We gratefully acknowledge the funding provided by the Workers' Compensation Board of Alberta, through a grant for continuing medical education, to cover the costs of printing and mailing. I am sure that most physicians will recognize our distinctive green paper stock and emblem from past issues, and, yes, it will continue to appear free of charge and unsolicited in your mail baskets. There are some things 'occupational' in virtually all areas of medicine.
Health hazards can be physical, ergonomic, chemical, biological or psychological in nature.
Effects can occur at molecular, cellular, organ, behavioral, and social levels, and can occur over nanoseconds or decades. Consequences of work-related illness and injury are measurable in terms of impairment, disability, and handicap, and can affect individuals, family members, communities and populations. And so we have chosen to continue our Newsletter in the hope that some small opinion or piece of information may prove helpful in your medical practice. The first issue of the Newsletter was published in March 1983 - we are soon entering our twelfth year of publication. Accordingly, I invite all readers to submit critical comments, additional information, and original articles.