Techno Bits/Technical Bulletins

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has unveiled a new eTool for the printing industry.

The eTool focuses on workers involved in printing processes who may be at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from workplace activities which may require them to work outside their physical capacities (e.g., lifting heavy items or lifting too often, or working in awkward body postures).

The new eTool is a direct result of the Agency's alliance with the Graphic Arts Coalition (GAC). The GAC is comprised of the four following associations:

1. Graphic Arts Technical Foundation/Printing Industries of America
2. Specialty Graphic Imaging Association
3. Flexographic Technical Association
4. Gravure Association of America

While OSHA's eTools do not themselves create any new requirements, they are intended to be "stand-alone", interactive, Web-based training tools specializing in occupational safety and health topics.

This new eTool can be found at http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/products/etools/printing/

More information on the Graphic Arts Coalition can be located at: http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/gac/gac.html

Posted - April 12, 2006