Johns-Manville, Instructions to Employees, Manville Factory (1930s)

An undated pocket booklet of rules for workers at J-M's factory in Manville, New Jersey, covering hiring, pay, working hours, the plant dispensary, safety, fire signals and insurance. Its General Policy begins, "The Company intends that its employees be treated fairly," and invites workers to speak to their supervisor about anything "that might affect the health of employees." New hires had to pass a physical examination by the plant doctor.

What it shows

On safety, the booklet says: "Where operations warrant the use of goggles or respirators, and the employee is so instructed to use them by his supervisor, it is absolutely necessary that he adhere to instructions." It does not say why respirators might be needed or mention dust or asbestos.

In Johns-Manville's chronology

Johns-Manville's own chronology of what the company knew describes this document as follows:

J-M booklet entitled "Instructions to Employees, Manville Factory." States that the company intends that its employees be treated fairly. Encourages employees to take complaints or suggestions having to do with their working conditions or anything that might affect the health of employees, to their supervisors. Mentions pre-employment physical examination program. States that all safety rules must be strictly observed and that supervisors will tell employees which operations warrant the use of goggles or respirators, and that it is absolutely necessary that employees adhere to these instructions.