This volume is written especially for health professionals affiliated with hospitals, veterinary clinics, dental offices, dental laboratories, toxicological testing laboratories, and pharmaceutical laboratories as a contribution to attain security in such working environments. Possible hazards in the working environments for the health professionals are discussed, followed by recommendations of the various precautions that may be taken to avoid these hazards. The possible hazards in hospitals discussed are ergonomics, physical hazards, chemical hazards, and bacteriological risks. The ergonomics, chemical hazards, and bacteriological risks for dental offices and veterinary clinics are also explained.

The definition of occupational health hazards is constantly changing over time as technology advances and as the awareness of work place safety issues continues to grow. Introduction to Occupational Health Hazards focuses on work-related hazards which have evolved with the advent of more recent professions. The book introduces readers to the basic concept of occupational hazards. From this starting point, readers are introduced to the types of medical disorders that can occur as a result of occupational hazards, such as cancer and neurological disorders. The next section explains health hazards to medical and laboratory staff. The book concludes with a chapter that explains mental health issues (stress and psychosocial factors) that are related to occupational health – which is a recent addition to the spectrum of health risks in the working environment. As a handbook, the book provides information about occupational health risks for science and medical students along with professionals working in the health care and laboratory industries, respectively.

Intended as a resource for those who have responsibilities to safeguard workers' health and safety, especially in developing countries. Covers the fields of toxicology, occupational hygiene, occupational cancer, occupational diseases of agricultural workers, occupational safety, psycho- social problems and institutions and organizations active in the field of occupational health and safety.

The world is living dangerously - either because it has little choice or because it is making the wrong choices -- Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland WHO Director-General