We are presenting here a translation of the introduction to a Cuban government Manual of Safety and Hygiene for Work that was prepared for Cuban workers in 1965. The manual was written by Lic. Hugo Murua Chevesich and Dr. Antonio Granda Ibarra. The introduction includes a brief statement from Commandante Erneso Che Guevara, then Cuban Minister of Industry. Noteworthy is that Che explains that occupational health and safety was not a priority in the revolution's first years under the pressure to increase production. In fact, he says that this pressure caused a certain contempt for personal safety. He declares that this approach must change and states emphatically that protection of workers is essential and that the measures explained in the manual must be implemented immediately.
Keywords: Cuban revolution; Ernesto Che Guevara; worker health and safety.