Dr. Kenneth W. Smith to W. A. Young at the Toronto Plant on No-Dust Recommendations and Transfers (1955)

A two-page memo of August 4, 1955, from Dr. Kenneth W. Smith, J-M's medical director, to W. A. Young at the Toronto plant, "Health Program - X-Ray Services." Smith writes that a "No Dust Exposure" classification would be recommended where necessary "because of incipient or established occupational pulmonary disease," and lists five other kinds of X-ray findings, from early reticulation to minimal tuberculosis, that should also carry a no-dust recommendation. Drs. Riddell and Cowle had agreed to review all the plant's films, and the plant doctor, Dr. Corson, was to explain results to the men. A no-dust recommendation did not always mean a transfer: if a man's job had no dust, he could stay.

What it shows

Smith writes that "Inevitably some men will have to be transfered," which "should be done carefully with adequate forethought and planning so that there will be no apprehension created among the employees concerning the dust." Where possible a new job at the same wage should be found before a man is told his X-ray results, and the doctor should give him "reassurance that he is in good health and the transfer is only a preventive measure." Smith saw no urgency and closed by urging caution, so that "We should be able to carry out our preventive health measures without creating labor problems or loss in production." He had written to Young about asbestos and silica at the same plant in 1948 (Smith to Young).

In Johns-Manville's chronology

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

In a letter from Dr. Smith to W.A. Young (Toronto plant) dated 8/4/55, Dr. Smith explains standards for classification of replacement applicant and periodic employee x-ray films. Dr. Smith mentions a classification of "no dust exposure" will be recommended where necessary "because of incipient or established occupational pulmonary disease." The letter lists five broad categories of x-ray reports which carry a "no-dust" recommendation: (1) healed primary complex; (2) early reticulation; (3) early reticulation and fine nodulation; (4) minimal tuberculosis; (5) miscellaneous shadows.

Drs. Riddell and Cowle are available to Dr Corson for consultation. Dr. Smith explains that a no dust recommendation" does not mean an automatic transfer. He emphasizes that an evaluation should be done of the dust conditions on the employee's current job. If a transfer is recommended, Smith advises this should be done with "foresight and planning" so that no apprehension is created among the employees concerning the dust. He advises that Dr. Corson should explain the x-ray results and give reassurances that the transfer is only a preventive measure. Dr. Smith re-emphasizes his concern that the transfer program proceed cautiously to avoid the creation of labor problems or loss of production.