| Public concern frequently focuses
on the needs of disadvantaged groups in society,
especially in relation to employment
opportunities. The importance of reconsidering
employment selection procedures for those
entrants in the workforce whose potential has
been dismissed through so-called 'disability' is
well recognized as management and labour realize
the desirability of exploiting the capabilities
of disabled people. Building on the wealth of
experience and knowledge developed throughout a
distinguished career in occupational ergonomics, Fitness
for Work re-evaluates medical selection
procedures for disabled and able-bodied labour
market entrants. It re-examines the whole concept
of 'fitness for work', acknowledging the
prerogatives of management and labour, but
emphasizing too the need to consider humanitarian
and legislative concerns. In addition, the book
notes the financial pay-back for the individual,
the company, and indeed society as a whole - as
disabled people find jobs with adequate reward,
as companies use those persons' skills, and as
society benefits from reduction in demands on the
public purse. T.M.
Fraser is former Director of the Center for
Occupational Health & Safety at the
University of Waterloo, Canada.
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