Evening capital and Maryland gazette., 1913-01-29
PREVENTIVE MEASURES.
Medical Director Engaged for En-
plOyees Of American Telephone
and TELEGRAPH Companv.

ana Telegraph Company.
DR.. Alyah d. Doty. health officer
of the Port of New York, has been
appointed medical director of the EN-
ployees' Benefit Fund Committee Of
the American Telephone and Tele-
graph Company, the Western Union
Telegraph Company and the Western
Electric Company in connection with
the administration of the new pen
sion and sick benefit plan for en-
ployees of these allied corporations.
There will be established gradual.
ly by these companies q system Of
medical supervisor and preventive
sanitation designed 10 preserve the
health of the telephone and telegraph
army. This undertaking on so large
a scale-tne companies have nearly
200, 900 workers-inaugurates 3 new
era in the relations of employer and
employee.
Theodore n. Vail, president of the
American Telephone and Western
Union Telegraph Companies, in an
nouncing DR.. Doty's appointment,
said:
"It is intended that the medical de-
partD,ent shall have wide range in its
activities. In addition to the usual
functions of such Department. it will
devise and carry out various methods
of health protection, known as pre-
ventive measures. So far as prac-
ticable We shall seek the early detec-
tion of diseases, particularly those
that are communicable, notable tu-
berculosis and arrange for their
prompt removal, care and tr reatment.
This not only offers a far better
chance for the PATIENTS recovery, but
also prote cts other employees.
Preventive me easures also will in
clude sanitary conditions in offices
and workshops, sIch as proper light
ing, good air, pure water, safe plumb
ing and the discontinuance of arti-
cles in general use which are believed
to be agents of infection. By vari-
Gus plain and practical methods,
employees will be instructed in hy-
giene and sanitation and we hope that
the information thus gained will ex-
tenl to the home and to the public
generally.
Modern sanitariums know that
the public health is best maintained
by prevention rather than by treat
ment of disease after it develops.
The measures we plan are of inestim-
able value, not merely in the interest
of our companies, but also in public
education on sanitary subjects, for
our employees are everywhere in the
United States, even in the smallest
towns.
Supervision by the medical depart
ment over sick and injured does not
nece ssarlly mean that the companies
are to furnish medical attendance
for those who are disabled, but so far
as possible they will aid in securing
prompt and skillful treatment for
employees. Arrangement will be
made with hospitals throughout the
country for prompt reception of those
who may decide upon this form of
treatment. Medical representatives
will be selected to deal with the vari-
Gus conditions and emergencies that
may arise in connection with this
branch of the service.
"The various measures outlined
will be carried out in a reasonable
way, and without undue haste, for
haste often involves unnecessary ex-
pense and with but little benefit to
employees. This undertaking is in
accord with modern sanitation, and
will also benefit the companies, as it
is intended to do. 1t provides mu-
tual protection and cooperation be-
tween employee and employer. 1t
insures far better and less interrupt
ed service and constitutes an eco
nomical factor in the interest Of
both parties. -