Page 6
Pulmonary Test Vali
In Detecting Change
Clinton Mill's pulmonary medical
surveillance program is provided on
a regularly scheduled basis for
those employees exposed to cotton
dust.
"The purpose of the test is to
identify those employees who react
to cotton dust so that protective
measures can be taken," according
to Sonny King, coordinator of Clinton's
Health and Safety Programs.
Annual and semi-annual tests
rc I"}? ? ? A ^ - -
wit 1/unuuv.icu uy rvespirdiory consultants,
Inc. of Columbia, under
the supervision of Dr. Bob Galphin,
a leading pulmonary physician.
King noted that the annual and
semi-annual tests are well received
by employees. "Occasionally, we
have someone who will forget about
the test and enter the plant; thus,
making another scheduled visit
necessary."
Employees are asked to report
before the workshift for a pre-test.
Trained technicians coach employees
into blowing as hard as they
can into a "box-like device" called
o ?
7/V u.s>'
I
Letters to ti
It is a pleasure to send you the enclosed
Presidential Award from the United Way of
South Carolina Board of Directors. This
award is given for the first time this year to
select corporations in appreciation for you
exceptionally fine performance in this year's
United Way campaign.
You and your employees have established
an excellent example for other South Carolina
firms by your outstanding support of your
United Way. I would greatly appreciate your
displaying the President's Award in a prominent
place, so that your employees and colleagues
will be reminded of their fine effort
and our appreciation of it.
Thanks to the management and em
ployees of Clinton Mills, United Way services
are ready to help where needs exist.
Thank you again for a job well done.
Sincerely,
Laxton Hinson
President
able Aid
is In Breathing
a spirometer. It measures the
amount of air you can get out of the
lungs in one second, and the total
volume of air.
"After a minimum of four hours
in the workplace," says King, "employees
return for a post test. The
results of the pre-test are measured
aoainct cot ctanHarWc t/\
? .. >s/t. vv% w>vui IUUI uo IV 5CC IIUVY LI IC
employee compares to an average
person of the same age, height and
sex.
"The purpose of the second or
post test," noted King, "is that it
detects any change in lung functions
during the shift."
Employees are advised of the results
of the tests, and where
needed, are provided a more detailed
examination by Dr. Galphin.
In addition to the tests, employees
are asked to answer questions
relative to jtheir respiratory
neaitn namts.
King or the plant nurses are available
to review an individual's
medical records upon request.
U.S. TEXTILES
AND APPAREL
* a matter of pride
* a matter of quality
* a matter of American
jobs
he Editor
To Clinton Mills:
On behalf of the members of the Laurer
County Shrine Club, I would like to thank yc
for the outstanding performance you did i
making sure our Laurens County Industri.
Appreciation Night program was successfu
Mr M~r* ? -A -J * *
iyii. mar mi uiu dn uuistanoing jod and yoi
assistance made his presentation ru
smoothly. Many compliments were receive
relating to Mr. Martin, you, and Clintc
Mills, Inc.
I would like to, also, thank you for givm
me the American-made ball cap and all th
assistance you gave me and our communit
during the year. Thank you, again, for a
your Contributions to our rnmmunitv anrl ru
Shrine Club.
If we can ever be of assistance to yoi
please do not hesitate to call us.
Sincerely your
A. Carroll Barker, Presider
Laurens County Shrine Clu
" Hearing Const
Program Part
Company's C<
for Employees
The ability to hear is a precious gift, and
yet is one frequently taken for granted. Much
of the learning process is gained through
listening, and people communicate with
others through the spoken word. Also, many
warning systems depend on hearing. Much
pleasure is derived from hearing music, the
sound of nature and the fun sounds of sports
and hobby activities.
Ears are delicate instruments which help
everyone enjoy life, perform their jobs properly,
and even protect them from danger.
With proper care, ears will last a lifetime,
and the company's Hearing Conservation
Program is designed to help ensure that lifetime
guarantee.
Hearing Program
Clinton's Hearing Conservation Program
has been in effect for a number of years. This
program includes a pre-employment audiometry
test, instru jns concerning the
proper use of hearing protection and annual
testing programs.
