Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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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