OSHA

The Flagship – Page 2

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Page 002

2 • The Flagship • Winter 1998

Joint Union Management Safety Statement

Over the years, the leadership of USW Local 218 and the Naugatuck Plant have worked hard to develop and maintain one of the most comprehensive safety and health programs within the industry. Some of the elements of our safety steatement include:

• Safety procedures that in many cases exceed OSHA requirements.
• Full personal protection equipment
• Workplace monitoring.
• An active Union-Management Safety Committee.
• Comprehensive safety training.
• Extensive medical surveillance programs.
• Continuous review to identify and correct unsafe conditions.

Every employee of the Naugatuck Plant is required to participate in safety training, attend regularly scheduled safety meetings, obey all safety rules and procedures, and conscientiously follow safe work practices.

Both Local 218 and Management agree that compliance with these stated requirements is a condition of employment.

John J. Prior, Factory Manager
Daniel F. Cleary, USW Local 218

UNIROYAL CHEMICAL

Uniroyal Chemical Company Recognized By Union Carbide

Union Carbide Corporation, Danbury, CT has awarded Uniroyal Chemical Company the “Excellent” status for supplier performance in 1997. Uniroyal Chemical joins a group of only 10 suppliers in this elite supplier category. The 1997 Award adds to a string of consecutive Excellent awards that dates back to 1985, the first year that Union Carbide began their Vendor Improvement Program (VIP).

Record setting shipments of Naugard Super Q were noted as a key contribution to earning the Excellent distinction!

Receiving this year’s award at a special dinner at Union Carbide’s Danbury Headquarers was the Uniroyal Chemical Team of Hugh Hennessey, National Marketing Sales Manager; Bob Constable, Sr. Technical Sales Representative; Judy Vaughn, Customer Service Representative; and John Gulak, Naugatuck Plant Production Manager.

Don Ryan, VP and GM, Union Carbide presents Union Carbide’s VIP Award to Judi Vaughn, Spec. Chems. Customer Service Rep. Also pictured are (from left to right): Al Emmens – Union Carbide’s Purchasing Manager and Chairman of the VIP Team; John Gulak, Naugatuck Plant Production Mgr.; Bob Constable, Spec. Chems. Tech. Sales Rep.; and behind Judi, Hugh Hennessy, Nat’l Mktg. Sales Mgr..

UNIROYAL CHEMICAL

In Memory… Anthony L. DaSilva

Anthony (Tony) DaSilva passed away on December 5, 1997 after a brief illness. At the time of his death, Tony was our Hazardous Waste Group Leader in the Environmental Department.

Tony started at the Naugatuck Plant in 1955 as a Rawstock Worker and then left to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He returned to Uniroyal Chemical in 1957 as a General Laborer. In October of 1961, Tony became a Chemical Operator working in various production buildings until 1974, when he transferred to our

Materials Department as a Utility Operator. He accepted his present position in February, 1997.

Tony was well known throughout the Plant as an active participant on many committees – the Union/Management Safety Committee, the Union/Management Negotiating Committee, and ABC. One could always see Tony participating in the Plant’s Spring Clean-up and giving “a hand” with snow detail. His co-workers sadly miss him.

UNIROYAL CHEMICAL

SAFETY HOTLINE

EXT: 6222

CHEM-TEXTS – 1975-v09-i06-s236

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UNIROYAL

Merry Christmas – Happy New Year

CHEM-TEXTS

Vol. 9, 1975 | PUBLISHED FOR THE PEOPLE OF UNIROYAL CHEMICAL | No. 6

2,000,000 Manhours Achieved Without A Lost Time Accident

[IMAGE: Group photo of men holding a sign displaying “2000000”]

The Factory Manager’s Staff Safety Committee holds the 2,000,000 manhours sign at the monthly safety meeting. From left are R. Shortt, Safety Manager; A. Aronson, Engineering Superintendent; E. Johnson, Chemical Production Superintendent; F. Wintsch, Industrial Relations Manager; J. Honytski, Materials Superintendent; H. Scullin, Reclaim Superintendent; J. Cronin, Factory Manager; S. Semonian, Manager, Engineering Development; L. Borg, Manager, Research Administration and Services; and R. VanAllen, Purchasing Agent.

