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Government Agencies File Final Reports on Quad/Graphics Lomira Fire

Press release from the issuing company

February 5, 2003 -- Quad/Graphics announces that the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Wisconsin Department of Commerce (DOC) have filed their final reports on the collapse of and subsequent fire at Quad/Graphics' Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) in Lomira, Wis., on July 12, 2002. Information contained within the reports show that the ASRS collapse and fire was not the result of any violations by Quad/Graphics or misconduct by any Quad/Graphics personnel. No fines or penalties were issued to Quad/Graphics by either OSHA or the DOC. Through its investigation, OSHA confirmed that Quad/Graphics had not created any workplace-related conditions at the Lomira facility that exposed workers to unsafe working conditions. OSHA closed its investigation earlier this month. The DOC, which filed its report today, found deficiencies in the design, engineering supervision, welder qualifications and materials used by professionals and contractors hired to erect the ASRS. Quad/Graphics received notice of these violations as the owner of the property, which is required by state law. "We are pleased to have cooperated with OSHA and the Department of Commerce throughout their investigations and are gratified to know that the collapse and fire were not the result of any violations or improper actions on the part of Quad/Graphics or its employees," said Tom Quadracci, President and CEO of Quad/Graphics. Also included in the DOC report was a citation concerning an audible alarm system located within the ASRS. Though the final wiring was still being completed, the sprinklers and main alarm system were fully operational and notified employees of the fire. Quad/Graphics worked cooperatively with OSHA and the DOC to complete these reports.