NEHS '05 Conference Addresses Industry's Key Regulatory Strategies & Emerging Issues

for immediate release

FAIRFAX, VA — To help graphic communications businesses cope with and manage the myriad of challenges that are increasingly termed environmental, safety and health challenges, five industry organizations have partnered to sponsor the tenth annual National Environmental, Health and Safety Conference (NEHS) for the Graphic Communications Industries.

To be held March 6-8 at the Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza in Tampa, Florida, the NEHS conference is the only national event designed for those responsible for environmental health and safety compliance—regardless of the printing processes (i.e., screen, lithography, flexography, gravure, digital printing) employed.

The largest industry event of its kind, NEHS ’05 is sponsored by the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA), the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF), Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA), Gravure Association of America (GAA), and the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM). 

Many additional groups — ranging from local printing associations to national specialty institutions are supporting the conference.

“The increasing DOT crack-down on hazardous material transportation, air permit requirements, and hazardous waste disposal are just some of the more significant compliance factors to affect industry businesses in the last few years,” states Marci Kinter, SGIA’s Vice President of Government Affairs.  “Successful printers embrace these requirements and use them to reduce their operating costs … as well as pollution … through general pollution prevention programs.”

Kinter also points out that, due to concerns regarding safety and security, printers have implemented plant and product security measures to both reassure customers and comply with increasing federal regulations related to homeland security.

One of the most beneficial aspects of the NEHS conference is that attendees learn proven, effective strategies from the industry’s best experts.

Conference Chairman Gary Jones says that, “NEHS is the only program designed for printers by printers.  The centerpiece of the program is the case studies and networking opportunities that allow printers to share their experiences.  Every year, those who attend the conference leave with valuable information and strategies that can be applied immediately for a positive return on investment.”

In terms of plant security, NEHS ’05 attendees will learn the top ten tips on how to assess and improve their security plans and identify the most common vulnerabilities and practices that they can implement in their own facilities to address specific security efforts.  Providing an in-depth review of the regulations for hazardous materials and wastes handled by printers — and learning which DOT requirements for hazardous material security measures apply to graphic arts operations — attendees will also have the opportunity to receive DOT-required HazMat training.

Breakout sessions (18 in all) will address: establishing environmental, health and safety policies; air permitting; common OSHA violations; recycling universal waste; lockout/tagout; ergonomics; establishing a “safety culture”; pressroom fire safety; and more.  While some sessions are tailored to specific printing processes, others are designed for printers of all equipment types. 

In a practical general session, Betty Hosteny of SunCare Environmental Services will explore how to develop and communicate a meaningful environmental, health and safety policy within the context of a comprehensive management system.  Steve Lovett from the American Forest & Paper Association will present an overview of the impact of Nongovernment Organizations (NGOs) on the product line. Topping the conference off, the Tuesday General Session will feature Paula White, OSHA Director of Cooperative and State Programs, as she presents OSHA’s plan for 2005 and the new regulatory developments that affect everyday operations. A respected graphic arts industry representative will also scan the regulatory horizon in the U.S. EPA looking for new trends, efforts and programs that may become either challenges or opportunities in the not-too-distant future.

Beyond these valuable issue updates, participants can also take advantage of hands-on activities, networking functions and other important functions.

Members of the sponsoring organizations qualify for a $200 discount on the non-member registration fee of $695.  Registrants from plants with 20 or fewer employees are eligible for a special reduced registration rate of $295 for small printers.

For more information about NEHS ’05 — or to obtain registration information, please contact Mary Jo Piper at SGIA headquarters.  Telephone: 888.385.3588.  E-mail: mpiper@sgia.org.  Also, be sure to visit the updated NEHS web site online at: www.nehsconference.org.

SGIA is Leading a New Generation of Imaging Professionals — “Specialty imaging” comprises digital imaging, screen printing and the many other imaging technologies SGIA members use, including those they’ll tap in the future. These are the imaging processes and technologies employed to create new products and to enhance existing products including point-of-purchase displays, signs, advertisements, garments, containers, and vehicles. To make the most of your specialty imaging business, take full advantage of the information on SGIA.org. Then, experience the specialty graphic imaging industry first-hand at SGIA’05 (September 28–October 1, New Orleans, Louisiana).

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