Document ykEONqLJ0y987w5bb96aDpezn

Mr. T. W. Collins Director of Personnel Administration November 11, 1957 General Office Referring to onr conversation of recent date regarding the functions of the Safety Department and our major activities during 1957, beg to submit the attached report. Any charts or other information which you desire to accompany this report, would be glad to have you so advise. Very truly yours. TRD/kb Att. Thos. R. Donoghue, Manager Safety and Plant Protection INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT - Safety Division Staff - Thos. R. Donoghue, Manager Safety and Plant Protection Clyde C. Ruddick, Assistant Manager Safety and Plant Protection Kathleen Beggy, Secretary Organisations Covered 37 Plants and Organizations of Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company 10 Plants and Mines of Columbia-Southern Chemical Corporation 2 Plants of PittsburghCorning Corporation 301 Warehouses, Service Branches and Stores of the Merchandising Division, Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company Scope of Activities SAFETY Organisation Training Accident Prevention Industrial Hygiene Emergencies Special Investigations Safe Driving MEDICAL PROGRAM First Aid Hospitals Physical Examinations FIRE PROTECTION Organisation Brigade Training Inspections Fire Prevention Housekeeping Programs Engineering Special Investigations PLANT PROTECTION Organisation Training Inspections GENERAL Meetings Speeches Special Assignments Emergency Control Programs Internal Security Program -2- Objectives of our department: 1) The reduction of injuries to our employees to a minimum. 2) The elimination of occupational diseases in our plants. 3) The protection of our plants from fire, sabotage and vandalism. li) The compliance with state codes and insurance requirements pertaining to safety and fire prevention. 5) Adequate facilities for carrying out a medical program, including physical examinations, caring for injured employees and rehabilitation work. 6) Cooperation and assistance to any and all organisation# on matters of safety, health, fire protection and kindred subjects. 7) Reduction of motor vehicle accidents to company owned and company insured cars to a minimum. 8) Cooperation with agencies, associations, civic and other organisations in matters of safety and fire protection. History of Safety in Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company The safety movement in our company started several years prior to 1920. The plants covered were in the Class Division. However, a more formulated and Intensive program was Inaugurated in 1922, which embraced all plants of the company. Results of this new and intensified program were immediately apparent. Safety organisation was carried on in each plant, and improved medical and first aid services were provided* In 1926 through its Insurance Department the company became self-insurers in Workmen's Compensation coverage. Through the years this has been extended to earner additional plants in the various states where eelf-lnsuranee is permitted. Through the subsequent years, the improved safety records In the plants enabled the company to show substantial savings in their self-insurance program. In 1926 or 1927 the first employee general physical examination program waa Initiated in the Class Division. It subsequently was extended to other plants and organisations. Through the years Its scope of coverage has been increased until now In some organisations It includes, besides the general physical examination, blood check, x-ray of chest and back, and bearing acuity test. This type of examination should be considered by all organisation*. These factors have all contributed, through the years, to making our plants safer and to Increase the interest in safety in our managerial staff. The accompanying chart shows the company records from 19U0 to 1956 Inclusive. During this period the number of organisations have increased from 33 to U9 at the present time. It is contemplated that three or more manufacturing organisations will be added to this list in the next year or so. The hours of exposure have ^2 -3- increased from about 23,000,000 in 19b0 to about 33,000,000 in 1956. The frequency and severity rates of injuries have been reduced to where they are in the lowest in the company's history. Since January 1, 1955 we have included in our records not only the industrial injuries causing disability but also the occupational disease cases and permanent partial disability cases, in which penalty days were assessed even though no actual time was lost from work. In this respect we have complied with the provisions of the American Standards Association code for recording industrial injuries, which is also the code sponsored by the National Safety Council. Even with these added cases which were not included previously, we have continued to show improvement in our rates. For the ten month period of 1957 our frequency rate of injuries is lower than for the corresponding period of 1956. With favorable results in November and December, 1957 should show the lowest rates of aiy year in the company's history. MAJOR ACTIVITIES DURING THE TEAR ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1) The general safety and fire prevention program has been continued in all divisions of the company with increased emphasis on the necessity of reducing the incidents of accidents and fires in each individual organisation. 