Occupational Safety and Health Administration
and the
Graphics Arts Coalition

I. Alliance Background

Date Signed

June 18, 2002, and July 1, 2002

Date Renewed

February 9, 2004

Overview

The Graphic Arts Coalition (GAC), formerly called the Printing Industry Alliance, is comprised of the four following associations:

• Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF)
• Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA)
• Flexographic Technical Association (FTA)
• Gravure Association of America (GAA)

The GAA joined the Alliance when it was renewed on February 9, 2004. The Envelope Manufacturers Association (EMA), an original Alliance signatory, did not participate in the renewal because the Alliance's issues are not a current focus for the organization.

Through the Alliance, OSHA and the organizations are providing GAC members and others with information, guidance and access to training resources to help them protect employees' health and safety, including reducing and preventing exposure to ergonomic concerns found in printing operations as well as promoting safe work practices in the industry.

Implementation Team Members:
 

*Paul Murphy served on the Alliance implementation team until April 2005.
†Rhett Thomas served on the Alliance implementation team until November 2004.

Evaluation Period

June 18, 2004, through June 17, 2005

II. Implementation Team Meetings
 

III. Results

1. Events and Products
   
   Outreach and Communication Goal
    
   • Develop and disseminate information through print and electronic media, and through links on OSHA's and GAC Web sites, including:
      
     • Work with OSHA to provide expertise regarding the Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics page.
     • Work with OSHA to provide expertise on the development of an eTool for the printing industry.
     • Developing and maintaining a speaker's kit on topics covered in this Alliance as well as the overall safety and health profile of the industry.
   Products
   
   Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics Page
   
   The OSHA and GAC Alliance are continuing to maintain OSHA's Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics Page as a product of the Alliance. The page provides numerous resources with information relevant to the flexography, gravure, lithography and screen printing segments of the printing industry. The following members of the OSHA-GAC Alliance serve on the editorial board of the Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics page and provide ongoing review of the topics page:
    
   • Rick Hartwig, PIA/GATF
   • Gary Jones, PIA/GATF
   • Marcia Kinter, SGIA
   • Doreen Monteleone, FTA
   • Danielle Waterfield, SGIA
   Ergonomics eTool for the Printing Industry
   
   The Alliance implementation team members are providing input into the development of a draft OSHA Printing Industry Ergonomics eTool. The draft tool consists of three modules: flexography, lithography and screen printing. The draft lithography module is being developed using the contents from the PIA/GATF Ergonomics Training Program developed for the printing industry by members of the Alliance implementation team. The eTool module describes possible hazards and potential solutions for a number of lithographic processes. SGIA provided content for the draft Screen Printing Module of the draft eTool from SGIA's Ergonomics Training Program, which also was developed by Alliance implementation team members. Further, FTA provided content for the draft Flexography module of the eTool.
   
   OSHA and GAC Alliance Web page
   
   OSHA maintains an OSHA and GAC Alliance Web page on the Agency's Web site. The Web page includes links to the OSHA and GAC Alliance agreement and renewal agreement, news releases, annual reports, and milestones and successes. The OSHA and GAC Alliance Web page also links to OSHA's Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics page, industry conferences, articles and other resources. During the reporting period, information about speeches and exhibits were added to the Alliance Web page. For information on the number of visits to the OSHA and GAC Alliance Webpage, please see the Alliance Program Reach table.
   
   Print and Electronic Media
   
   An article on the OSHA and GAC Alliance appeared in the March 28, 2005, edition of Printing News Online. For more information on the article, please see the Alliance Program Reach table.
   
   In addition, FTA sends out a monthly electronic newsletter that includes current health and safety information, often linking to OSHA's Web site. The newsletter reaches more than 1,600 members. (See Appendix A.)
    
   • Speak, exhibit or appear at OSHA or GAC-sponsored conferences, local meetings, or other safety or industry events, such as the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association Convention and Expo, the 2004 National Environmental Health and Safety Conference for the Graphic Communications Industry, Foundation of FTA INFO*FLEX Exhibition, and the GAA Gravure Expo, especially focusing on ergonomics concerns and approaches to solutions.
   Events
   
   2004 National Safety Council Congress and Expo, September 10-14, 2004, New Orleans, Louisiana
   
   On September 13, 2004, Jim Washam, Machine Guarding Coordinator in OSHA's Region V Cincinnati, OH Area Office gave a presentation to 30 attendees, entitled "Stop the Presses, LO/TO in the Printing Industry" at the 2004 National Safety Council Congress and Exposition.
   
   SGIA ‘04: The Specialty Printing and Imaging Technology Show, October 6-9, 2004, Minneapolis, Minnesota
   
   The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) distributed OSHA publications, including an OSHA and GAC Alliance Fact Sheet, at an exhibit booth the Department staffed at the Specialty Printing and Imaging Technology Show. Approximately 11,250 people were in attendance at the show. USDOL exhibited at the show because SGIA is a participant in the Department's Partnership for Compliance Assistance Program.
   
