Safety, Security, Health and Environment Law

"Safety, Security, Health and Environment Law" by Michael Tooma is a comprehensive legal text that covers a wide range of topics related to safety, security, health, and environmental law. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Public and Environmental Health Law:

   • The book focuses on the legislative and regulatory frameworks that impact public health in Australia and New Zealand. It includes discussions on environmental health, food safety, communicable diseases, obesity, tobacco and alcohol control, and the human health impacts of pollution control and planning law.

2. Risk-Based Approaches:

   • It explores the "risk-based" approaches reflected in recent legislation and statutory duties to protect public health. This includes new issues such as sustainability, climate change challenges, pandemic preparedness, and health impact assessments.

3. Constitutional Structure and International Trends:

   • The book examines the constitutional structure of public and environmental health law, including international trends and obligations. It also discusses "rights" questions, such as natural justice and the proper exercise of statutory power by officers.

4. Legislation and Interpretation:

   • It delves into the principles of legislation and its interpretation, with a particular focus on the use of epidemiological data as evidence. The book is extensively referenced to statutes and cases, making it a valuable resource for legal professionals and students.

5. Health and Safety Act 2011:

   • Tooma has also written extensively on the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, which is a significant piece of legislation in Australia. His work on this act includes discussions on due diligence, officer duties, and regulatory frameworks.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks governing safety, security, health, and environmental issues. It begins with introductory chapters that set the context for public and environmental health law, including its constitutional structure and international trends. The subsequent chapters delve into specific areas such as environmental health, food safety, and the human health impacts of pollution control.

The book also explores new directions in public and environmental health law, including risk-based approaches and the challenges posed by sustainability and climate change. It discusses preparedness for pandemics and other public health emergencies, as well as health impact assessments.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews of the book are not provided in the search results, the book's reputation can be inferred from its use as a reference text in academic and professional settings. The fact that it has been extensively referenced and is part of a series published by The Federation Press, which is known for its authoritative works on legal topics, suggests that it is highly regarded in the field of health and safety law.

Audience and Purpose

The book is designed for a variety of audiences, including students of environmental health and public health, environmental health officers, medical officers, and other professionals working in the field. It aims to highlight the potential for law to act strategically as a tool for improving public health outcomes.

In summary, "Safety, Security, Health and Environment Law" by Michael Tooma is a comprehensive and authoritative text that provides a detailed analysis of the legal frameworks governing safety, security, health, and environmental issues. Its critical reception is positive, reflecting its utility as a reference text in academic and professional settings.