New noise regulations established by the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) have accentuated the effort
Clinton is already making to protect each
employee's hearing while at work.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
Some people are more sensitive than
others to noise, but no one is immune to the
long-term effects of noise. Everyone is
affortoH Kw ovrnrr ? ? -*
vjj ca^coo iiuiac iu uume degree.
There are various causes of hearing loss,
including birth injury, viruses, physical
damages, diseases, aging, medicines and
loud noise. Long-term exposure to continuous
loud noise without ear protection is
only one of several causes, but it is the one
most likely to affect Clinton employees. Prolonged
exposure to high levels of noise without
ear protection will gradually damage the
hearing organ deep within the inner ear and
cause permanent hearing loss.
How Does Someone Protect
Their Hearing Abilities?
i i^vdiuiig iiemmg iubb is msiniy 3 pGTsonal
responsibility, but the company encourages
employees to follow good health
practices for taking care of their ears, and to
is wear required ear protection.
?u Clinton Mills provides each new employee
n with hearing protectors which must be worn
al at all times when working in high-noise
I. areas, but each employee must also be alert
jr to danger signals such as ringing in the ears
n or changes in hearing. Additionally, it is best
d to avoid loud noises at home and on the job.
m
Clinton Mills Role in Noise Monitoring
'g
ie In order to assist in protecting each emty
ployee's hearing from excessive noise expoII
sure, Clinton has the following programs in
jr operation:
NHKF MnwiTnoiwri "
wxHiu? i iic v^uiiipany win
j, monitor noise levels and identify high noise
level areas. Employees will be told what
noise level they are exposed to.
s, NOISE CONTROLS?Through updated
it equipment and machinery modifications,
b the company is making every possible effort
ervation
of
)ncern
Health
to reduce noise below permissible levels as
established by federal health regulations.
HEARING PROTECTION?Clinton provides
and requires the use of hearine Drotec
tion in all areas exceeding permisstole noise
levels.
HEARING TESTING?Annual audiomet
ric hearing exams are conducted for employees
who work in areas of high noise
levels. These are free of charge to employees.
TRAINING PROGRAM?Each new employee
is instructed in good hearing conservation
and proper use of hearing protection.
Additionally, the company continues to
coordinate inplant training programs for employees
to ensure that hearing protection is
worn properly, and to answer questions concerning
standards and regulations.
Medical Surveillance
The company is concerned about the
health and welfare of each employee, and
thus keeps a medical history on each employee
from the date of employment. This
medical history includes the results of
preemployment and audiometric tests and
yearly tests, which w?ll be studied and compared
in order to detect any change in hearing
ability. If a change is indicated, appropriate
recommendations will be made concerning
ho., each employee might best protect
his or her hearing.
This medical surveillance is important not
only to the company, but also to employees
and their families and friends. No one can
function to the best of their ability without
good hearing. A hearing loss may severely
handicap an employee's communications
not only with coworkers, but also with loved
ones.
riinfr?n M 11 lr ? ? 11 * -
uiMiiun iviiiis icgisiereu nurses Will De
pleased to answer any questions employees
may have about the effects of noise on hearing
abilities.
Hearing Protection
A selection of scientifically designed
hearing protectors is provided for employees.
Trained personnel issues each new
employee a set of ear plugs, and instructs
them in the proper use of the protective
devices. If an employee experiences difficulty
with his or her ear protection, the su
pervisor will gladly contact the nurses for
assistance with the problem.
After the initial fitting and adjustment of"
ear protection, employees are required to
pay a small fee to replace lost ear plugs.
Hearing protectors worn out through normal
use are replaced free of charge, according to
company policy. Properly fitted protectors
must be worn at all times in designated
areas. Cotton, tissue or paper towels are not
effective as hearing protection and are never
acceptable substitutes.
Employees with medical problems which
proh i bi t weari ng ear protect ion, shou Id br i ng
thn 4U~: :
me o.iuouuii iu uieir bupervisor s aiienuon /
immediately.
It is to everyone's advantage to take care
of their hearing, because ears are delicate i
instruments?and with care, they will last a
lifetime!
i