Goodyear Niagara Falls Plant
Statement
May 20, 2015
Goodyear takes seriously its responsibility to care for our associates, communities,
and the environment, and we work hard to continuously improve our performance in
all areas of our operations. We continue to be committed to actions to address
ortho-toluidine exposure inside our Niagara Falls facility. We have worked closely
and transparently with our associates, the local union and the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to better understand and manage potential
exposure.
Goodyear’s facilities have always operated in accordance with applicable
regulations, including regulations related to the use of all chemicals. When
Goodyear learned of the concerns associated with the use of ortho-toluidine, we
adjusted our systems and processes. While the ortho-toluidine exposure levels in
the plant have generally been far below the permissible exposure limits,
engineering controls were put in place in the 1980s to further reduce levels in the
plant.
Goodyear has systems and procedures in place for the safe handling of orthotoluidine, which include double-seal pumps, dedicated shower rooms, ventilation,
and the required use of personal protective equipment. We have followed effective
industrial hygiene practices for decades in regards to this chemical. As new
information and processes become available, Goodyear—working in full cooperation
with its associates, the union and appropriate agencies—has made and will continue
to make improvements to protect our associates.
The biannual bladder cancer screening available for all active, previously employed,
and retired associates at the Niagara Falls facility has been ongoing for two decades
—at no cost to our associates or retirees. Goodyear has worked closely with the
local union to develop a pre- and post-shift urine screening process to determine
contribution of the chemical agent through skin contact with complete transparency
for every group involved. Although not required by any regulatory agency,
Goodyear put these screening systems in place to help care for our associates and
develop a better understanding of potential ortho-toluidine exposure. Consistent
with our long-term approach, screening programs will be evaluated on an ongoing
basis to ensure they are effective and appropriate.
There have been 54 confirmed cases of bladder cancer identified over the past two
decades as a result of the company’s bladder cancer screening program. Out of
those cases, all but one involve employees who started work in the plant prior to
1990.
While we believe our safety and industrial hygiene procedures—including the
required use of engineering controls and personal protective equipment—are
working, we will continue to work closely with NIOSH and our local union.
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