ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the problem of occupational injuries and identifies the industries that have high incidence rates for occupational injuries. Occupational injury is an important cause of economic insecurity in the United States, especially if the injury results in total and permanent disability. The chapter explains the problem of occupational disease and identifies the industries with high rates of occupational disease. It shows how the costs of occupational injuries and disease are a financial burden to disabled workers, to employers, and to the economy. The chapter explores some areas of concern in workplace safety and health, including workplace violence, alcohol and substance abuse on the job, and job stress. It reviews the meaning of risk management and describes the major risk-management measures for reducing workplace accidents and disease. The Risk management is widely used by employers and government entities to reduce occupational injuries and disease. The chapter illustrates the basic characteristics of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