2) Distribution of posters, publications and advisory service an matters of safety, hygiene and fire prevention has continued. Additional material was distributed to increase interest and enthusiasm in our safety and fire prevention work. 3) Monthly, quarterly and semi-annual reports of accident experience have been Issued regularly to all plants. h) Special surveys of plants or operations in plants have been made to determine exposure to injuries or occupational disease and to suggest measures to be taken to eliminate exposure. 5) Assisted in formulating and initiating safety and fire prevention programs in various plants. 6) Spent considerable time at Works #7, Cumberland, Maryland, due to the construction program nearing completion so that all matters of safety, fire protection and fire prevention which were to be included in the construction project would be taken care of. Also to advise and assist on matters of safety, plant protection, fire prevention, training of employees and the starting up of this operation. We worked with Mr. Long on the safety program and in training all his emergency crews in safety and fire prevention. We worked with the Engineering Department on many phases of the construction program, especially from the safety and fire prevention standpoint, at this project. 7) We have been working with the various Engineering Departments in the different divisions on plans and specifications for new plants and for additions to present plants and also on matters of safety, plant protection and fire prevention. We have supplied information regarding state codes and regulations and also furnished estimates of cost on first aid hospitals, safety materials and fire protection equipment. This included the eurrent projects of Works #llt, De aturj Works #52, Shelby, N. C. an*4 Crestline, Ohio. SL 102801 -u- 8) Checking on existing programs in plants as to their effectiveness and also on safety training, fire brigade training and offered suggestions and recommendations for increasing their activities in these programs. We make inspections of all phases of safety and fire protection when w are in the plants and report directly to the plant manager as to our findings on the inspections. 9) Promoted Emergency Control Programs in the plants and continue to follow up on these programs. 10) Attended meetings of construction engineers and fire insurance representatives to decide on matters of building construction, fire protection, sprinkler systems and fire lines for new plants or nev installations in present plants. 11) Conducted three day meeting of safety engineers of Columbia-Southern Chemical Corporation, which was held at Barberton, Ohio on March U, 5 and 6. In attendance at these meetings, besides the safety engineers from the various plants and mines, were members of the Barberton management. At these meetings we covered all phases of safety, fire protection, fire prevention and plant protection activities, stressing the need for improving our programs in order to reduce injuries, accidents and fires in our plants. 12) On June 19, 20 and 21 we held a meeting of plate glass and glass products safety engineers at Works #1, Creighton. In attendance at these meetings besides the safety engineers were members of Works #1, Works #3 management. At these meetings we covered all phases of safety, fire protection, fire prevention and plant protection activities, stressing the need for improving our programs in order to reduce injuries, accidents and fires In our plants. (We feel that these conferences have been very much worthwhile and that we will extend them to the other organisations of our company.) 13) We held special meetings to inaugurate the Foremen Contact Plan of safety training. This program has been very effective in reducing the number of injuries in the plants where it's used. lit.) We worked with the Internal Security Committee, of which Mr. C. R. Fay is chairman, on the setting up of an Emergency Control Program in oaaa of disaster. We have been cheeking on company locations, as to whether they would be suitable for locating corporate headquarters and auxiliary headquarters In case of an emergency if our General Offices would not be available. Also the setting up of a reporting center for employees not reporting to corporate or auxiliary headquarters. Have been working with other members of our Internal Security Committee on these matters. 