Best Safety Performance Since 1961

On Friday, November 21, the two million manhour goal without a lost time accident was achieved. This is the best safety performance at the Naugatuck location since 1961 when the 3,000,000 manhour mark was reached. The record started on July 17 and took longer to achieve because of vacations and layoffs.

The record was almost marred at the last minute when a flaker in Bldg. 17 fell and narrowly missed hitting an employee. The injury would have been a lost time accident and a most serious one.

Group Safety Important

Although safety is a personal responsibility, much of this year’s performance is attributable to the group safety program, people working together with a concern for each other.

Drop in Injuries

The new attitude of working safe has created a “good feeling” about working in the plant. It has helped cut down the number of injuries from a high of 105 in 1966 to 29 in 1975.

In 1971 the hospital and medical costs amounted to $231,567;

continued on page 3

Fish Return to River

[IMAGE: River scene showing water and shoreline]

A marked environmental improvement is evident in the waters of the Naugatuck River.

The grass is greener; the river is cleaner; and fish have been seen in the Naugatuck River, according to reliable sources. A marked environmental improvement is evident in the quality and color of the water and the banks of the river along Route 8 north and south.

Much of this is attributable to the plant’s environmental program, particularly the liquid waste pretreatment plant in the south yard.

Over $7,000,000 has been spent or committed for pollution abatement, with another $1,500,000 for the new sewer system.

Agricultural Chemicals Markets Grow Overseas

As a result of an active research program in the 1960’s by the Naugatuck Chemical and Guelph, Ontario, Research & Development groups, new and unique chemicals were discovered for agriculture.

They are now known around the world as OMITE®, ALAR®, VITAVAX®, PLANTVAX®, DYANAP® and ROYAL MH-30®.

Sent Overseas for Testing

At the time of their field trials for use in the USA and Canada, the chemicals were also sent overseas to Universities, Experiment Stations, and foreign companies involved in the testing of agricultural chemicals.

A great amount of interest developed in them and in the fall of 1970 the Chemical division created an Overseas Agricultural Chemicals Marketing Organization with headquarters at the EMIC Building, with Dr. Bogislav Von Schmeling as Marketing Manager.

Regional Offices Set Up

Field development and sales offices for the overseas markets were regionalized and are now headed by Marketing Managers with offices in London, U.K., Singapore, and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

[IMAGE: Man pointing at world map]

Dr. Bogislav Von Schmeling, Overseas Marketing Manager, points to growing international markets for agricultural chemicals. Omite from Bldg. 100 is exported to South America.

The Chemicals are now sold in 50 foreign countries through 76 local distributors; with the most important markets in France, Iran, Italy, Brazil, and Argentina, in order of sales dollars.

Grain Markets

The Vitavax® and Plantvax® systemic fungicides amount to 60% of the overseas sales. Both products are used on cereal grain crops to prevent and cure dis-

continued on page 4

CHEM-TEXTS – 1973-v07-s210

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Vol. 7, 1973 CHEM-TEXTS Page 3

1972 Safety…

(Cont’d from Page 1)

1971 to 8 in 1972, an increase of 100%.

Accidents to Chemical Production employees rose from 8 to 11.

Over 670 Items Corrected, Repaired or Replaced

To keep the plant in safe condition the Mechanical department has assigned priority to safety jobs and has organized a special section to oversee them.

