While safety is always at the top of our customer's priority list, often OSHA rules and regulations are not so clear-cut to some of our customer's or at least the individuals working in the production environment. Generally speaking it is APR's focus to provide new innovative ideas and products to make the printers life easier, more efficient, or improve printability. However, I would like to take this opportunity to address some of the most frequently asked questions asked of our TSG as they perform a pressroom audits as it relates to safety. After all, safety is our number one priority, right?

Employers are required by OSHA to provide workers with information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work areas when they are first assigned and whenever a new hazardous chemical is introduced. Employees must be told about the OSHA requirements, the operations in their work area where hazardous chemicals are present, and the location and availability of the company's written hazard communication program.

Here we have listed some of the most common OSHA violations cited in the printing industry.

Flexography: Principles & Practices 5th Edition
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I’m sure some of the items listed above may inspire you to walk through certain areas of your production facility and perform a safety assessment of your own. While some of the above listed violations seem like a blatant disregard for safety, others are may be every day minor occurrences. On the wrong day at the wrong time, the use of an unapproved extension cord or discarding an OSHA poster after it has fallen could result in a fine after a random OSHA inspection. Something as innocent looking as the disposal of a used shop towel brings uncertainty to the faces of personnel when asked about proper disposal.

[Note: A towel is considered a listed hazardous waste if it either contains listed waste, or is otherwise mixed with hazardous waste. Reusable or disposable towels must be used and handled in an environmentally sound manner to ensure compliance with applicable state and feral regulations. When choosing reusable rental towels it is important that the printer use a reputable and that they handle the towels properly. The user (the printer) is ultimately responsible for the destiny of the effluents.]

OSHA inspections may occur at random or as a result of a report made to OSHA. After the inspection, the CSHO reports the findings to the Area Director who evaluates them. If a violation exists, OSHA will issue a Citation and Notification of Penalty detailing the exact nature of the violations(s) and the associated penalties. A citation informs the business of the alleged violations(s) and proposes the appropriate dollar penalties.

If you want to learn more about this subject, please feel free to reach out to us by calling 1-800-445-4017, or by e-mail at: [email protected].

All Printing Resources has formed our Technical Solutions Group (TSG) to encompass our full range of expertise in critical areas of the flexo process. This team is made up of industry professionals dedicated to being up-to-date on new technologies along with best practices. They are armed with the latest in diagnostic tools, and are experienced in problem-solving that can achieve sustainable results. The TSG have walked in your shoes, and have felt your pain.

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