ABSTRACT
Henri Fayol describes a security function whose object was to safeguard property and persons against theft, fire and flood. Public pressure is important, which leads one to suppose that the first goal of the security function was to avoid fatalities and accidents. The Decree of 3 January 1813 listed the risks in mines as cave-ins, floods, fire, and asphyxiation, breakages to machines, motors, cables, chains, baskets and harmful emissions. It required fatal and serious accidents to be declared to the local mayor and to the engineer from the Mines Service who would then investigate and make the necessary recommendations to eliminate any dangers. Compensation did not cover the first four days of sick leave until the Law of 31 March 1905 included them in any compensation paid for more than ten days sick leave. Fayol's security function was an anticipation of 'risk management', a part of management that has been written about by scholars since the 1960s.