The Chemical and Synthetic Mechanical departments have corrected, repaired or replaced over 670 items which did not conform to the strict standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Department Safety Record — 1972 vs. 1971

| | LOST TIME | SERIOUS INJURIES | TOTAL |
| | 1972 | 1971 | 1972 | 1971 | 1972 | 1971 |
|————————–|——|——|——|——|——|——|
| Chemical Production | 3 | 5 | 11 | 8 | 14 | 13 |
| Reclaim Production | 3 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 12 |
| Synthetic Production | 0 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 12 |
| Materials | 0 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 3 | 9 |
| Mechanical-Chem. | 3 | 4 | 16 | 20 | 19 | 24 |
| Mechanical-Syn. | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Research & Development | 1 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 9 | 5 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| TOTAL | 11 | 20 | 62 | 63 | 73 | 83 |

This is a breakdown of the Lost Time Accidents and Serious Injuries in 1972 as compared to our 1971 record. It is the overall record for all of the employees at the Naugatuck location and is the one submitted to the Corporate Safety department. They are not the reporting group statistics used in the Safety Incentive Award Program for weekly and monthly drawings.

Paul Named To Study Committee

John Paul and Dr. Harold Garner of the Oxford Management and Research Center, have been named by Waterbury State Technical College to serve as members of the Chemical Engineering Technology Curriculum Committee for the school.

The committee consisting of eight members will evaluate the needs for chemical technology programs, curriculum changes, equipment and facilities, and the professional improvement of the staff.

Paul joined the Pollution Abatement Laboratory in 1966 and now is a Chemist in Reclaim Research and Development. He graduated from Waterbury State Technical College and attended the University of New Haven for a BA degree in Chemistry under the Tuition Aid Program.

Brodeur Retires

Antonio Brodeur, an electrician in the Chemical Mechanical department, retired after 36 years service.

A Twenty Five Year Service Club member he belonged to the 35 Year Group, and was a member of the URW Local 218.

He joined Uniroyal Chemical in 1937 and spent most of his career in the Mechanical department.

Chemical . . .

(Cont’d from page 1)

“picked up” from the pans and lighten the manual work load.

Health conditions in the building will also be considerably improved by controlling the dust and fumes from the old process.

The expenditure also includes two large feed tanks and two storage hoppers for the flaked material.

To Install In Summer

It is expected to install the Sandvik Flaker during the summer shutdown and to have it in operation by January 1, 1974.

Ron Sekellick is the process engineer, and Jim Garrigan, the project engineer, for the installation and construction of the new equipment and facilities.

Learn . . .

(Cont’d from page 2)

cost of the runs against an accounting standard for the manufacture of a product.

Easy To Learn

The word “computer” often frightens people, as if it were some kind of a complicated monster. But in reality it is no more than an improved calculator and serves as a time saving tool for solving difficult mathematical problems.

Experienced Staff

The staff of Dan O’Donnell, Allan Mitchell, Sandra Bond, Vin Ricci, and Dr. Dave Liu — all have long experience in the use of computers — are available at the center to show you the basics in using the IBM 1130. You’ll find it simple to use.

“Nothing would be done at all if a man waited till he could do it so well that no one could find fault with it.”

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE

It’s only human to want the most for your money…

Naugatuck Savings Bank pays it…

Starting Feb. 1, Payable May 1
CONTINUOUS COMPOUNDING will give…

6.27% Effective Annual Yield on 6.00% a year

Two Year Certificates
($1000 minimum and multiples)

5.20% Effective Annual Yield on 5.00% a year

Regular Savings Accounts

Yes, for the quarter beginning Feb. 1, 1973, Naugatuck Savings Bank will compound interest continuously 365 days a year and credit the interest quarterly, beginning May 1. Our depositors will receive the highest possible effective annual yields at the highest rates allowed by law. So if your plans call for ready cash to meet present needs,

our Regular Savings Account is better for you. If you’re looking ahead to more distant goals, a two year certificate is the perfect answer. You may even want both kinds of accounts. Whichever you choose, you’ll get the most for your money at Naugatuck Savings Bank, where the banking is human.

251 CHURCH STREET, Monday to Thursday 9-3; Friday 9-5:30
MOUNTVIEW SHOPPING PLAZA, Monday to Wednesday and Friday 10-5; Thursday 10-7

[NSB Logo]

“We make banking human.”

