Document reG2kYxw2pa94nxQyg848MGEq

INTERNAL CORRESPONDENCE SOLVENTS & INTERMEDIATES July 12, 1982 To: Mr. J. L. Wyatt BROWNSVILLE - Loc. 526 cc: Mr. R. C. Glock - 526 Mr. W. W. McManus - 526 Roberta McDermott, R.N. - 526 Mr. R. R. Rankin - CLC P. O. BOX 471, TEXAS CITY, TEXAS 77590 I requested my administrative staff assistant to comment on the health education objective proposed for Brownsville. Her valuable comments are attached. The goals (A) that are currently being implemented are excellent and represents a reasonably complete medical program for your facility. I would recommend compliance with the corporate guideline of providing a hands-on clinical examination by a physician for all periodic exams. Most former C&P plants are now in compliance. . Texas City is continuing to offer exams on a two-year basis. The best argument for this is that it provides stabile information on a continuing basis for the Medical Records Management System which may be used for research. The corporate guidelines specify every 5 years and every 3 years for younger employees increasing in frequency to annually for employees over 50 years of age. We can discuss if you wish on my next visit. I would also like to discuss Dr- Lang's recommendation on chest x-ray policy. The goals (B) are all excellent ones and I would recommend implementation as soon as practical. Immediate priority should be given to lb (1) Embryo-fetal protection and lb (3) Hearing Conservation as OSHA is interested in these subjects. Substance abuse (lb-6) would be third priorty on my list with hypertension, nutrition and stress following. Wellness and fitness, B-2, is a very interesting concept. If practical, I would like to see it implemented. I would not, however, give it high priority. In addition, someone's objectives should include plant sanitation and ECA training for ambulance drivers. Mr. J. L.' Wyatt June 12, 1982 Page 2 In regards to Andy Lang's comments on the Corporate audit, I agree that we are probably not going to be able to continue with Dr. Roth much longer. I spoke with Carl on the phone today. He is back at the office part-time but continuing chemotherapy. The last treat ment hospitalized him again with severe complications. I will assist you however I can if and when you make the decision to change physicians. Will plan my next visit to Brownsville in August, September or October depending on your needs. Sincerely* / DHG:mm Attachment David H. Glenn, M.D. I INTERNAL CORRESPONDENCE SOLVENTS & INTERMEDIATES June 12, 1982 P. O. BOX 471, TEXAS CITY, TEXAS 77590 To: Mr. J. L. Wyatt Brownsville - Loc. 526 cc: David H. Glenn, M.D. 515/2 Subject: Health Program - Brownsville Plant I am pleased to see the health program objectives at your facility expanding to incorporate health promotion. I am sure you are well aware that your employees are your best resource and that helping them maintain their health is as importance as the mainten ance of the industrial equipment they operate. As you can see from the attached copy of the corporate nursing guidelines. Union Carbide considers health education an important role of the occupational health nurse. There are a few recommendations I would like to offer: 1) Prioritize your programs by assessing your employee population. Ask yourself, what are the most pressing problems? i.e. increas ing numbers of back problems, large percentage of overweight workers, high stress levels among your employees, etc. Direct your programs to the most pressing infomational and educational needs. 2) Involve the managers and employee representatives in decisions regarding implementation of the programs. People respond best when they have been involved in the decision making. This group would not dictate content or method of presentation, but to get employees involved. 3) Develop programs that are "ongoing" and integrated into the already established programs. Research demonstrates that "one shot" presentations may motivate but rarely bring about change without followup. 4) Design evaluation into your programs so that you can see what you are accomplishing. 5) A few programs, well planned and implemented, will produce better results in improving employee health than many which are quickly "thrown" together. Pace your programs; you don't have to do everything the first year. Mr. J. L. Wyatt Health Program Brownsville Plant Page 2 6) It is important to remember that any program is intended to help the employee make the right decisions about his health. It would be wise for Bobbie to educate herself on theories of adult learning if this is not already a part of her knowledge base. 7) The cost of the programs will depend on the resources you currently have available. Programs are enhanced with audio visual aids which can be produced by Bobbie or by using the many excellent commercially prepared aids. The Cancer Society, Lung Association, Texas Department of Health and others, have materials available at no cost. Be sure that any aide is viewed and evaluated for appropriateness before presentation to the employees. At times, you may wish to bring in consult ants in areas where Bobbie has limited expertise. After all, no one can be an expert on all subjects. It is especially important in physical fitness programs that the instructor be well educated in proper exercise techniques and how to direct others in exercise in order that injuries be prevented. In most cases, the nurse should be prepared for followup after health programs. For example, it is good to give information on alcohol, drug abuse or stress, but even better to be able to offer an alternative if an employee seeks assistance. Thank you for the opportunity to offer these suggestions. I wish you much success in accomplishing these goals. If our department can be of assistance, please let us know. Sincerely LM:mm Linda Marley, M.S., R.N. Administrative Staff Assistant