Document By79LKo4O4bxN1k4neaJdx63L

A Brief Narrative in explanation of the Temporary Organization Committee Admittedly the problem of industrial dust diseases is engaging the serious attention of~a large number of industries and companies, and, in various places, a great deal of research has been and is being done on it. Many phases cf the problem are common to ell those affected. There is no* r.o one place where there is available all infor mation on all phases of the problem; and no concerted plannjtllg__l^_^fl-li^g_ done either as to the present or future as to all of the many different phases.' ' ----------------------- ~~ Through the courtesy cf theUiiiflj^^Rstitutjj (and at the re quest of several interested industries) tnera was held in Pittsburgh on January 15th, 1935, a Symposium on the Industrial Dust problem. At that meeting a Temporary Organization Committee was elected with instructions to develop a olar. and report back as to how, in its opinion, a start could best be made toward the establishment of a Permanent organization of some kind for a study of the industrial dust problem. It appeared to the Temporary Organization Committee that the first step toward the formation of a permanent organization would be to try to formulate some general idea as to what should be done, how it might be done, and what it would cost. It also seamed that it will be necessary to find out what has beer, done, in the many places where things have already been done on many phases of the problem, before it can be determined what should be done next. Therefor, it seemed that a program of activity for a Permanent organization should be - I. An attempt to gather together in one place all of the existing facts concerning the subject of the Industrial Dust Problem. II. A study of those facts, and an attempt to evaluate them. - III. A report based on such study and a recommendation as to the future activities. IV. The Cost. After discussing the problem with a number of people, the Temporary Organization Committee was of the opinion that Mellon Institute, Pittsburgh, is probably best prepared to act as the "Central Clearing House" - Mellon Institute was therefore asked for a definite proposal along the foregoing lines. The proposal of Uellon Institute dated Janu t ary 21st, 1935 ^as sent out with the letter from the Temporary Orgar.iza- -2 - tion Committee dated February 6th, 1935. Briefly, it was to the effect that for an overall sum of $25,000.00 Mellon Institute will (a) gather all the available facts and (b} study and evaluate then and (c) submit a definite report and recommendation. Naturally Mellon Institute will expect the co-operatior. of everyone interested in the problem in the accomplishment of its objective and any unexpended monies can either be refunded or can be used in carry* lng out a future program!- o 0o Invitations to the Symposium on the Industrial Dust Problem were sent to nearly one hundred Trade Associations and/or Code Authorities - Nearly two hundred persons attended the Symposium at Pittsburgh on January 15th, 1935. The report of the Temporary Organisation Committee was sent on February 6th, 1935, to all those originally invited and to all those who attended, and copies of the report have since been sent' to a considerable number of other Trade Associations and Individual companies. It was the thought of the Temporary Organization Committee that if the $25 ,000.00 were to be underwritten pro rata by fifty or more Trade Associations or individual companies, the amount of each subscription would not exceed $500.00 and it would be less-as the number of subscribers should exceed fifty. Thus would be provided a nucleus of Trade Assoeiations or individual companies who would be actively interested in the pro blem, and who could then form themselves into a permanent organization which would already.have the assurance of a definite amount of available money. The Temporary Organization Committee has planned as soon as the requisite number of fifty contributors has been assured, - to call a meet ing of all contributors asking each of them to designate one individual who will have full power of representation in the formation cf a permanent organization. With the formation of a Permanent Organization, - the Temporary Organization Committee will have completed its suties. The Permanent Organization - when formed by the contributors will select its own officers or committees and will determine its own program and policies, and it is logical to assume that the direction of its activities will be placed in the hands of those who are best capable of directing it along the lines of liedical, Preventive, Legal, Legislative and Publicity problems. 3 No commitments of any kind have been made by the Temporary Organization Committee as to the future policies or program of a permanent organization if and then one is formed, except that it has been arranged so that contributions and membership can become known or can remain unknown as may be elected by the individual contributor. -------- o 0 o In conclusion - . A large number of people have said that they believe that there should be a central clearing house, - or co-ordinating body - to represent all industry in connection with the industrial dust problem. A Symposium has been held in Pittsburgh on January 15th, 1935. A Temporary Organization Committee was elected to prepare a plan and recommendation as to a permanent organization. 4 1935). This plan has been prepared and submitted (on February 6th, Whether a permanent organization shall be formed, and how IX. shall be formed, and what shall be its program is now in the hands of those to whom this "narrative" is being sent. Roger A. Hitchins As Chairman Temporary Organization Coaoittee.