Document wqooMwxaD95GqRevn1X9wDwpV

T BERLIN PLANT employee examination: L. Chesm /--ravs Listed below is the total number of chest x-rays that were taken of the employees of the Berlin Plant since 1953. The established OCF policy was to x-ray hourly employees annually and salaried employees triennial]y. Owens-Illinois followed this same policy when they operated the plant. When Dr. Konzei became Corporate Medical Director in 1963, he re--affirmed the policy of annual chest x-rays for hourly employees. A chest x-ray has always been included in the Pre-place ment Health Examination. 1959 - 129 1960 - 150 1961 - 211 1962 - 273 1963 - * 1964 - 181 1965 - 217 1966 - 231 1967 - 209 1963 - 252 1969 - 217 1970 - 205 1971 - 368 1972 - 189 1973 - 213 2. Chest X-ray Readings A. 1959-1969 - During this period, <ill chest x-rays were sent to the Institute of Industrial Health, University of Michigan for review and diagnostic interpretation. The results of all readings were reviewed by the plant physician. Selected chest x-rays were also sent to a local physician, Dr. Richard M. Sproch, Hadaonfield, New Jersey, during this period. In 1969, the Institute of Industrial Health advised that they would no longer be able to read the x-rays for OCF. In 1969, 614 chest x-ray films covering 56 individuals were sent to Dr. Ian Higgins, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, for evaluation upon recommendation of Dr. Konzen. B. 1970 to Present - During this period, all chest x-rays were read and interpreted by the West Jersey Hospital-Southern Division, located in Berlin. The results of all readings were reviewed by the plant physician. In 1971, upon recommendation by Dr. Konzen, 229 individual x-ray films were read by Dr. George Wright, St. Luke's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio. 3 Examination of Employees with Abnormal X-ray Readings After a screening of the results of all chest x-rays by the plant physician, all employees with definite abnormal chest x-rays are "Further file search required. PLAINTIFFS PLAINTIFFS EXHIBIT EXHIBIT nfp/3 9-60 P M-60/5L3 j exhibit ' y ?* ? 0 5-//* llO- ,42 001 0253 (Hir referred to a local chest physician, Dr. E. Spencer Paisley, Haadon Heights, New Jersey, for a complete examination. Our records indi cate that the following number of employees were examined by Dr. Paisley: 1969 - 3 1970 - 1 1971 - 15 1972 - 2 The fifteen referrals made in 1971 were based on the results cf the study by Dr. George Wright. Based on the results of Dr. Paisley's examination, nine cases of asbestosis have been diagnosed. L. Procedure to Inform the aimloyee of Health Problem All employees who have definite abnormal chest x-rays are advised by the plant physician that they have a health problem and are sent to Dr. Paisley for a complete examination. When an illness has been diagnosed by Dr. Paisley, the employee is advised by the plant physician and is referred to a specialist for treatment at Company expense. All employees who have suspicious chest x-rays are reviewed by tne plant physician and advised of the results. If the case is considered to be related to asbestos exposure, the employee is sent to Dr. Paisley for examination. If the findings are not considered to be job related, an offer is made by the Company to send the employee's medical records to his personal physician. 5. Pre-placement Health Examinations A. A Pre-placement Health Examination has been given to all job applicants since OCF has operated the plant. A chest x-ray has been included in all examinations. Pre-placement Health Examina tions were given by Owens-Illinois. 3. A more comprehensive Pre-placement Health Examination was recom mended to the plant by Dr. Konzen on December 2, 1969. The scope of this examination is the same as the Corporate Pre--placement Health Examination covered by Medical Guideline, issued November 29, 1971 C. Pulmonary function studies are included in the scope of the recommended examination. The Berlin Plant did not purchase a spirometer to conduct these studies until July 23, 1971. Since that date, pulmonary function studies have been included in the examination. D. Audiometric testing equipment (audiometer and booth), which is required for the audiometric examination, has been purchased, 42 001 0254 tH% installed, and calibrated for operation January 9, 1974. All future examinations will include the audiometric examination. E. The plant now has all required equipment for the standard OCF Pre-placement Health Examination. 6. Periodic Health Examinations A. In the past, Periodic Health Examination of manufacturing employee was not given on a scheduled basis. B. Periodic Health Examinations were scheduled when physician and nursing time was available in the Plant Medical Unit. An attempt was made to examine each employee annually. C. During the past three years for which we have Corporate records, the following number of Periodic Health Examinations were given by the Berlin Plant: 1971 - 6 1972 - 3i 1973 - 39 D. Medical Guideline I-A-7, "Periodic Health Examinations for Manu facturing anployees Based on Occupational and/or Environmental Exposures", was issued July 17, 1973. This guideline recommended that all Berlin manufacturing employees be examined on 221 321HU21 basis. This examination program was initiated by the plant September 1, 1973 (39 examinations to date). 