15) We have assisted the Legal representatives of the company at various locations in their defense of claims for Workmen's Compensation. We have obtained reports and information for them and in some eases, have secured medical witnesses to substantiate our defense of these claims of not being factory connected. Most of these claims have been Aram the occupational disease standpoint. O'* 9.V **. 5' * 16) we have intensified our program of safe driving in all units of our company. Due to the large increase in the number of vehicles Insured, it has been necessary to increase the number of pamphlets sent out each month and at this time ve are mailing over 5,000 copies of our attach* ments and pamphlets to managers of each plant and merchandising unit and General Office insured. This covers some 350 locations throughout the states. The Interest and cooperation we are receiving from all units of our company in this matter has been very good. We hope to show s decrease in the nunfcer of accidents during the year 1957. 17) We have made investigations of serious or fatal injuries, fires or explosions that have occurred In any of our plants. In these eases we work with the local organisation in the setting up of methods and procedures for eliminating any recurrences. As a result of these investigations, reports are sent to the various organisations of our company so that they may benefit from any of our findings. 18) We have advised organisations on matters of industrial hygiene, arranging for surveys to be made at plants to investigate exposures to health. Likewise, we have advised them on matters pertaining to medical programs and physical examinations. We are members of the Industrial hygiene Foundation and use the sarrlcea of this organisation continually in securing Information on hygiene problems and toxicity of various materials or gases used In our plants. We have arranged for surveys by this organisation of dust conditions on certain operations and also of operations where poisonous or toads liquids and vapors cause an exposure to employees. 19) Safety and fire prevention films and safetygraphg are being forwarded to the various organisations continually for use at safety meetings as a training medium for supervision and workers. We have increased the number of films in our library to keep up to date on the latest subjects published. We developed a new catalog of the films and safetygraphs in our library and have forwarded a copy to each plant and organisation in the Manufacturing Division and to all units of the Merchandising Division. Since thi distribution, we have had an increased demand for films, many of which arc scheduled for showing during 1958. (Copy of film catalog attached.) 20) We have increased our efforts in our fire prevention and fire protection program. We are continually sending out releases to all organisations on matters of housekeeping and fire prevention, care of sprinkler systems and fire fighting equipment. w follow up on the Factory Mutual and Factory Insurance Association recommendations, consulting with management on their problems in this respect and advising them as to methods or procedures to be followed to eliminate their exposures. Ve have worked with the plants in setting up fire brigades and the training of these brigades in the use of equip* ment. Special meetings have been held on the storing and processing of flammable liquids in certain operations. We are continually in touch with the Installation of new fire protective equipment and sprinkler equipment and changes in fire lines in the different plants through the cooperation of our Engineering Department. 0^ .. 6 - Several plants have installed A.D.T, systems for fire protection and when in these plants, ve cheek on these installations to determine coverage and make suggestions and recommendations as to additional coverage which should be initiated at the plant. The accompanying chart shows the fire loss record of the manufacturing divisions of the company for the past eleven years. We hope that through the mutual efforts of all we will be able to reduce our fire losses during the subsequent years. As of the first ten months of 1957 I do not have a report of a major loss in any one of our manufacturing operations. 21) Outside activities of our department are centered in: American Society Safety Engineers national Safety Council Pittsburgh Personnel Association Western Pennsylvania Safety Council Industrial Hygiene Foundation Mr. Ruddick and I have served on different committees of these organisations and have cooperated with then fully in their activities. We have appeared on programs of the different organisations, acting as chairman and appearing on the programs as principal speakers or on panels in other programs. We appreciate the cooperation given us in our efforts to assist the management of each and every organisation in their safety and fire prevention activities. The vice presidents and managers of the different divisions have been most cooperative and through their efforts end interest we can do more to aid