Representatives from various printing industries gathered in Jacksonville, FL for the National Environmental Health and Safety Conference (NEHS) to explore and define solutions for hot topics in the printing industry. The event, held March 12-14 and co-sponsored by the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA), featured two general sessions, 12 breakout sessions, and 12 informal roundtable discussions that covered the latest safety, health, and environmental issues affecting the graphic-communications industries. The event also included exhibits, a Resource Safari, awards luncheon, and a meet-and-greet reception.

Human resources issues, such as privacy in the workplace and selling safety to management personnel, also were covered. Another hot topic included corporate sustainability and its growing presence in industries such as specialty imaging. NEHS keynote speaker Calvin Frost, of Channeled Resources, pointed out that sustainability is causing a shift in the printing industry as it takes on a more prominent role in the global economy.

“The response to the conference’s expanded roundtable format was overwhelmingly positive,” says Marci Kinter, SGIA’s vice president of government and business information. “At each roundtable, attendees from various printing industries were openly sharing information and giving each other ideas and solutions. Many were jotting down to-dos for when they returned to their facilities.” Mark your calendar for NEHS 2008, which is scheduled for Mar 10-12. For more information, visit www.nehsconference.org.