Naugatuck Savings Bank

MEMBER FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

CHEM-TEXTS – 1973-v07-s212

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Vol. 7, 1973 CHEM-TEXTS Page 5

Salesmen Set ’73 Goal | Free X-Ray | CHEM-PROD JOTTINGS

Offered Employees

by 7 BUILDING CREW

These jottings on what is going on in Chemical Production is an attempt to get more information to the people in the department.

Hopefully, with the ideas and suggestions of the Chemical Production Operators, we will get information on what the people in the plant want to know. So, next time you see the “7 Building Crew” give them your suggestions to improve this column.

[IMAGE: Photo of men at meeting with car]

At meeting Carl Lawson discusses new Royalene rubber bumper part for 1973 Cadillac. Clockwise from left are Henry Smith, District manager, Carl Lawson, Al Krivitsky, Gary Sullivan, Naugatuck Chemicals manager, Joseph Flannery, Marketing director, Robert Dexter, John Wade, and James McGinn. Also participating in the meeting was Andrew McNeill, Uniroyal Chemical President.

“Estimated sales for District 1 should be 115% ahead of budget in 1973,” according to Henry Smith, Sales Manager of the district, “unless something drastic happens to the economy.”

In 1972 the District was 4% ahead of its budget.

Sells Plant’s Products

Headquartered in Naugatuck, the 5 salesmen of the district sell Naugatuck Chemicals, Reclaim Rubber, and Naugapol — plant products — to customers in the northeast U.S., along with Royalene and Paracril which are manufactured at other Chemical division plants.

Customer Tough On Quality

Smith emphasized at the meeting that although business seems on the upswing, customers have become more demanding for service and quality — par-

ticularly in chemicals like Naugawhite, Polygard, BLE, Betanox and Aminox which if off-specification could shut down their plants. “When that happens,” he stressed, “they don’t come back for more, they buy from another supplier.”

Major Companies Our Customers

One of the major customers for butyl reclaim is Carlisle Tire and Rubber Company which purchases a steady supply of the product.

Other customers serviced by the district are Armstrong Rubber, Armstrong Cork, Crescent Wire and Cable, Carol Cable, Seamless Rubber and Tuck Industries all major companies in tires, flooring, wire and cable.

by Jim Loman

The annual free chest X-Ray will be available again to all employees on Thursday March 22 from 6 A.M. to 6 P.M.

This service is part of the plant’s preventive medicine program to protect an employee’s health against respiratory problems. The service is convenient and fast and takes about two minutes. The mobile unit will alternate between the main Chemical and Synthetic plant entrances and X-rays 125 people an hour.

Prior to the visit employees will be provided a form card to fill out which should be presented to the technicians at the mobile unit.

If X-Ray results warrant further medical attention by an employee’s personal physician, they will be returned to Dr. Elcaness who will notify the employee.

Last year over 800 employees took advantage of the chest X-Ray.

“The reason why so few people are agreeable in conversation is that each is thinking more about what he intends to say than about what others are saying, and we never listen when we are eager to speak.”

SAFETY: We ended the year with 3 lost timers and 11 serious injuries, a total of 14 which is one more than last year. Not so good.

PRODUCTION: Business is running heavier, with most buildings on 6 days. Very heavy in 79 Building. We’re having problems getting Polygard 1 rolling in 109 Building but solutions are in sight.

QUALITY: The rejection rate for 1972 of 2.1% is really great. For a long time we thought 3.0% of production was good. Good job by all.

PALLETS: We need the help of all operators. If we can do a good job separating all broken warehouse pallets from the good ones (stacked up side down) the lift drivers can get them out of service and over to the side of the plant for repairs. We need your cooperation, otherwise these pallets just keep going around and around in our buildings.

100 Building: We recently had funds approved to get rid of the old drum heater on the second floor and to purchase a new one for the first floor.

This should improve the housekeeping and reduce drum handling.

BIK-OT: Sales have jumped substantially and the men in Bldg. 73 and D&G did a good job in meeting a 90,000 pound back order.

AMINOX/BETANOX EXPANSION:

Recently $375,510 was approved to expand the production of Aminox and Betanox in 79 Building. A continuous belt flaker (known as a Sandvik Belt Flaker) will be installed to eliminate the Aminox and Betanox panning operation. The Sandvik Belt Flaker will greatly reduce the amount of material “picked up” from pans. Reduce manual labor, dust & fumes, a safety problem.

