Simon and his colleagues recognized and deeply respected the experience of shop floor industrial workers and the trades union movement on occupational health issues. Working on the basis of equality, they combined their research skill and scientific knowledge with this grass roots experience. It created a potent weapon for improving work place health. Simon’s contribution has been massive. Over more than three decades he has been a constant mentor and adviser for the most complex and difficult occupational health problems that we came across in general practice and in public health. Paul Redgrave