FTA and industry partners renew OSHA alliance

Flexographic Technical Association, a member of the Graphic Arts Coalition (GAC), renewed an alliance agreement with the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in late July.

In addition to FTA, GAC is comprised of: the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA); the Gravure Association of America (GAA); and the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF).

Established in 2002, the Alliance’s mission is to provide GAC members and others with information, guidance and access to training resources that will 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. For its part, OSHA recognizes companies that are making a good-faith effort to reduce injuries and illness in the workplace.

‘FTA is pleased to have such an effective and productive working relationship with OSHA,’ commented Doreen M. Monteleone, FTA director of membership & EHS services. ‘The results of this alliance have been beneficial to the whole printing industry.  We look forward to continued cooperative efforts.’

The Alliance's most impressive accomplishment to date has been the development of ergonomics eTools for all segments of the printing industry. They are being made available on OSHA’s website http://www.osha.gov/. The flexographic version, which received significant industry input, is expected to be released in late summer.

The 2006 agreement focuses on hazard communication, and the development of innovative solutions on safety and health issues relating to machine guarding and lockout/tagout. Additionally, the docket calls for the development a speaker’s kit on topics covered in this Alliance as well as the overall safety and health profile of the industry.