It is expected to install the Sandvik Flaker during the 1973 Summer Shutdown and have it operating by January 1, 1974. General Building Fume Control equipment will also be installed to improve the environment.

500 Fire Units Checked

[IMAGE: Photo of workers checking fire extinguishers]

500 fire extinguishers from buildings throughout plant, TSSC, EMIC, and the Bethany Greenhouse were temporarily replaced to have them hydrostatically tested for safety. The new OSHA law requires that the extinguishers be checked every five years, but the Plant Protection department goes a big step further than the federal requirements and checks them every six months for pressure, weight, secure seals, and if necessary, refill them with dry powder or CO². According to Phil DePasquale, head of the Plant Protection group, “the extinguishers are often used but we are not notified to refill them. This creates a safety hazard in the building.” Checking the extinguishers in the photo from left are Fred Sargeant, Dick Oriente, and Dulcidio Echevarria.

For Your Auto Safety Glass call

Naugatuck Aluminum and Glass

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253 Prospect Street
Naugatuck, Connecticut
729-4536 — 758-9501

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CHEM-TEXTS – Vol. 3 No. 4 – Page 2

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CHEM-TEXTS

Page 2 | Vol. 3 No. 4

FROM THE FACTORY MANAGER

DEAR FELLOW EMPLOYEE:

All of us are aware of the importance of producing quality products in an efficient and safe manner. We are also aware of the importance of providing service to our customers, for only through the sale of the results of our effort can we be paid for this effort. I am convinced that each of us tries to do his job in the best way.

But how do we see our jobs? Is our particular job over, when we feel that somebody other than ourselves can be blamed for poor performance?

For example, is it justifiable to blame our injury on someone else if, indeed, it was an unsafe act on our part? Or, is it reasonable to blame lost production on the shortage of raw materials if we didn’t do something about it? Maybe we are all too quick to place the blame on someone else, before we accept all of our own responsibilities.

Together, we operate a very complex operation where each employee bears a great deal of responsibility for his personal efforts, and if we are fully successful a great deal of responsibility for the efforts of others.

Sincerely,

[Signature]

John D. Evans

Flood, Disaster Plan Revised

[IMAGE: Black and white photograph showing flooded area with building]

The Naugatuck River became the “mad river” in August 1955 and flooded the plant. Having a plan for action got the plant back into operation in two days.

The purpose of the revised Plan, which has been distributed to involved employees, is to minimize delay and confusion if an unusual or serious incident occurs, such as the August flood of 1955, and to delegate responsibilities to assigned personnel.

If an emergency occurs, the Control Center for operations will be set up in the Industrial Relations office, Bldg. 84, unless circumstances require another location. The Plan outlines the utilization of all equipment in the plant and the specific duties to be carried out by authorized personnel. It also delegates to Ron Mitchinson, Fred Wintsch, Bob Krause, and Bill Lavelle the responsibility and authority, as the plant’s public information representatives, to provide information to the press. All employees should refer requests on information of the emergency to the plant’s public information representatives to prevent damaging rumors and in-

(Continued on Page 4)

Explorers Offer Students Career Insight

by Bob Smith

The Explorers offer high school boys, 14 to 18 years old, the opportunity to see and learn about careers in science, chemistry, and industry. The group, sponsored by the Chemical plant, was the first Explorer Post in Uniroyal.

The Explorers conduct laboratory experiments in the plant’s laboratory facilities; take tours of industrial plants in the area to see first hand the manufacturing operation of a large company; and make weekend trips to universities, military installations and other places of interest to high school students. By exploring or seeing scientific operations; observing chemistry in action; and studying the engineering complexity of a synthetic rubber plant, a high school student obtains an actual insight into the type of career to pursue in life.