7. Education of Onnloyeeg Concerning the Health Aspects of Asbestos Meetings were held with all Berlin Plant employees on September 27, 28, and 29, 1971 covering the health aspects of asbestos. The program, consisting of an educational talk, illustrated slides, hand-out literature, and a question-and-answer period, was presented by the Plant Manager* Paul Scheuerle. The program covered the health effects of exposure to asbestos and the problems of asbestosis. The program and the educational talk were prepared with the consultation of Dr. Konzen. The initial draft of the talk was prepared by Dr. Konz 8. Berlin Plant Epidemiological Study An epidemiological study covering periodic chest x-rays was under taken by Corporate Medical in 1970 to determine if plant environment caused pulmonary changes which could be demonstrated by x-ray. The study was to further determine if there are any patterns to changes with regard to exposure, length of service, age, work location, and character of the x-ray change. The results of the study were issued December 21, 1970. The summary of the study was that there was an unusual frequency and consistency 42 001 0255 of abnormalities in the chest x-ray of workers exposed for signifi cant periods of time in the in-plant atmosphere of the Berlin Plant. The findings are suggestive that asbestos over-exposure of long standing has been present in the plant. . Industrial Hygiene A. Industrial Hygiene Surveys The following Industrial Hygiene Surveys have been conducted at the Berlin Plant: la) George D. Clayton and Associates Periodic Surveys Special Surveys* June 8-12, 1970 August 16-20, 1971 September II, 1972 January 26, 1971 March 7-9, 1973 May 30-31, 1973 July 25-27, 1973 September 4, 1973 November 20, 1973 (still in progr 2b) Aetna Casualty and Surety Company May 11, 1961 October 7, 1963 December 3, 1965 Sentember 8, 1966 April 27, 1967 October 30, 1969 August 28, 1972 3c) W-m-iam R. Bradley and Associates September 23-27, 1968 June 17-18, 1969 Prior to 1968, limited environmental sampling studies by the insurance carrier demonstrated a borderline exposure to all dust, including asbestos. Industrial hygiene sampling of the plant by consultant in 1970-1972 when asbestos Kaylo was being produced demonstrated excessive asbestos levels in batch mixing, stripping, and fabrication. B. Respirator Program Respirators have been issued to the plant employees over the years on a voluntary basis. Maintenance of the respirator was the responsibility of the employee. New cartridges were stocked Sampling by OCF personnel. Laboratory work by George D. Clayton and Associ 42 001 0256 and dispensed in the Medical Unit. On April 6, 1971, a mandatory Respirator Program for selected employees was placed in effect. Employees in batch mixing, multiple pipe covering, and stripping and oiling were required to wear respirators. This program was prepared and recommended by the Corporate Industrial Hygienist, Gerald Devitt. The respirators are issued and maintained by OCF. A respirator maintenance program was established. Based on their environ mental exposures, Mr. Devitt specified those employees who should wear respirators. Chronology - Berlin Plant -Plant taken over by Owens--Coming Fiberglas -Pre-placement Health Examination Program Recommended -Epidemiological Study Completed -Respirator Program Started --Spirometer Purchased -Educational Program .Relating to the Health Effects of Asbestos Presented -Production of Asbestos Contained Product Curtailed -Plant Free of all Asbestos Contained Products -Periodic Health Examination Program Issued -Audiometric Examination Equipment Installed and Calibrated for Use May 15, 1953 December 2, 1969 December 21, 197C April 8, 1971 July 23, 1971 September 27, 28, & 29, 1971 November 12, 1972 February 12, 1973 July 17, 1973 January 9, 1971 CONSTRUCTION SERVICE DIVISION 1. Employee Examinations A. Plans for the 1973 Employee Health Examination Program for OCF employees with asbestos exposure were completed January U, 1973 B. Physicians for conducting the examinations were selected at all job locations. MaiHing of instructions for the examination to physicians completed February 16, 1973* C. Questionnaires were sent all CSD employees with asbestos exposure by the field offices, asking the employee whether or not they wished to be examined. (By law, OCF was required to offer the examination, but the employee had the option to refuse.) D. 609 completed questionnaires were received by Corporate Medical. Initially, 263 employees advised that they wished to be examined. Due to labor union pressure, a majority of these employees did not participate in the program. A total of k1 employees were examined and their Records and x-ray film were forwarded to Corporate Medical by the examining physician. These records are filed in Toledo. The physicians were advised to discuss the results of the examination with each employee. _ _ ,, . ,,_,, 42 001 0257 1 E. Eighty-five questionnaires were also completed by new hires during 1973* Eleven of the new hires indicated that they wished to be examined. No medical examination records were received by Corporate Medical covering new hires in 1973. It would appear that, due to labor union pressure, the new hires cancelled plans to participate in the examination program. F. It was the policy of OCF to encourage the employees to be examined. Appointments with the examining physician were made for the employees. When appointments were not kept, a follov^-up was made and assistance offered for making another appointment. G. The program for 1974 is being prepared. Questionnaires are being sent to all job sites for completion by the employees. All ques tionnaires are to be mailed to Corporate Medical by March 15, 1974. 2. Asbestos-Containing Products on Job Sites A. It was the intent to eliminate all products containing asbestos from all new construction sites by July 1, 1973* A directive wasissued by CSD to discard all asbestos-containing materials left over from completed jobs. There is a possibility that small quantities of materials were overlooked and remain on job sites.. 3. On all future jobs where old insulation containing asbestos must' be tom out and removed, the employees performing this job will be given personal protection (respirators), and will be offered health examinations as required by law. 3. Industrial Hygiene A. During 1973, Industrial Hygiene sampling was performed at the following job sites: January 15, 1973 January 16 and 17, 1973 June 25 and 26, 1973 Montour, Pennsylvania-Power Plant Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania-Power Plant National Steel Shipbuilding Corp., San Diego, California - Shipyard Results of the limited studies indicated that normal usage of asbestos--containing Kaylo may result in excessive exposures of asbestos fibers, depending on the operation. JLK/clk 42 001 0258 /Too