The American Public Health Association (APHA) has released Occupational Safety and Health Policy, a new book that explores the role of policy in improving workplace safety. The book, an essential reference for occupational safety and health professionals and advocates, is available for order online via APHA Press.

Occupational Safety and Health Policy is designed as a user-friendly, comprehensive occupational safety and health policy reference. The book describes the premises of occupational safety and health policy, as well as the implementation and instruments of the policy, placing the information within a historical context.

“The purpose of this book is to compile information useful for occupational safety and health professionals and advocates regarding policy formulation and implementation,” said Melvin L. Myers, MPA, the book’s author, in the book’s introduction. “Historical information is the foundation for this purpose, as precedent is important regarding relevant laws and incrementalism is an important aspect for policy evolution.”

The book also explores how employers can make workplaces safer and healthier for employees and how regulation at the state and federal level can impact employee health. It discusses the concept of critical thinking and evidence-based argumentation as necessary in advocating policy.

“A lot of times I think, in teaching policy, we talk about what it is and not about how to make it work,” Myers told The Nation’s Health. “I tried to fill that gap. ‘How do you make that happen?’ People don’t really think about policy, because there’s no book out there about occupational health policy.”

Book ordering information: Available now, published by APHA Press, “Occupational Safety and Health Policy,” ISBN: 978-0-87553-271-4, softcover, 787 pages, List price: $95.00, plus shipping and handling (APHA member price: $66.50). To order, call toll-free 888-320-APHA; fax 888-361-APHA; e-mail APHA press or visit the APHA Bookstore.