   2005 National Environmental Health and Safety Conference, March 6-8, 2005, Tampa, Florida
   
   On March 8, 2005, Paula White, Director of the Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, USDOL-OSHA, presented "OSHA – On the Radar Screen and Working For You" to approximately 120 attendees at the National Environmental, Health and Safety Conference.
   
   In addition, Joan Spencer, Compliance Assistance Specialist, Tampa Florida Area Office, USDOL-OSHA, staffed an OSHA and GAC Alliance booth at the National Environmental, Health and Safety Conference, which was held March 6-8, 2005, in Tampa, Florida. Approximately 50 people visited the booth.
    
   • Share information between OSHA personnel and the printing industry regarding industry best practices or effective approaches, as jointly determined by OSHA and GAC members.
     
     During this evaluation period, no products or resources have been developed to meet this Alliance goal.
      
   • Promote and encourage GAC member companies to participate in OSHA's cooperative programs such as compliance assistance, the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), and Consultation and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).
   Products
   
   SGIA's Article on OSHA's Cooperative Programs
   
   Through the OSHA and GAC Alliance, SGIA published the article "Hidden Secret to Improving Profitability" in February 2005 as a featured item on SGIA's Web site (http://www.sgia.org) in the Digital Printing & Imaging Technology Center feature article section and as a running feature article on the SGIA Government Affairs Web site (http://www.sgia.org/govt). The article highlights the benefits of OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs and the On-site Consultation Program and its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.
   
   In addition, PIA/GATF published an article on OSHA's Consultation Program, "Consultation Helps Small Business Establish Safety and Health Programs," on its Web site (http://www.gain.net/gov_affairs/esh/main.html) in March 2005.
    
   • Work with other Alliance participants on projects relating to ergonomics or safe work practices that are addressed and developed through the Alliance Program.
   Events
   
   Alliance Program Hazard Communication Roundtable
   
   Danielle Waterfield, Government Affairs Associate, SGIA, and Jim Kyger, Director, Federal Employment Compliance Assistance, PIA/GATF, represented the OSHA and GAC Alliance at the Alliance Program Hazard Communication Roundtable on February 15, 2005. Representatives from 18 Alliances participated in the Roundtable and identified outreach and compliance assistance projects they would be interested in working on together. As a result of the meeting, the attendees agreed to work together to address several issues:
    
   • Hazard Communication Awareness and Training
   • Developing Model MSDSs
   • Promoting the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
   Promoting the National Dialogue on Workplace Safety and Health
    
   • Convene a forum with printing equipment manufacturers and end-users to raise awareness about ergonomic concerns related to the interaction between humans and machinery.
     
     During this evaluation period, no products or resources have been developed to meet this Alliance goal.
      
   • Raise others' awareness of, and demonstrate their own commitment to, workplace safety and health whenever GAC leaders address groups.
   Events
   
   SGIA ‘04: The Specialty Printing and Imaging Technology Show, October 6-9, 2004, Minneapolis, Minnesota
   
   On October 8, 2004, Marci Kinter, Vice President, Government Affairs, SGIA, and Danielle Waterfield, Government Affairs Associate, SGIA, made a presentation entitled, "Safety First: Developing Your Safety Program," to workshop attendees at the Specialty Printing and Imaging Technology Show, October 6-9, 2004, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
   
   2005 National Environmental Health and Safety Conference, March 6-8, 2005, Tampa, Florida
   
   On March 7, 2005, Danielle Waterfield, Government Affairs Associate, SGIA, presented "Developing the Printing Industry's Ergonomics Guidelines" to approximately 30 breakout session attendees at the National Environmental, Health and Safety Conference, which was March 6-8, 2005, in Tampa, Florida.
   
   CMM International, April 18-21, 2005, Chicago, IL
   
   On April 19, 2005, Doreen Monteleone, director of membership & environmental services, FTA, gave a presentation entitled "EHS the eWay" at CMM International. This presentation included information about the OSHA Alliance, Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics Page and the Ergonomics eTools. Approximately 20 people attended from different print processes.
   
   Ergonomics Updates
   
   During the reporting period of June 18, 2004, to June 17, 2005, Gary Jones, Manager, Environmental, Health and Safety Affairs, PIA/GATF, gave the presentation on ergonomics entitled, "Ergonomics Regulation Update and Printing Industry Response" to a number of groups. (See Appendix B.)
    
2. Executive Summary
   
   During the Alliance's past year, the OSHA and GAC Alliance implementation team worked on many projects to provide GAC members and others with information, guidance and access to training resources to help protect employees' health and safety, including reducing and preventing exposure to ergonomic concerns found in printing operations as well as promoting safe work practices in the industry.
   
