The monograph argues that prevention should be considered the first step in the rehabilitation process, and examines preventive efforts in the areas of occupational safety, road safety, home safety, and sporting and recreational safety. Following an introductory chapter, other chapters discuss: (1) the close relationship between compensation, rehabilitation, and prevention; (2) aspects of the cost of social welfare and income maintenance; (3) health effects of the environment; (4) the role of change as an accident-promoting factor; (5) measuring the success of preventive strategies; (6) regulation as a preventive strategy; (7) alternatives and supplements to regulation, such as incentives; (8) road blocks to effective preventive measures; and (9) areas where action is needed, especially the home and recreational activities. Examples of problems and programs in New Zealand are used to support the book's proposals. Includes 58 references. (JDD)