organisations in matters pertaining to safety and fire protection. RSCOMMENDATIOBS; With the increase in the number of organisations and the many problems presented from the medical and physical examination standpoint, ve find it necessary to continually consult with plant physicians or others well versed in industrial medical practices, to make decisions assisting local maasgemsnt in their problems. With the pressure from unions on many of these matters we are finding it more difficult to give advice on the many oases presented, Likewise, I feel It advisable to give consideration to executive and management periodical physical examinations. Huy companies have this program and I think our company should take this matter under consideration. This type of program would need to be supervised and administered by a qualified physician, I would recommend consideration be given to employing a medical director for the company who would report to the President and who would administer and sup rvis the medical program of the company in all of its plants sad organisations. Likewise, due to the many and varied hygiene problems being presented in our plants on account of new processes, materials, etc., which are toads or which may expose employees to dermatitis or occupational disease, we find the problem of securing information, conducting investigations and making decisions as to the proper method of controlling exposures, is getting beyond our realm of knowledge and experience. 1024 -7- Also it will be necessary in the near future to investigate the noise problem In all of our plants with the objective of reducing noise where it causes an occupational exposure to the hearing of the employees. To make this survey it would require the services of an engineer with knowledge of this type of work. I feel consideration should be given to employing an industrial hygienist to carry on this noise survey and likewise, to evaluate the exposure in our plants from a toxic and occupational disease standpoint. He could be an employe of the Safety Department or could report to the medical director if and when one is employed. In line with the noise survey, consideration should be given to a program of hearing acuity tests in all plants. This is becoming necessary due to "loss of hearing11 being covered by Workmen's Compensation as a compensable disability. I do not feel ws should have all employees' hearing tested at one time as this may cause some hysteria, with objection by unions and claims presented to Compensation Commissions for hearing loss. X would recommend that all applicants be checked at time of physical examination and that employees who have a check physical examination be tested. In organisations where they have yearly examin ations, the test could be made at that time. The testing program and the procedure to be followed will be governed by the size of the organisation, location and physical examination procedures now In ffeet. Hearing acuity testing machines cost about $560.00, sound proof booths approximate cost $1,800.00. We will be glad to work with any organisation In setting up their programs. The cooperation we have received from the staff members of the Industrial Relations Department is appreciated. 0^ rnxrsr depart he Safety Division Staff - Thos. R. Donoghue, Manager Safety and Plant Protection Clyde C. Ruddick, Assistant Manager Safety and Plant Protection Kathleen Beggy, Secretary Organizations Covered 37 Plants and Organizations of Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company 10 Plants and Mines of Columbia-Southern Chemical Corporation 2 Plants of Pittsburgi Corning Corporation 301 'warehouses. Service Branches and Stores of the Merchandising Division, Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company Scope of Activities SAFOT Organization Training Accident Prevention Industrial Hygiene Emergencies Special Investigations Safe Driving MEDICAL PROGRAM First Aid Hospitals Physical Examinations FIRE PROTECTION Organization Brigade Training Inspections Fire Prevention Housekeeping Programs Engineering Special Investigations PLANT PROTECTION Organization Training Inspections GENERAL Meetings Speeches Special Assignments Emergency Control Programs Internal Security Program -2- Objectives cf our department: 1) The reduction of injuries to our employees to a minimum. 2) The elimination of occupational diseases in our plants. 3) The protection of our plants from fire, sabotage and vandalism. U) The compliance with state codes and insurance requirements pertaining to safety and fire prevention. 5) Adequate facilities for carrying out a medical program, including physical examinations, earing for injured employees and rehabilitation work. 6) Cooperation and assistance to any and all organisations on matters of safety, health, fire protection and kindred subjects. 7) Reduction of motor vehicle accidents to company owned and company insured cars to a minimum. 