This book was written as a response to the need for a comprehensive introductory-level text covering the major facets of occupational safety and health. The fourth edition of this book was written with the same objectives as previous editions:
It should be easily comprehensible by those who lack experience or prior exposure to concepts in occupational safety and health, industrial hygiene, or occupational medicine.
It should be on a writing level easily understood by a majority of the population, yet be useful as a text for college courses.
It should cover the major topics of concern to safety and health professionals and students to provide both with a philosophical base.