the railway companies, the merchant marine, and even the GPO, were required, at various times, to
accept this terrible responsibility.The creation of increasingly safe environments for work, rest and play, is one of the great achievements of 20C Britain.
