Book excerpt: Employees, employers and the government have all become very awareof the effects on health of the work environment. As a result, thissubject area is rapidly developing with recent changes inlegislation, sampling and measurement methods, as well as a newemphasis on the psychological impact of work, and the importance ofan appropriate work-life balance. The purpose of this book is to provide a clear and conciseaccount of the principles of occupational hygiene and, as such, itis suitable for students studying for degree courses in thissubject and for the MFOM. It is also suitable for occupationalphysicians and nurses, to safety representatives and to tradeunionists. This edition sees the introduction of nine new chapters coveringrecently emerged topics such as work/life balance, workorganisation and pyschological issues.