Bethlehem Steel Corporation was one of the first U.S. companies to institute an environmental health program when Dr. Allen D. Brandt was hired in 1946 as our first chief industrial hygiene engineer. His challenge was to develop and implement a corporate-wide program of in-plant environmental quality control — the first such step taken in the steel industry. Dr. Brandt became an environmental engineering authority on local, state and national levels.
The objective of the industrial health program initiated by Dr. Brandt was the prevention and elimination of illnesses of an industrial nature. The industrial health program evaluated working conditions to provide the most appropriate equipment and environment to ensure a safe and healthful workplace. This included the study of technical processes and existing methods of production, which often led to redesigning and improving production equipment, the installation of engineering controls or new administrative procedures and the study of the materials used to eliminate possible hazards connected with the job.
Under Dr. Brandt's leadership, Bethlehem's industrial hygiene engineers studied ventilation, illumination, temperature control/humidity, airborne levels of gases, fumes, and dusts, and various physical hazards. Putting such knowledge into practical application, these engineers worked closely with occupational physicians at the numerous operating facilities to ensure appropriate medical examinations of employees. He helped pioneer one of industry's first comprehensive occupational and environmental health programs, which included specialists in environmental chemistry, noise and radiation protection, toxicology and pollution control.
During the 1960s and until his death in 1971, Dr. Brandt and his staff worked closely with federal, state and local agencies to develop and ensure compliance with emerging national and state environmental laws and regulations based on sound science and technological feasibility.
As described in this report, the programs begun by Dr. Brandt 50 years ago and enhanced by his successors continue to serve the corporation, its employees and its communities well.
Safety, Health and Environment Department
1170 Eighth Avenue, Martin Tower, 12th Floor, Bethlehem, PA 18016-7699.
For further information, send mail to [email protected]
1996 Environmental Report Table of Contents
