Health and safety books

Citation

(2003), "Health and safety books", Measuring Business Excellence, Vol. 7 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/mbe.2003.26707dab.010

Health and safety books

Investigating human error: incidents, accidents and complex systemsStrauch, B. Ashgate 2002 £45.00 (UK)

Contains carefully researched case histories revealing disastrous sequences of human error, maladministration and criminal neglect far stranger than fiction. Takes a practical approach, with useful, meaningful delivery of well-written, researched and informed guidance for accident investigators. Concentrates in particular on the case history of the 1996 crash of ValuJet flight 592 into the Florida Everglades, minutes after take-off from Miami. Underlines major principles of human performance investigation and suggests ways that investigations into error can be used proactively to enhance system safety, Forms an important and valuable book for either specific reference at need, or as a comprehensive and inspiring review of and guide to investigating human error and its potential, applications for improved safety in transportation and other complex systems.

A job to die for: why so many Americans are killed, injured or made ill at work and what to do about itCullen, L. Common Courage Press 2002 $17.95 (USA)

Urges positive and continuing acknowledgement and action concerning worker safety and health. Employs a direct, colorful, paperback-thriller style to "tell it like it is" for workers and their flesh and blood dependents and loved ones when death, injury or long term ill-health are caused by dangerous working conditions. Draws deserved attention to the shameful silence which surrounds a scandal even greater than the financial harm wrought by Enron and other companies on their employees – the concealment by government agencies and industry lobbyists of the true annual cost of occupational injury and death in the USA. Forms an outstanding book, which offers much for worldwide comparison and compelling food for thought.

The Financial Times guide to executive health: building your strengths, managing your risksCampbell Quick, J., Cooper, C.L., Quick, J.D. and Gavin, J.H. Pearson Education 2002 $24.00 (USA)

Revolves around the central theme that executive health is the platform for accomplishment and success. Deals with managing executive health, threats to executive health, building strength and balance, and becoming a self-reliant executive. Does a remarkable job of acting as a self-help guide to managing key issues such as stress and ill health. Consistently goes the extra mile, even as far as to provide names of various executive health centers such as facilities found at Duke University and Johns Hopkins University. Offers valuable help for today's busy managers and executives.

Health care law (2nd edition)Montgomery, J. Oxford University Press 2002 £23.99 (UK)

Untangles the web of legal, ethical, structural and policy issues at the center of which UK healthcare providers sit. Gives an integrated account in a readable style, but is not a how-to text, and readers will need to look elsewhere for guidance on how to defend a clinical negligence claim or decide whether their detention of a mental health service user is lawful. Explains the what, why and how which shapes healthcare and provides a framework for understanding the forces at work. Examines particular areas of life regulated by healthcare law, the patient's right to healthcare and the structure of the NHS. Deals with regulation of medicines and the profession and legal regulation of the provision of care, and the patient's legal status. Targets those who make decisions about the provision of healthcare, whatever the exact nature of their role.

Tolley's office health and safety handbook 2003 (3rd edition)Wenham, D. (editor) Tolley Publishing, 2003 £72.50 (UK)

Offers to all who are responsible for office health and safety a concise but comprehensive resource for down-to-earth solutions of everyday office health and safety problems. Overviews potential hazards and key issues; the costs of workplace incidents; and the legal requirements to manage health and safety. Shows how to create a positive safety culture and provides a refreshingly perceptive and practical account of stress, plus how to provide security and deal with violence.