F. H. Edwards to J. M. Briley on Chest X-Rays for Insulation Workers (1966)

A one-page Owens-Corning Fiberglas memo of August 19, 1966, from F. H. Edwards to J. M. Briley, following up his proposal to tighten health procedures in the Supply and Contracting Division. Edwards said he had suggested to the National Insulation Manufacturers Association that chest X-rays of insulation workers be obtained through industry associations, and in time made a condition of employment. Among the advantages he listed were to "Duplicate some of the work of Dr. Selikoff and provide a double check of the statistics that he will eventually release" and to "Give employers an opportunity of disputing and contesting incorrect diagnoses which are directed into workmen's compensation claims and sometimes litigation."

What it shows

The memo shows an insulation maker planning its response to Dr. Selikoff's research on insulators. Edwards wrote that "Dr. Selikoff has already shown that he sees in x-rays what he wants to see," proposed that employers question any diagnosed lung disease of insulation workers, and said he was "convinced that the plan will work and that it will eventually lower costs."

In Johns-Manville's index

Johns-Manville's legal department indexed the Motley 1,000 in 1984. Its index describes this document as follows:

F. H. Edwards memo to J. M. Briley, 8/16/66, following up on his earlier proposal that OCF tighten its health procedures in the S and C Units. Edwards states that he has suggested to NIMA that chest X-rays of insulation workers be obtained whenever possible. This would be accomplished through such organizations as the NIMA and Insulation Distributors-Contractors National Association and not by manufacturers and contractors. In time the program would be established as a condition of employment in the field. Edwards feels that the current health situation would seem to justify the cost. Edwards lists some of the advantages of the program.

Related documents

• F. H. Edwards to J. M. Briley on Asbestosis and Lung Cancer in Insulation Workers (1966)

About this copy

This is document 610 of the Motley 1,000, from the set the Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust's records facility certified as true copies, pages CRMC-Motley1000-Subj-002025 to CRMC-Motley1000-Subj-002025.