This year the group visited Scovill’s, Mallory Battery, Sikorsky Aircraft, Uniroyal Chemical’s Agricultural Research Center, the E.M.I.C. Computer Center, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

If your son is interested in a career in science, chemistry or industry, and would like to join the Explorers, Bob Smith, Ext. 674, will be glad to give you more details on the group’s activities.

[IMAGE: Group photograph of committee members]

Committee members discuss plans for future activities. Seated, left to right, are Bruce Fisher, Bob Smith, chairman, and Steve Schwartz. Standing are Harry Jancis, left, and Bert Scullin. Not present were Tom O’Hara, Al Manzi, Ed McCaffrey, Bill Broden, Ken Ferreira, Ben Leach and Dick Savage.

[IMAGE: Group working on science project]

Working on a science project are, left to right, seated, Art Nunes, Dick Adamaitis, and Lou Stephenson. Standing, left to right, are Frank Cravo, George Louis Jr., Armando Pardal, Nat Vescera, and Steve Schwartz, advisor.

Safety Shows Small Improvement Over ’68

by Sal Aloise

The plant’s safety record for the first four months of 1969 shows that 7 lost time accidents and 14 serious injuries took place. Although a slight improvement over 1968, the record indicates that a greater safety awareness by every employee is required to make the plant a safer place to work.

By not taking chances; by stopping unsafe acts; accidents can be prevented and the plant made safer for work. In 1968 we worked 1,000,000 manhours without a lost time accident. With every employee’s effort, we can reach 1,000,000 manhours again . . . and even 2,000,000!

LOST TIME ACCIDENTS AND SERIOUS INJURIES

MONTH 1969 Lost Time Serious Injuries Total 1968 Lost Time Serious Injuries Total
January 2 2 4 2 2 4
February 2 5 7 3 5 8
March 2 3 5 2 6 8
April 1 4 5 2 6 8
TOTAL 7 14 21 9 19 28

Dividend Declared

Uniroyal declared a dividend of 17½ cents a share on the common stock. A $2 dividend on the 8% first preferred stock was also announced. Both are payable June 25 to stockholders of record May 26.

Dr. Williams Leaves

Dr. Edward E. Williams will leave us as plant physician at the end of May.

Dr. John P. Elser will assume the duties of plant physician on June 1.

Dr. Williams has been associated with the Chemical plant for the past 35 years. He plans to continue his private practice in Naugatuck.

The average American family wastes about 400 lbs. of edible food in a year. The country wastes over 10 million tons of food each year.

SAFETY IS MY RESPONSIBILITY

CHEM-TEXTS – Page 2

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Page 237

CHEM-TEXTS

Page 2

The thought of Christmas brings several things to mind. One is snow—and that speaks for itself; another is “that ole Christmas spirit” which unfortunately seems to come to many people only once a year; and another is safety.

We’ve all heard the expression before—have a safe Christmas. Well, here at the plant, I hope we all have a safe Christmas this year and next, and come to think of it, why not all the days in between. You all know that at Naugatuck we have just passed the milestone of working two million, that’s 2,000,000, manhours without a Lost Time Accident. We haven’t done that since 1961. That’s a tremendous and significant accomplishment and we should all be proud, and pleased, about it. After attaining this performance, I strangely found myself asking—”why has it taken us so long?” I ask myself, “why can’t we just keep on going?”

Jim Cronin [signature]

Wouldn’t that be a great Christmas present next year, working through all of 1976 without a Lost Time Accident. Strange as it may seem, this is one goal that is essentially under our full control. We can’t blame this on the Legislature in Hartford or the Congress in Washington—not even on the Governor or President. This is something that we, as employees of Uniroyal Chemical at Naugatuck, Conn., can claim full responsibility. It is, in a nut shell, strictly up to us.

Somehow, a happy Christmas helps to strengthen us. If we could minimize our exposure to accidents—at work, at home, on the road—we would, I’m sure, enjoy the spiritual and material joys of Christmastime even more. To attain this, we must not only be more aware of our own safety, but we must make others, particularly our family, more aware of their exposure to accidents. We have already seen how working together has reduced accidents and improved safety in the plant. We should instill this same positive attitude within our own family. Then we’ve really accomplished something.