   GAC members continued to serve on OSHA's Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics page's editorial board, providing expert input on an ongoing basis to OSHA to help maintain the page. In addition, the Alliance implementation team provided expertise and information during the development of OSHA's draft Printing Industry Ergonomics eTool – Lithography Module, which identifies potential hazards and solutions for various lithographic processes. The team also began the development of two additional modules for the eTool on Flexography and Screen Printing.
   
   In addition, Danielle Waterfield and Jim Kyger represented the OSHA and GAC Alliance at the Alliance Program Hazard Communication Roundtable on February 15, 2005. Ms. Waterfield and Mr. Kyger helped to identify outreach and compliance assistance projects the Alliance Program participants could work on together, including the development of training and outreach materials for small businesses.
   
   OSHA's also took advantage of many speaking and exhibiting opportunities to reach the printing industry. Jim Washam, Machine Guarding Coordinator in OSHA's Region V Cincinnati, Ohio, Area Office gave a presentation, entitled "Stop the Presses, LO/TO in the Printing Industry" at the 2004 NSC Congress and Expo, which was held September 10-14, 2004, in New Orleans, Louisiana. OSHA provided publications, including an OSHA and GAC Alliance Fact Sheet, for distribution at a booth staffed by USDOL at the SGIA ‘O4: The Specialty Printing and Imaging Technology Show, which was held October 6-9, 2004, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Paula White, Director of the Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs, made a presentation entitled, "OSHA – On the Radar Screen and Working for You" to approximately 120 attendees at the 2005 NEHS Conference, which was held in Tampa, Florida, March 6-8, 2005. In addition, Joan Spencer, Compliance Assistance Specialist, Tampa, Florida Area Office, USDOL-OSHA, staffed an OSHA and GAC Alliance exhibit booth at the 2005 NEHS conference.
   
   Representatives from the GAC also spoke on numerous occasions about ergonomics in the printing industry. On October 8, 2004, Marci Kinter, Vice President, Government Affairs, and Danielle Waterfield, Government Affairs Associate, with the SGIA made a presentation entitled, "Safety First: Developing Your Safety Program," to workshop attendees at SGIA '04: the Specialty Printing and Imaging Technology Show, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Similarly, on March 7, 2005, Danielle Waterfield, Government Affairs Associate, SGIA, presented "Developing the Printing Industry's Ergonomics Guidelines" to approximately 30 breakout session attendees at the National Environmental, Health and Safety Conference, which was in Tampa, Florida. Additionally, Gary Jones, manager for Environmental, Health and Safety Affairs at the PIA/GATF spoke to a number of groups about ergonomics in the printing industry.
    
3. Alliance Program Reach

IV. Upcoming Milestones

The OSHA and GAC Alliance implementation team will undertake a number of activities in the upcoming year. The GAC will continue provide input and expertise to develop OSHA's Ergonomics eTool for the Printing Industry. The Alliance implementation team members will focus on finalizing the Lithography Module of the eTool. After the draft module is complete, OSHA will begin its clearance process. In addition, they are also providing information for the development of the tool's Flexography and Screen Printing Modules. The implementation team will also continue to review and update, as necessary, OSHA's Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics page.

The Alliance implementation team has also identified a number of opportunities to reach out to the printing industry's employers and employees regarding workplace safety and health through speeches, publications or their associations' Web sites. Gary Jones will discuss the products and activities of the OSHA and GAC Alliance as member of a panel on the "Successes of Ergonomics Programs" at the 2005 National Safety Council Congress and Expo September 17-23, 2005, in Orlando, Florida. This panel will also feature an OSHA representative and other Alliance Program participants. In addition, the GAC Alliance implementation team members will explore the development of Web pages about the OSHA and GAC Alliance on their respective associations' Web sites. The team members will also identify opportunities to publish articles developed by OSHA about its Consultation Program and Hispanic outreach resources in their associations' newsletters and magazines.

In addition, members of the GAC will participate in the Alliance Program Hazard Communication follow-up workgroup meetings and the Alliance Program Small Business Roundtables, which OSHA anticipates hosting in the summer of 2005. The roundtable and workgroup attendees will learn about other Alliance Program participants' activities and products and identify potential projects that they can work on with other Alliance Program participants.

The OSHA and GAC Alliance will consider opportunities to promote and educate others on safety and health issues associated with the printing industry, such as GAC members' annual meetings and trade shows, including the 2006 National Environmental Health and Safety Conference in scheduled for March 27-29, 2006, in Indianapolis, Indiana.


Report prepared by: Elizabeth Sherfy, Alliance Coordinator, Office of Outreach Services and Alliances, October 21, 2005