This text provides a theoretical and empirical approach to investigating the nature of emerging OSH (Occupational Health and Safety) epidemics across the industrialized world. The author of each chapter in this book deals with exposure to a particular OSH hazard and examines the epidemic nature of the resulting ill-health or injury outcome. The authors also evaluate the contribution of globalization and neoliberal policies in creating workplace environments which foster such new OSH epidemics.

This book provides a theoretical background to occupational stress, and traces the early work of Hans Selye and the development of bio-physiological, psychological and then sociological models of stress. It also reports on a study of stress and ill-health in a large manufacturing organisation in Australia. It examines the effects of stress, low self-esteem and poor mastery on psychological outcomes and ill-health symptoms.