8) Cooperation with agencies, associations, civic and other organisations in matters of safety and fire protection. History of Safety in Pittsburgh Plate Glaea Company The safety movement in our company started several years prior to 1920. The plants covered were in the Class Division. However, a more formulated and intensive program was Inaugurated In 1922, which embraced all plants of the company. Results of this new and intensified program were iranediately apparent. Safety organisation was carried on in each plant, and improved medical and first aid services were provided. In 1926 through its Insurance Department the company became self-Insurers in Workmen's Compensation coverage. Through the years this has been extended to cover additional plants in the various states where self-insurance is permitted. Through the subsequent years, the improved safety records in the plants enabled th company to show substantial savings in their self-insurance program. In 1926 or 1927 the first employee general physical examination program was initiated in the Class Division. It subsequently was extended to other plants and organisations. Through the years Its scope of coverage has been increased until now In some organizations it includes, besides the general physical examination, blood check, x-rsy of chest and back, and hearing acuity test. This type of examination should be considered by all organisations. These factors have all contributed, through the years, to making our plants safer and to increase the interest in safety In our managerial staff. The accompanying chart shows the company records from 19U0 to 1956 inclusive. During this period the number of organisations have Increased from 33 to U9 at the present time. It is contemplated that three or more manufacturing organisations will be added to this list in the next year or a , The hours of exjmsure have SL 102807 -3- increased from about 23,000,000 in 19l|0 to about 53,000,000 in 1956. The frequency and severity rates of injuries have been reduced to where they are in the lowest in the company's history. Since January 1, 1955 we have included in our records not only the Industrial injuries causing disability but also the occupational disease cases and permanent partial disability cases, in which penalty days were assessed even though no actual time was lost from work. In this respect we have con^plied with the provisions of the American Standards Association code for recording industrial injuries, which is also the code sponsored by the National Safety Council. Even with these added eases which were not included previously, we have continued to show improvement in ur rates. For the ten month period of 1957 our frequency rate of injuries is lower than for the corresponding period of 1956. With favorable results in November and December, 1957 should show the lowest rates of ai$r year in the company's history. MAJOR ACTIVITIES DURING THE TEAR ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1) The general safety and fire prevention program has been continued In all divisions of the company with increased emphasis on the necessity of reducing the incidents of accidents and fires in each Individual organisation. 2) Distribution of posters, publications and advisory service on matters of safety, hygiene and fire prevention has continued. Additional material was distributed to Increase interest and enthusiasm in our safety and fire prevention work. 3) Monthly, quarterly and semi-annual reports of accident experience have been issued regularly to all plants, li) Special surveys of plants or operations in plants have been made to determine exposure to injuries or occupational disease and to suggest measures to be taken to eliminate exposure. 5) Assisted in formulating and initiating safety and fire prevention programs In various plants, 6} Spent considerable time at Works #7, Cumberland, Maryland, due to the construction program nearing completion so that all matters of safety, fire protection and fire prevention which were to be included in the construction project would be taken care of. Also to advise and assist on matters of safety, plant protection, fire prevention, training of employees and the starting up of this operation. We worked with Mr. Long on the safety program and in training all his emergency crews in safety and fire prevention. We worked with the Engineering Department on maay phases of the construction program, especially from the safety and fire prevention standpoint, at this project. 7) We have been working with the various Engineering Departments in the different divisions on plans and specifications for new plants and for additions to present plants and also on matters of safety, plant protection and fire prevention. We have supplied information regarding state codes and regulations and also furnished estimates of cost on first aid hospitals, safety mat rials and fire protection equipment. This included the current projects of Works #lii, Decatur; Works #52, Shelby, N. C. and Crestline. OMn SL 102808 -u- 8) Checking on existing programs in plants as to their effectiveness and also on safety training, fire brigade training and offered suggestions and recommendations for increasing their activities in these programs. We make inspections of all phases of safety and fire protection when we are in the plants and report directly to the plant manager as to our findings on the inspections. 