WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 -- An Alliance between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and a printing industry coalition formed nearly two years ago was renewed in a signing ceremony here today. OSHA Administrator John Henshaw signed a two-year renewal for the Graphic Arts Coalition (GAC) Alliance to provide even more opportunities for continued achievement in advancing workplace safety and health. GAC, formerly known as the Printing Industry Alliance, is comprised of the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation/Printing Industries of America; Specialty Graphic Imaging Association; Flexographic Technical Association; and Gravure Association of America. "We're making good progress to further workplace safety and health in the printing industry thanks to nearly two years of hard work by the Coalition and OSHA," Henshaw said. "It's important now that we continue the positive strides we've made and we welcome the opportunity to keep this Alliance moving forward toward the ultimate goal of a completely injury- and illness-free industry." "We are very pleased to be able to renew and expand our Alliance with OSHA," the GAC said in a joint statement. "The past year, our efforts focused on ergonomic issues and much has been accomplished. It is a testament to both the industry and OSHA that this new agreement seeks to expand the areas in which we will work cooperatively." The renewal calls for a continuing safety and health focus in reducing and preventing exposure to ergonomic concerns found in printing operations, as well as promoting safe work practices throughout the entire industry. As a direct result of the Alliance, OSHA revised its Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics webpage that provides numerous resources of information relevant to the industry. Both organizations have participated in various industry-related conferences, including the National Environmental, Health & Safety Conference for the Graphic Communications Industries in Louisville, Ky., last March (Henshaw was the keynote speaker). The Alliance has also allowed Coalition members to publish several articles in trade newsletters and magazines focusing on the goals of the agreement, and also participate in OSHA's first two annual Compliance Assistance Conferences. The renewed Alliance outlines specific communications goals, including the development of a web-based training tool ("eTool") for the printing industry and continuing updates to the Printing Industry Safety and Health Topics webpage. Both organizations will also develop and maintain a speaker's kit on topics covered in the Alliance, as well as the overall safety and health profile of the printing industry. (The Envelope Manufacturers Association was an original Alliance signatory; however, they did not participate in the renewal since the issues are not a current focus for the organization.) OSHA is dedicated to assuring worker safety and health. Safety and health add value to business, the workplace and life. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.