Document JNbq0Z1vgwYJRqxYjqNoLdxLv

t The joint safety committee met regularly three times each month. Labor and Management members were most cooperative and sincere and have made many worth-while contributions to promote safety. A Mary land Casualty representative attended one meeting each month. He usually showed a film on a safety topic. The Detroit plant gave each employee a specially designed bronze token (with key chain) as an award for the "no lost time" record compiled in 1946-47. Ten projects, designed to improve ventilation systems to reduce exposure to dust and fumes, were completed. The program to convert all plant lighting in work areas to fluorescent type is virtually completed. An extensive repainting program is well under way which will further improve lighting and sanitation conditions. Major im provements have been made in the method 8nd facilities for handling and storing asbestos and in the heating of the area to avoid unnec essary exposure. Modernization and increase of toilet and shower facilities are almost complete. Six lost-time accidents were recorded, one at Winchester and five at Detroit. A total of 44 days of actual time was lost, and 300 days was assessed for specific loss of a finger. In the Brake Shoe Companywide safety competition (year ending August 1) the Division had the lowest "accident factor", a figure that takes into account both fre quency and severity of accidents resulting from 1,459,507 man hours worked. In their groups: Detroit ranked first; Winchester ranked 3rd; Lindsay ranked 9th. Nurses at Detroit and Winchester cared for approximately 2400 plant injuries of all kinds. The cases averaged 1.5 calls for care of each case. Only 36 cases required professional medical care. Nurses made 150 calls at hospitals or employees' homes with some very helpful and interesting results, such as the case of an employee whose attendance became progressively worse until be was not working at all. The nurse saw him several times and discussed his symptoms with the plant physician. They concluded that his illness was probably due to extreme mental depression and induced him to see a phychiatrist, which he did. Failing to respond to other treatment, shock therapy was ad vised, but the patient balked. After much persuasion by our nurse, he consented to undergo the treatment, and his recovery was prompt and remarkable. He returned to work, and hi6 attendance and attitude have been excellent. Occupational dermatitis has been controlled by prompt first-aid and hygiene measures. Only one case developed to a degree requiring .medical care. Many employees have minor discomfort, but few cases persist or become chronic. All are carefully followed. Strict control of venereal disease cases has been maintained. Our eye protection program (safety glasses) has continued unchanged with good results and at a nominal cost. 13. SPNY 003780