9) Promoted Emergency Control Programs in the plants and continue to follow up on these programs, 10) Attended meetings of construction engineers and fire insurance representatives to decide on matters of building construction, fire protection, sprinkler systems and fire lines for new plants or new installations in present plants. 11) Conducted three day meeting of safety engineers of Columbia-Southern Chemical Corporation, which was held at Barberton, Ohio on March U, 5 and 6. In attendance at these meetings, besides the safety engineers from the various plants and mines, were members of the Barberton management. At these meetings we covered all phases of safety, fire protection, fire prevention and plant protection activities, stressing the need for improving our programs in order to reduce injuries, accidents and firee in our plants, 12) On June 19, 20 and 21 we held a meeting of plate glass and glass prodasts safety engineers at Works 01, Creighton. In attendance at these nesting* besides the safety engineers were members of Works #1, Works #3 managamenfc. At these meetings we covered all phases of safety, fire protection, fire prevention and plant protection activities, stressing the need far Improving our programs In order to reduce injuries, accidents and fires in our plants. (We feel that these conferences have been very much worthwhile and that we will extend them to the other organisations of our company.) 13) Wa held special meetings to inaugurate the Foreman Contact Plan of safety training. This program has been very effective In reducing the madber of injuries In the plants where It's used. 14) We worked with the Internal Security Committee, of which Hr. C. R. Fay la chairman, on the setting up of an Emergency Control Program in case of disaster. We have been cheeking on company locations, as to whether they would be suitable for locating corporate headquarters and auxiliary headquarters In ease of an emergency if our General Offices would not he available. Also the setting up of a reporting center for employees not reporting to corporate or auxiliary headquarters. Have been working with other members of our Internal Security Caamdttee on these matters. 15) We have assisted the Legal representatives of the company at various locations in their defense of claims for Workmen's Compensation. We have obtained reports and information for them end in some cases, have secured medical witnesses to substantiate our defense of these claims of not being factory connected. Most of these claims have been from the occupational disease standpoint. l0289 Si* -5- 16) We have intensified our program of safe driving in all units of our company. Due to the large increase in the number of vehicles insured, it has been necessary to increase the number of pamphlets sent out each month and at this time we are mailing over 6,000 copies of our attach ments and pamphlets to managers of each plant and merchandising unit and General Office insured. This covers some 36O locations throughout the states. The interest and cooperation we are receiving from all units of our company in this matter has been very good. We hope to show a decrease in the number of accidents during the year 1967* 17) We have made investigations of serious or fatal injuries, fires or explosions that have occurred in any of our plants. In these oases we work with the local organisation in the setting up of methods and procedures for eliminating any recurrences. As a result of these Investigations, reports are sent to the various organisations of our company so that they may benefit from any of our findings. 18) We have advised organisations on matters of industrial hygiene, arranging for surveys to be made at plants to Investigate exposures to health. Likewise, we have advised them on matters pertaining to medical programs and physical examinations. We are members of the Industrial Hygiene Foundation and use the serrleea of this organisation continually in securing information on hygiene problems and toxicity of various materials or gases used in our plants. We have arranged for surveys by this organization of dust conditions on certain operations and also of operations where poisonous or toxic liquids and vapors cause an exposure to employees. 