With all this in mind, I would like to wish you and your families a very Merry, and Safe Christmas, and for next year, the return of reasonable prosperity.

Christmas in the Plant

[IMAGE: Photo of trees/spruces near a building]

In 1971, ninety five Colorado spruces were planted along the bank of the Naugatuck river; another 75 were planted in 1973. Besides improving the appearance of the plant, the trees add a touch of Christmas at this time of year. Naugatuck Chemical is probably the only industrial factory in the area with such a touch of green on its property. Over 100 hemlocks surround the scrap tire yard and 60 spreading yews were recently planted by the Main Entrance.

Diploma Awarded

[IMAGE: Photo of woman and man looking at documents]

Theresa Martin, an Order Clerk, in the D/S department plans to continue her education at the Mattatuck Community College in a Business related course. She is one of several Naugatuck Chemical people who have fulfilled the requirements for a high school equivalency diploma, which she is showing to Alex Nole.

The Industrial Relations department has a set of preparation books for the tests and may be borrowed at any time.

Survey Team Studies Noise

A survey was recently made of the noise factors in over 129 buildings throughout the plant by Thomas Ennis, Engineering, and James Loman of the Safety Dept. in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).

The purpose of the study was to determine the range of noise problems that may exist in each section or floor of a building in the plant. Basing their measurements on engineering procedures, they recorded over 875 noise soundings which are kept on file in the Safety department.

The results have been given to the department heads of the buildings who in turn consult the plant Engineering department for recommendations to diminish or eliminate the noise level in compliance with OSHA.

In areas where the level is higher than desirable, people working in the area are urged to wear the proper protective equipment until the condition is remedied.

Accidents Cost Over $100,000

Accidents in 1975 cost over $100,000. During the year there were 3 Lost Time Injuries and 26 Serious Injuries for a total of 29. Although this is a major improvement over the hospital, surgical, and medical costs of $238,359 in 1974 and prior years when injuries cost over $200,000 annually, it still represents a severe drain on the plant’s financial condition.

The average direct cost of a Lost Time accident is $15,000. Overtime and other indirect costs increase it 5 times more, according to estimates of the National Safety Council and the Safety department.

Accidents Can Be Avoided

Eighty-five percent of the injuries in the plant are person-caused. Not that the accidents are deliberate, but they could have been avoided by a greater safety awareness. Many of them are caused by “taking chances” or “short cuts” or by not using the proper safety equipment or procedures.

Fingers were the most common injuries, accounting for half of the 29 accidents that occurred during the year. All of them required sutures.

But incomparable to the medical and hospital costs is the unnecessary suffering to the employee, his family, and the people in the department of which the employee is a member.

$1,116 Paid for Ideas

[IMAGE: Photo of three men, one receiving a check]

Russell Volz, center, Chemical Production, receives a $286.00 check from James Cronin, Factory Manager, for his Idea that saved $2750.00 a year in valves. At right is Frank Commendatore.

$9,449 Savings

Twenty people received $1116.00 for Ideas submitted during the year recommending different ways to save money in the operation of the plant.

The Ideas resulted in savings of $9449.00 at the Naugatuck location.

The highest award for the year $286.00 went to Russell Volz, Chemical Production, for reducing the number of valves used in the manufacture of J-Z-F. His idea resulted in a savings of $2750.

Another high award of $186.00 was made to Emil Rehel and Raymond Kubick, Chemical Maintenance, plus an additional $100. in small awards.

continued on page 3

Eric Johnson Named Chemical Superintendent

Eric Johnson has been named Superintendent of Chemical Production.

He joined the Naugatuck Chemical plant in 1961 upon graduation from Clarkson College with a B.Ch.E. degree. He held several Engineering positions until 1968 when he was appointed General Foreman of Synthetic Production. In 1971 he was named Chief Process Engineer for Chemical Production and in 1973 was assigned to the Naugatuck Treatment Co. a subsidiary of Uniroyal, Inc.

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[IMAGE: Tire illustration]

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