Document G6qvmRZazxKmvMN5y9NdxOz7

OO/ci Westinghouse Electric Corporation WesHnghcuse Busing Gateway Center Ptrtsfiurgh Pennsylvania 15222 October 31, 1978 DIVISION GENERAL MANAGERS AND PLANT MANAGERS cc: ELECTED OFFICERS PERSONNEL RELATIONS MANAGERS & REPS. BUSINESS UNIT GENERAL MANAGERS (SAFETY SUPERVISOR^ (MML-1, 2, 3X, 3, 4X, 4A, 5A and FML 16, 17,~2U) In view of evolving government philosophies regarding occupational safety and health, two points need to be made: (1) claims alleging occupational disease are increasing; and (2) costs will be great unless we carefully analyze our material usage, modify systems as required and develop background data with which to defend our position should it become necessary. Recently, HEW claimed that 20% of all deaths due to cancer resulted from occupa tional exposure. Although this finding is being widely disputed, it is certain the public reporting of such studies will cause an increase in occupational disease claims. In recent weeks, three workers' compensation cases were filed against alleging death due to exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was considered relatively safe until the early seventies, consequently we lack historical employe and environmental data which will make it much more difficult to defend against such claims. If held valid, each claim could result in substantial benefit payments. In any event the litigation and administration costs will be significant. Asbestos is only one of a number of materials known to be harmful. The effects of exposure to such materials may not be immediately evident since the latency period for many resulting occupational diseases is quite long. To protect employes as well as assets, these actions must be taken inmediately: Only materials assigned a material or PD specification number are to be used. (See attached earlier letter on this subject which is still valid.) Materials of least toxicity must be substituted or systems designed (enclosure, automation, etc.) so that exposure is kept to a minimum. Each location must sample the environment and employes on a regular basis; and provide periodic medical surveillance of employes where potentially hazardous materials are used.* (These actions are mandated by law.) .*'1 D. D. Danforth Vice Chairman and ` Chief Operating Officer N. V. Petrou Vice President Human Resources NOTE: The Digest of OSHA Medical and Environmental Surveillance Specifications, reissued in September by Corporate Medical Services, is an excellent guide for assuring compliance with the surveillance requirements. Q70033B0