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Vol. 11, No. 1
E.l. Du Pont De Nemours & Company, Inc., Brevard, N. C.
JANUARY, 1978
1978 SAFETY PROGRAM
"Take the extra step for safety."
That is the message for 1978 from the
safety program planning committee.
John Love, committee chairman,
describes the extra step this way. "It means
doing something extra to be safer. This
will vary with each individual and the
situation each finds himself in. It's doing a
little extra to be sure you don't get hurt.
"The 1977 year was a pretty good one
so far as serious injuries are concerned,"
John added. "But there is still lots of
room for improvement."
As in past years, the safety committee
has developed programs for each of the
monthly safety meetings, choosing one
topic per month. Every other month,
employees will be given a program reminder,
such as gloves with a safety slogan, a sticker
for hard hats, a key ring with the slogan,
a coin purse, and a pad and pencil. Each
will remind employees that safety takes
constant effort.
A gigantic foot print bearing the "Extra
Step" slogan has been erected inside the
gate, next to the walkway, as a daily
reminder to employees. (See photo)
January meetings deal with the slogan,
"Take the Extra Step — First Step." Goals
for the year will be set.
In February, employees will consider
personal protective equipment, such as
safety glasses, safety shoes, gloves, face
shields and ear plugs. Certain injuries that
can be prevented with the proper
equipment will be discussed.
Good housekeeping will be the topic
for March, a good time for spring cleaning
and a good time to encourage good
housekeeping practices. Poor housekeeping
practices such as spills on floors, cluttered
walkways and work areas, improper storage
of materials and disarranged furniture help
to create unsafe conditions and fire hazards.
They also encourage inefficiency and
increase production costs.
(Continued on page 2)
IN THIS ISSUE
OFF-THE-JOB INJURIES 2
beat HIGH HEATING COST 3
12 HOUR SHIFTS 4
25 YEAR SERVICE FOR TWO 5
□ ERA CHRISTMAS EVENTS 6
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Phillip J. Wingate
John C. Metzger
Kurth H. Johnson
PHIL WINGATE RETIREMENT CAUSES TOP LEVEL CHANGES
Phillip J. Wingate, Company Vice
President — Photo Products Department,
retires Jan. 31.
He is succeeded by John C. Metzger, Jr.
who has been General Manager with
responsibility for x-ray and industrial film,
graphic arts, and magnetic tape products.
Kurth H. Johnson, Director of the
Marketing Division of Photo Products,
succeeds Mr. Metzger.
Under Dr. Wingate's direction, depart
mental sales quadrupled from 1970 to 1977.
During this period, new finishing plants for
medical x-ray and graphic arts products
were established in Australia, Japan, and
Brazil. Also, flourishing businesses in
medical and scientific instruments were
launched and acquisitions were made to
strengthen the Company's position in the
electronic and instruments businesses.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
1977 was a good year for the Brevard Plant. The demand for all products remained
strong permitting us to make substantial contributions toward a successful year for the
Photo Products Department. Noteworthy progress was evident in the area of safety. The
year was completed without a lost workday case reversing the serious trend of the previous
year. The business outlook for 1978 continues to be good, but several aspects of our
business deserve comment.
The Brevard Plant has enjoyed continual growth since 1963. However, as I have stated
before, it is unrealistic to expect future growth to equal that of the past. During the past
two years there has been a distinct slowing of the demand for medical x-ray film because of
the pressure to contain health care costs and radiation exposure. Other important factors
include our new technologies, declining population growth and competitive pressures. In the
future it will be even more important that the plant operate efficiently to offset these changes.
Plant performance during the 4th quarter of 1977 fell below the satisfactory levels
achieved during the first nine months of the year. Lower volumes and yields have contributed
to substantial increases in product costs. This trend must be reversed. This problem has
high priority and requires the cooperation of every employee. Improved unit operability
and higher yields are essential ingredients to lower costs. Job security depends upon our
ability to produce high quality products at competitive costs. I urge each one to do their
part in helping the plant achieve these goals.
To further improve the plant on-and off-the-job safety performance in 1978 renuirpc
individual dedication and determination. Our goal is to prevent all injuries Thkr=n„ i
be achieved through better control of employee work practicp; WnrU- 4:
acceptable standard. 1978 is the year to "take Z
John H. Golden
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