
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 13, 1991                   TAG: 9102130512
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

WESTVACO SAFETY OWES TO EMPLOYEES

THIS IS in response to the Jan. 24 article concerning the safety probe at Westvaco's Covington mill.

While numerous statistics were given concerning safe man-hours, recordable accidents and deaths, no statistic can be given as to how many employees worked with sprains, lacerations, broken bones, etc., to achieve the safe man-hours. Any members of the public could tour the mill and find numerous safety hazards as well as deplorable health and eating conditions that would simply shock them.

Any record achieved by Westvaco's safety program is the result of the employees' conscientious work habits, with little help from Westvaco. RICHARD A. HOSTETTER CLIFTON FORGE

by CNB