In the introductory paper attention is drawn to the unique nature of this group of industries: a very large workforce, substantial and very diverse hazards, potential for occupational injuries and illnesses of special types, and so far imperfect provision of occupational health care.

This multi-author book, with references up to 1986, addresses the main problems with chapters by occupational physicians and nurses, experts in other relevant specialities (dermatology, immunology, epidemiology and psychiatry) and engineering and occupational hygiene. Major health problems of health care workers are systematically described and assessed, and positive recommendations are made for control policies.

The first group of chapters deals with infections (HIV, hepatitis, teratogenic viral infection prevention, particularly rubella, cytomegalovirus and varicella-zoster).

Individual chapters contain recommendations for the organization of hospital programmes for particular risks, and there is a general chapter on control of infectious agents. Sections on chemical risk cover the handling of neoplastic agents, allergy to laboratory animals, and chemical dependency in health care professionals. Back pain, skin disease, and stress, and indoor air quality complete the subjects covered by the special sections. The book concludes with a scheme for organization of a hospital occupational health service.

Epidemiological information in text and in tables reflects recent experience. One of the many outstanding features of this book is the positive approach to analysis of a problem and the reasoned advice that follows. This is exemplified in the section on organizing a hospital programme to deal with cytomegalovirus where the question of pregnancy is reviewed. There are only 2 brief references to radiation on the assumption that there is a separate radiation safety programme for institutions. Also, apart from the introduction and the final chapter on the organization of a hospital occupational health service there is limited reference to the health care staffs not in direct patient care or laboratory work. As a whole the book is strongly recommended.
R. Owen