Document k6RpZYJq18vdyajp3g79jVnwE

FILE NAME: Firestone (FIRE) DATE: 1948 Feb 27 DOC#: FIRE012 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Letter - Reply from LA Plant declining offer of dust counting service [BC Notes on FIRE001 after Ex. 299] BC Note: Reply from J.A. Moore at LA plant declining Mallette's offer, saying that a consultant was called in to take dust counts that enabled the company to settle union grievances. Referring to the availability of such services by the corporate IH's in Akron, "we have never felt the need for work of this kind out here and have stayed away from it as much as possible because the implication of making the dust count is that we are worried about conditions and the making of the count often gives the employee the wrong idea." Mr* J. A. Meek pirar c o d h t s March 4,1948 F. S* Mellette Feb. 27, 1948 from Mr. J, A. Moort As I understand It, a labor problea arose ortr the dust generated by the buffing of alualnua mblds. An inquiry was sent me through Mr. Gradolph regarding the composition of this dust and the presence or absence of toxic properties. I gaye what Information was in my possession and was later Informed that dust counts had been Bade by "the laboritory" and that the matter had been settled satisfactorily. 1 then wrote to Mr. McGregor requesting information regarding the identity of the laboritory making the dust counts. I also informed hi* of our facilities here and also of the arrangement we have with a number of the subsidiary plants, for instance New Castle, by which we have dust samples taken by someone at that plent and shipped to Akron for counting. What I was trying to find out was whether they were doing their own dust counts or were hiring some outside organization to do them. I deplore Mr. Moore's attitude in that he feels that dust counts or other activities of the Mndustrlal Hygiene survey arouse ?n employees, for it is ay experience that this is far from the truth. I have been in Industrial Hygiene for 15 years and I have yet to see any reaction on the part of employees other than one of appreciation for the interest 5y company.in making surveys. However, this is an attitude to which I am accustomed and is quite common throughout industry. In fact, when I encounter an attitude at the other extreme, such as that of Mr. J. C. Blue of Pottstown who is interested in conditions in his plant that he requests periodic surveys, I find it a seven day wonder. Nor have I had any difficulty having workers or their organizations disbelieve the results of any survey made by me or any other reputable worker in my field. I have never com promised any of the results found by me in a survey as I feel that one only fools one's self. __ P 1** if an attitude which requires considerable educational effort and I shall try to work on Mr. Moore the next time he comes to Akron for one of the labor meetings. FSM/ga F. 8. Mellette Industrial Hygienist * Toxicologist 008223