unqualified approval, it will be difficult to secure their coöperation. Indeed there is danger that the whole undertaking may turn out to be a farce. The most effective method of publicity is to call a mass meeting of the workers, wherever possible, at which the purpose of the organization and its functions should be explained by some one high in authority. Should this not be practicable, a printed announcement is a fair substitute. (Manufacturers will find it worth while to use both methods.) The following statement, signed by the firm, is suggested as a sample for a poster or dodger to be distributed or inserted in the pay envelope when the organization is launched. The membership of the workers' committee and the occupation or department that each member represents might be incorporated in the statement: ANNOUNCING THE FORMATION OF A SAFETY, SANITATION AND HEALTH ORGANIZATION OF THE (Insert firm name.) The (insert firm name) has always been solicitous for the comfort and safety of its employees. In pursuance of this policy it has done everything practicable to safeguard the life, limb and health of the workers. The New York State Industrial Commission has brought to our attention a method of systematizing plant safety, sanitation and health work so that it will be placed on as business-like a basis as any other phase of plant management. The plan which they recommend is being used by many progressive manufacturing firms in the State, and is bringing excellent results. Its chief merit is that it enlists the mutual coöperation of every one in the plant, from the superintendent to the rank and file worker. We particularly appeal to the rank and file workers in our plant to assist us in this worthy endeavor. You spend the best part of each day in the plant, and some unsafe and unsanitary conditions and practices come to your attention that we may overlook. We want to remedy these shortcomings and invite suggestions from every one. The organization will consist of three committees one representing the management, one the foremen and one the workers in the plant. (Indicate here how the workers' committee will be chosen, and, if possible, the members of the first committee, also give the name of the Safety Supervisor.) The workers' committee has been chosen to work for YOU. The duty of this committee is to study ways of protecting YOU, of promoting YOUR comfort and safeguarding YOUR health while you are in this building. In some cases changes suggested by this committee have to do with machines or equipment. In other cases the committee finds that certain practices among the people in the various departments are not for the best interests of all. If through thoughtlessness or ignorance any one in the building is doing something that endangers YOUR health or safety or comfort, it is the duty of the committee to see that this practice is stopped. If the committee fails to do this, they fail to protect YOUR INTERESTS. In other words, the committee points out certain unsafe and unsanitary practices and conditions that endanger YOU, and recommends certain un provements that should be made in YOUR interest. Don't you think that the COMMITTEE in their work for you should have your help and coöperation? PROMOTION OF SAFETY SENTIMENT If the Shop Safety, Sanitation and Health Organization plan is issued in pamphlet form, space on the cover or elsewhere might be used for brief matter to promote the safety sentiment. The following is an example of such matter found in safety literature: THE "SAFETY FIRST" IDEAL "And the end is that the workman shall live to enjoy the fruits of his labor; that his mother shall have the comfort of his arm in her age; that his wife shall not be untimely a widow; that his children shall have a father; and that cripples and hopeless wrecks who were once strong men, shall no longer be a by-product of industry."- P. B. JUHNKE. SAFETY LITERATURE The movement for prevention of accidents and conservation of health of wage workers, like all human movements, depends for its success on the proper mental attitude of those affected by it. This fact assumes greater significance in this phase of industrial betterment, since the best results are attained only when mechanical safeguards and devices are supplemented by the good will and hearty cooperation of the personnel connected with the plant. The proper psychology cannot be maintained without constant contact with the movement. The Safety Supervisor can hardly be expected to imbue others with the "safety first" idea unless he has a continuous source of inspiration which will stimulate his intellect and emotions. Current literature treating all phases of this movement is indispensable. Without undertaking to specify all that might be desirable the following non-commercial sources are suggested as affording a minimum of literature such as any safety organization should have: Government Publications New York State. The Bureau of Statistics and Information of the State Industrial Commission will upon request send regularly the Commission's publications which might be of service, particularly the Proceedings of the Annual State Industrial Safety Con gress, the Monthly Bulletin, and Special Bulletins which from time to time contain material relating to industrial safety and hygiene. Federal Government. The Bureau of Labor Statistics will upon request send regularly its Monthly Labor Review, as well as other publications. For current literature dealing with safety, sanitation, health and general employee relations problems, consult "Publications Relating to Labor" in each issue of the Review. The Public Health Service of the Surgeon-General's Office, Washington, D. C., issues reprints from its weekly Public Health Reports and supplements thereto, relating to the health of industrial workers. These will be sent upon request. The newly established Division of Safety Engineering and the Division of Industrial Hygiene and Medicine of the Working Conditions Service in the U. S. Department of Labor, Washington, D. C., should be requested to supply all material which they plan to publish. Other Literature In addition to the government publications above referred to, attention is called to the publications of the American Museum of Safety and the National Safety Council referred to below. Aside from the above there is a considerable body of literature relating to industrial safety and hygiene, in various forms (books, periodicals and pamphlets), prepared by various agencies (individuals, insurance companies, and industrial concerns). The Industrial Commission, through its Bureau of Statistics and Information, will gladly furnish upon request information concerning such literature with relation to either general or particular topics in which any safety organization may be interested. CONSULTATION SAFETY SERVICE Besides aid from the literature of the subject, it is more and more coming to be realized that the varying needs of individual concerns due to their varying conditions and circumstances can often be most helpfully met by consultation with persons having special experience or technical knowledge in this field. Such consultation service is available from several agencies, both private and public. So far as its resources will permit, the State Industrial Commission will gladly render to any firm or shop safety organization all possible aid along this line. The Federal Government is planning for such service through the Working Conditions Service in Department of Labor above referred to. Prominent in this kind of work, as well as for other work indicated, are the two following non-commercial coöperative associations: American Museum of Safety (14 West Twenty-fourth street, New York City). Renders service to engineers, inspectors and industrial firms. It has maintained for a number of years a permanent exhibit of approved safety and sanitary appliances. The Museum's resources include an inquiry and research service, a highly specialized library, inspection and consultation service to meet the engineering and other problems arising in safety and sanitation work, lectures, and traveling exhibits illustrating various phases of accident prevention and health conservation, as well as a monthly bulletin, Safety, a technical noncommercial publication, free to members. To nonmembers the subscription price of the bulletin is $1 per year. The National Safety Council (208 La Salle street, Chicago, Ill.). Renders a safety service which consists of a weekly bulletin service, special publications and a consultation safety service. Membership dues are based on the nature of service rendered and number of employees on the payroll. |