The Encyclopedia Of Work-related Illnesses, Injuries, And Health Issues

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 160 million new cases of work-related diseases occur worldwide each year, and roughly 1.1 million people are killed annually as a result of work-related illnesses and injuries. The National Occupational Research Agenda estimates that $121 billion are spent each year on issues related to the deaths and illnesses caused by work environments. These figures illustrated the need for such a work as The Encyclopedia of Work-Related Illnesses, Injuries, and Health Issues. This book provides its readers with more than 350 entries that define terms and issues from absenteeism to zoonoses and poses the following questions: How can workplace safety be improved? How many employee illnesses are caused by work-related factors such as stress or unhealthy working environments?
Appendixes include numerous charts with statistics concerning mortality rates of work-related illnesses, as well as directories of helpful organizations. The Encyclopedia of Work-Related Illnesses, Injuries, and Health Issues is a valuable tool for anyone who seeks to understand and improve safety in the work environment.

With the World Health Organization reporting that nearly 1.1 million people are killed each year by work-related injuries and illnesses, this encyclopedia will provide employers and employees with needed information and resources to help reduce these statistics. It explores the relationship between individual health and the workplace with a focus on the health and safety rights of employees. An introduction explains contemporary workplace issues like safety, ergonomic and biological hazards, economic losses, demographics (such as aging workers), U.S. laws surrounding gender issues, and more.

Approximately 350 A-Z entries cover topics such as Carpal tunnel syndrome; Child labor laws; Endocrine toxicity; Environmental Protection Agency; Karoshi; Slips, trips and falls; and Violence in the workplace. Entries often conclude with contact information for relevant organizations and associations, a list of one or two references, and see also references. In some cases, see also references refer to nonexistent entries. Sixteen appendixes provide information on absenteeism, mortality rates, work-related homicide statistics, and other topics as well as a lengthy list of resources. Each resource entry includes name, address, toll-free phone, phone, fax, and URL. Following this is a nine-page bibliography divided into numerous subject areas including "Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders," "Environment," "Feminist Viewpoints on Working," and "Unions." Some of the references are rather dated; under "Eating Disorders," the most current book was published in 1994. The index is very detailed, providing a plethora of access points for research and quick reference.

Kahn has written several Facts On File books that have won awards from the American Medical Writers Association. Although not comprehensive, this resource will be used by employers, human resource personnel, employees, students, and faculty to learn about and thereby reduce the number of work-associated diseases, injuries, and distresses. Recommended for public, college, and special libraries. RBB
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