Ergonomics Pact for Associations, OSHA

PIA has joined with the Screenprinting and Graphic Imaging Association International and the Envelope Manufacturers Association to form an alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to improve ergonomic safety. The alliance seeks to improve awareness, education, and training on ergonomics issues.

"The printing industry is considered one of the safest manufacturing industries in the country, and that is the result of our industry constantly striving to eradicate all workplace injuries," says Ben Cooper, PIA's executive vice president of public affairs. "We appreciate the efforts of Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao and Assistant Secretary of OSHA John Henshaw to work with our industry to make it safer for the one million-plus workers employed by graphic communications companies."

Chao's approach to reducing ergonomic workplace injuries calls for industry alliances and voluntary guidelines. Says Cooper, "Labor Secretary Chao's approach is much more likely to reduce injuries than the recently rescinded OSHA Ergonomic Standard, because it permits industries like ours to focus on the most hazardous job tasks and dedicate resources to solving those problems first. We look forward to developing ergonomics solutions and training tools to reduce injuries and cut workers' compensation costs in printing plants."

PIA, he notes, has a long history of successfully working with regulators. For example, PIA staff has worked with the Environmental Protection Agency to develop programs to assist small businesses in complying with regulations.

Cooper explains, "We are looking forward to developing an excellent working relationship with OSHA for the future. PIA is already working with OSHA on an e-training project, a possible grant, and other voluntary industry guidelines. We believe that these initiatives will help graphic communications companies continue to reduce injuries, lower costs, and increase awareness about the importance of good safety programs."