Documents Mirer, Franklin E. 2 results

Mortality incidence at two Detroit area engine factories was examined. Of 1,870 deceased people whose death certificates were available, 802 qualified as controls for proportional mortality ratio (PMR) and odds ratio (OR) analysis. PMR analyses found an excess of deaths from diabetes for white men in both factories, but few deaths from respiratory diseases. Black men showed few deaths from diabetes, but more than expected emphysema deaths at both factories. Suicide was significantly increased among all men and women. A significant exposure response relationship for stomach cancer occurred among camshaft/crankshaft workers in Factory-A (OR 5.1), but not the larger and older Factory-B. Pancreatic cancer mortality risk increased for workers employed in inspection (OR 6.4), machining with straight oil (OR 3.6), or skilled trades work (OR 2.9). Duration of millwright work increased lung cancer risk (OR 3.8). Associations were observed between machining fluid exposures and specific causes of death such as an increase in diabetes mortality among workers employed in machining with straight oil (OR 6.9), and an increase in the risk of stroke (OR 6.7) among workers involved in grinding with machine fluid. Overall, risk rates were elevated factory wide in PMR analyses. The authors conclude that work related risks were found for some exposure groups that may have contributed to deaths.

"The Supreme Court's March 1991 ruling in United Automobile Workers (UAW) versus Johnson Controls barring corporate "fetal protection policies" was a major victory for women's employment rights and has health and safety implications for both sexes. However, 2 years after the Court's decision, the union's work is far from over. The UAW has yet to see what policy Johnson Controls will implement in place of the old one. Formulating solutions to the concerns of workers who are exposed daily to reproductive health hazards on the job will continue to be on labor's agenda. Preventing hazardous exposures is the first priority. This goal would be furthered by setting occupational health and safety standards designed to protect workers' general and reproductive health. Support for the Comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health Reform Act (COSHRA) would also positively affect health and safety in the workplace. Where hazards have not yet been abated, the framework of transfers and income protections for all workers with temporary job restrictions should be examined. The Legal/Labor Working Group convened at the Occupational and Environmental Reproductive Hazards Working Conference authored guidelines for developing a model reproductive hazards policy. These recommendations can serve as a guide for implementation of nondiscriminatory and health-protective policies by employers."