19) Safety and fire prevention films and safetygraphs are being forwarded to the various organisations continually for use at safety meetings as a training medium for supervision and workers. We have increased the number of films In our library to keep up to date on the latest subjects published. We developed a new catalog of the films and safetygraphs In our library and have forwarded a copy to each plant and organisation In the Humfaetuxing Division end to all units of the Merchandising Division. Since this distribution, we have had an Increased demand for films, many of vhloh arm scheduled for showing during 1968. (Copy of film catalog attached.) 20) We have increased our efforts in our fire prevention and fire protection program. We are continually sending out releases to all organisations on matters of housekeeping end fire prevention, care of sprinkler systems end fire fighting equipment. We follow up on the Factory Mutual and Factory Insurance Association recoanandations, consulting with management on their problems in this respect and advising them as to methods or procedures to be followed to eliminate their exposures. We have worked with the plants in setting up fire brigades and the training of these brigades in the use of equip* merit, Special meetings have been held on the storing and processing of flammable liquids in certain operations. We are continually in touch with the installation of new fire protective equipment and sprinkler equipment and changes in fire lines in the different plants through the cooperation of our Engineering Department* SL 102810 -6- Several plants have Installed A.D.T. systems for fire protection and when in these plants, we check on these installations to determine coverage and make suggestions and recommendations as to additional coverage which should be initiated at the plant. The accompanying chart shows the fire loss record of the manufacturing divisions of the company for the past eleven years. We hope that through the mutual efforts of all we will be able to reduce our fire losses during the subsequent years. As of the first ten months of 1957 I do not hav a report of a major loss in any one of our manufacturing operations. 21) Outside activities of our department are centered in: American Society Safety Engineers National Safety Council Pittsburgh Personnel Association Western Pennsylvania Safety Council Industrial Hygiene Foundation Hr. Ruddiek and I have served on different committees of these organisations and haw cooperated with them fully In their activities. We have appeared on programs of the different organisations, acting as chairman and appearing on the programs as principal speakers or on panels in other programs. We appreciate the cooperation given us in our efforts to assist the management of each and every organisation in their safety and fire prevention activities. The vies presidents and managers of the different divisions have been most cooperative and through their efforts and interest we can do more to aid organisations in matters pertaining to safety and fire protection. RECOMMENDATIONS: With the increase in the number of organisations and the many problems presented from the medical and physical examination standpoint, we find It necessary to continually consult with plant physicians or others well versed in industrial medical practices, to make decisions assisting local management in their problems. With the pressure from unions on many of these matters we are finding It more difficult t give advice on the many oases presented. likewise, I feel it advisable to give consideration to executive and management periodical physical examinations. Many companies have this program and I think our company should take this matter under consideration. This type of program would need to be supervised and administered by a qualified physician. I would recommend consideration be given to employing a medical director f r the company who would report to the President and who would administer and supervise the medical program of the company in all of Its plants and organisations. Likewise, due to the many add varied hygiene problems being presented in our plants on account of new processes, materials, etc,, which are toxic or which may expose employees to dermatitis or occupational disease, we find the problem of securing information, conducting investigations and making decisions as to the proper method of controlling exposures, is getting beyond our realm of knowledge and experience. 10281T- Sk -7- Also it will be necessary in the near future to investigate the noise problem in all of our plants with the objective of reducing noise where it causes an occupational exposure to the hearing of the employees. To make this survey it would require the services of an engineer with knowledge of this type of work. I feel consideration should be given to employing an industrial hygienist to carry on this noise survey and likewise, to evaluate the exposure in our plants from a toxic and occupational disease standpoint. He could be an employee of the Safety Department or could report to the medical director If and when one Is employed. In line with the noise survey, consideration should be given to a program of hearing acuity tests in all plants. This is becoming necessary due to "loss of