The papers are a culmination of studies that were carried out, in collaboration with the BPIF, across eight print sites between March 2010 and July 2011. The HSE previously carried out noise data studies in print between 1985 and 1994, to inform industry specific guidance on acceptable exposure levels, following the introduction of health and safety regulations in 1984. Then with the introduction of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations in 2005, the HSE began revising guidance across a range industries and developing industry specific microsites, on the HSE website, to inform those affected. During these latest studies the HSE found that although noise levels in print have decreased by six decibels (dB) since the 90s, average daily exposure is still above recommended levels. The ‘lower exposure action value’ should be 80dB according to the 2005 regulations, while the latest data shows that printers are being exposed to around 85dB. HSE inspector Alison Crank said: “Long term noise at these levels is hazardous and the regulations require programmes for noise control to be put in place.” The HSE data splits noise risk into three main areas of printing including reel hands, press workers and post-press activities. Crank said that although exposures varied for all three, most exceeded the lower exposure action values and many also exceeded the upper recommended values, which could result in long-term health issues. The findings will be uploaded onto the HSE website in the comings months, while print industry specific guidance is also in development....

The papers are a culmination of studies that were carried out, in collaboration with the BPIF, across eight print sites between March 2010 and July 2011. The HSE previously carried out noise data studies in print between 1985 and 1994, to inform industry specific guidance on acceptable exposure levels, following the introduction of health and safety regulations in 1984. Then with the introduction of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations in 2005, the HSE began revising guidance across a range industries and developing industry specific microsites, on the HSE website, to inform those affected. During these latest studies the HSE found that although noise levels in print have decreased by six decibels (dB) since the 90s, average daily exposure is still above recommended levels. The ‘lower exposure action value’ should be 80dB according to the 2005 regulations, while the latest data shows that printers are being exposed to around 85dB. HSE inspector Alison Crank said: “Long term noise at these levels is hazardous and the regulations require programmes for noise control to be put in place.” The HSE data splits noise risk into three main areas of printing including reel hands, press workers and post-press activities. Crank said that although exposures varied for all three, most exceeded the lower exposure action values and many also exceeded the upper recommended values, which could result in long-term health issues. The findings will be uploaded onto the HSE website in the comings months, while print industry specific guidance is also in development....

The spend at its main Radstock site includes two new mono Nuvera 314EA duplexing digital presses with integrated Plus Finishing Solution for personalised booklet manufacturing and a Nuvera 144MX digital press with a Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) facility for cut sheet cheque fulfilment. The equipment was installed a fortnight ago and replaces two older models. Additionally an iGen 150, which is due to be installed next month following building modifications, will add to Radstock’s exisiting iGen, doubling the site’s digital colour capacity Meanwhile the business took delivery of an iGen4 at its Livingston, Scotland site two weeks ago, boosting digital colour output, and is set to receive a duplexing Nuvera 288EA mono digital press and a DP4635MX MICR printer for cut-sheet cheque fulfillment in the coming weeks. Managing director Dave Broadway: “The investments provide synergy between the two sites and mean that the business can roll out our Downstream Access service, Docmail, in Scotland. “We are very involved with the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland and by commencing Docmail production we will provide major cost savings for a lot of small firms as well as business continuity and disaster recovery solutions.” Broadway said that he anticipated, with the additional output, adding to the 25-strong Livingston workforce in the near future. Formerly FST Technologies, the Livingston transactional mail facility was bought out of administration by CFH in October 2011 and is currently being rebranded as CFH Scotland. In April this year, the business became the second company in Scotland to be awarded cheque printing accreditation....

The organisation’s latest Printing Outlook showed while just over half of companies surveyed in July reported no change in demand, 28% experienced an improvement in volume of domestic orders outweighing the 19% that experienced a deterioration, and exceeding last quarters’ predictions. According to the quarterly survey, it was the first time that the actual performance of printers was ahead of forecast for more than two years and coincided with signs the general UK economy improved further during the period. BPIF chief executive Kathy Woodward told PrintWeek: “Printers are coming out of the rabbit-in-the-headlight phase and taking strategic decisions on their future positioning and how they need to expand what they do. They are addressing this in a mature way.” The survey found that overall quarterly improvement had prompted more optimism for demand in the third quarter. Again, most did not expect any change to order levels but those anticipating a pick-up in the market accounted for nearly a third of respondents. Confidence in the state of trade in the industry has also improved from last quarter’s downbeat expectations, the report found. With over a quarter, or 27%, believing the general state of the market had improved in the three-month period. However, while this was the highest reading for nine quarters it was “tempered” by the fact that a similar amount of firms, 24%, reported deterioration, the report cautioned. The overall small positive result suggested a gradual return in confidence rather than complete belief trade was firmly on the up, said Woodward, insisting the fourth quarter would be “the real barometer”. The online trading trends survey was carried out during the first two weeks of July and received responses from 91 companies employing 6,771 people. Competitors pricing below cost remained the issue most frequently chosen by companies as one of their top three business concerns, with four fifths flagging this up in July. Under utilisation of capital equipment was the second ranked concern, chosen by just over a third of respondents, with late payment by customers third, almost a quarter. Most printers saw no change in staffing levels but some cut jobs due to a weak start to 2013. Over a quarter paid more for energy in the second quarter in contrast to little changes in costs for paper, board and ink. Investment intentions meanwhile focused on product and process innovation, training and machinery. More than 90% aimed to spend more or the same on products, processes and training over the coming year. Woodward said: “The primary investment focus for almost three-quarters of respondents shows there is continued investment in kit, training and product and process improvement in our industry. “Energy costs will be an on-going issue, as we are...

The organisation’s latest Printing Outlook showed while just over half of companies surveyed in July reported no change in demand, 28% experienced an improvement in volume of domestic orders outweighing the 19% that experienced a deterioration, and exceeding last quarters’ predictions. According to the quarterly survey, it was the first time that the actual performance of printers was ahead of forecast for more than two years and coincided with signs the general UK economy improved further during the period. BPIF chief executive Kathy Woodward told PrintWeek: “Printers are coming out of the rabbit-in-the-headlight phase and taking strategic decisions on their future positioning and how they need to expand what they do. They are addressing this in a mature way.” The survey found that overall quarterly improvement had prompted more optimism for demand in the third quarter. Again, most did not expect any change to order levels but those anticipating a pick-up in the market accounted for nearly a third of respondents. Confidence in the state of trade in the industry has also improved from last quarter’s downbeat expectations, the report found. With over a quarter, or 27%, believing the general state of the market had improved in the three-month period. However, while this was the highest reading for nine quarters it was “tempered” by the fact that a similar amount of firms, 24%, reported deterioration, the report cautioned. The overall small positive result suggested a gradual return in confidence rather than complete belief trade was firmly on the up, said Woodward, insisting the fourth quarter would be “the real barometer”. The online trading trends survey was carried out during the first two weeks of July and received responses from 91 companies employing 6,771 people. Competitors pricing below cost remained the issue most frequently chosen by companies as one of their top three business concerns, with four fifths flagging this up in July. Under utilisation of capital equipment was the second ranked concern, chosen by just over a third of respondents, with late payment by customers third, almost a quarter. Most printers saw no change in staffing levels but some cut jobs due to a weak start to 2013. Over a quarter paid more for energy in the second quarter in contrast to little changes in costs for paper, board and ink. Investment intentions meanwhile focused on product and process innovation, training and machinery. More than 90% aimed to spend more or the same on products, processes and training over the coming year. Woodward said: “The primary investment focus for almost three-quarters of respondents shows there is continued investment in kit, training and product and process improvement in our industry. “Energy costs will be an on-going issue, as we are...