Germs in the English Workplace, c1880–1945 , by Laura Newman

Laura Newman is to be commended for this fascinating, engaging and thoroughly researched new book which makes an important contribution to the history of science and medicine, as well as to the history of occupational health and safety. Newman expertly examines the evolving science of germs and its application in 'germ practices' in the English workplace from the late Victorian period through to the Second World War. This couldn’t be more topical at this point in time, given the Covid-19 pandemic and the issues around workplace exposure within the health and social care services and beyond, for example with heightened incidence of Covid amongst bus and taxi drivers and those employed in food processing and call centres, as well as specific workplace out-breaks, like the Driver Vehicle Licensing Centre in Swansea, South Wales.