hearing" being covered by Workmen's Compensation as a compensable disability. I do not feel ee should have all employees' hearing tested at one time as this may cause some hysteria, with objection by unions and claims presented to Compensation Comdssions for hearing loss. I would recommend that all applicants be checked at time of physical examination and that employees who have a check physical examination be tested. In organisations where they have yearly examin ations, the test could be made at that time. The testing program and the procedure to be followed will be governed by the size of the organisation, location and physical examination procedures now in ffeet. Hearing acuity testing machines cost about $500.00, sound proof booths approximate cost $1,800.00. We will be glad to work with any organisation In setting up their programs. The cooperation we have received from the staff members of the Industrial Relations Department is appreciated. & 11 <&> CHART 2 ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE GLASS DIVISION 1950-1956 YEAR HOURS WORKED 1950 1951 1952 1953^^ 1955 1955 1956 28,580,095 30,803,758 ^29,583,200 31,235,609 28,752,009 31,955,320 33,258,358 L.T.CASES 187 200 170 228 200 166 181 DAYS LOST FREQ. 8,615 8,131 18,555 9,725 9,826 15,315 8,590 y 6.5 6.5 5.8 7.3 7.0 5.2 5.5 SEV 301 261 630 310 352 as 258 CHART 7 FIRE AMD ALLIES LOSSES AMD LOSS OF EARNINGS ARISING THEREFROM 1914-6 19l*7 191*8 191*9 1950 1951 1952 1953 1951* 1955 1956 TOTAL GLASS 1,5142 1|,93U 2,317 2,068 75,635 Hi,185 33,909 6,926 26,309 15,150 17,251* 200,229 PAINT 672 2,886 10,068 10,91*2 1,890 12,1*66 3,611 8,7114 l,09li 5,687 3,687 61,717 BRUSH H*o l,12it 359 523 1*1*5 279 --- 2,870 COL.-SOU 358 17,657 6U,278 12,155 5,085 55,316 7,152 1*6,119 3U7,517 575,696 21,523 1,152,856 CEMENT - 11 li6 - 385 - 2,236 - 7,000 - 9,678 Y-* FIBERGLAS TOTAL FIRE u.&o. GRAND TOTAL -- - - - 0m 1,099 13,861; 310 2,572 25,1*88 Ui,51i8 25,701; 82,1*03 32,296 1*5,195 61,1*88 3U5,oU7 590,863 U2.771+ - 62,301 585 951 1*9,671 - 2,507 31,1*17 26,813 2,572 25,U88 76,81*9 26,289 83,351* 81,967 1*5,195 63,995 376,1*61* 617,676 1*2,771* 15,273 1.,268,378 17l*,2li5 1,1*1*2,623 .flto t It is very pleasing to have had this conference, said Mr. Gregorius. Only good can accrue from such meetings. I mean good for us as well as for you individually and the company. We at Creighton have enjoyed having you and want you to know that you are always welcome to come again. Thos, R. Donoghue - Fires and Property Damage 1956 A recent letter and the cost figures of fires which occurred in company plants was read and discussed. Several delegates requested copies of that letter, A transparency chart was shown on the projector and this was discussed. Fire and allied losses (comprehensive) and loss of use and occupancy were shown for all company divisions for an eleven year period. This chart created consider able interest and discussion, /the chart is reproduced on the following page. Jos. Gretz, Works No. 1 - Fire Brigade, Organization and Training In the Creighton Plant (No. 1) the maintenance men make up the personnel of the fire brigades on each shift. When an alarm is sounded a pipe fitter who has been trained is assigned to shut off gas lines if necessary, an electrician is assigned to cutting off current and another electrical man to start up the fire pump. Works #1 has three separate fire alarm circuits, 13 boxes on one circuit for Building 58 35 boxes for another in the plate glass plant 36 boxes in another for the laminating plant The other two locations are set up to call for assistance from the plate glass plant. Two drills are held per month per shift in the plate glass plant. One drill is held in the laminating plant which is an exit drill for all employees, a state requirement for multi-floor buildings where women are employed. The brigades practice with extinguishers on some of their drills. On others, fire films are shown and discussions are held. For the most part, the drills are pre-planned to alert the brigades to the fact that certain locations are primary hazards. All fire protective equipment is inspected weekly. Weekly reports are made covering extinguishers, hoses, housekeeping and the sprinkler system valves. Plate has 85 valves; laminating UO and a few are located at Works No. 17. The Factory Mutuals red tag system is used when sprinklers are shut off and we feel that it is just good sense and good insurance to have water over our heads at all times in the event of fire. At Creighton, we have a call system of welding and burning permits. When called, a man is always stationed at the welding or cutting job and for particularly hazardous areas several men are used. We are particularly concerned about conditions where flammable solvents are used. Safety cans are used, drums are grounded and supplies are usually kept in metal boxes with fused* lids. Fire equipment includes: -5200 feet 2k" hose 5000 feet if" hose 100 soda and acid extinguishers 29