This text investigates the clinical and practical criteria required for physicians to accurately assess a patient's fitness for employment following illness, injury, or surgery. R. A. F. Cox, drawing upon his background in occupational medicine, synthesizes clinical expertise with workplace requirements to establish a framework for medical decision-making. The book addresses the intersection of physical stamina, job-specific demands, and the recovery process to provide actionable guidance for practitioners.

Medical professionals frequently cite this work as a practical reference for navigating the complexities of occupational health assessments. Experts highlight the text for its utility in bridging the gap between clinical recovery and the functional demands of the workplace.