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A Controlled Decking Zone (CDZ) is a designated work area used during steel erection and metal decking operations where crews perform leading-edge decking work before permanent fall protection systems are fully installed.
While OSHA allows limited exceptions to conventional fall protection within a CDZ, these zones present significant fall hazards if they are not properly established, controlled, and monitored. The primary risk in a CDZ is exposure to unprotected edges and unsecured decking panels. Steel decking installation often occurs at heights between 15 and 30 feet above a lower level, where workers may be exposed to fall hazards during initial deck placement. SEAA’s annual Project of the Year contest offers categories for Structural Steel, Miscellaneous Metals and, new this year, Reinforcing Steel. Projects are judged against projects with similar project values.
This year, five projects are being recognized, and four of them are first time winners! Companies will be recognized during the 2026 Convention & Trade Show in Kansas City, Missouri, May 5-8. Last week, the Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) recognized 25 women as part of its Steel Strong Women in Construction campaign. Nominations came from across the industry, with this year’s honorees representing the full spectrum of roles in which women are making an impact in steel construction, from ironworkers in the field to business owners leading their companies.
“Now in its second year, our Steel Strong Women in Construction campaign saw nearly a 50% increase in nominations, reflecting growing engagement and impact,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director. “The initiative was created to elevate the perspectives of women in our niche of construction and to support the annual Women in Construction Week hosted by the National Association of Women in Construction.” The first week of May marks Construction Safety Week, an opportunity for contractors to engage crews in meaningful conversations and reinforce a shared commitment to jobsite safety.
SEAA will release a Safety Flash and poster focused on the Controlled Decking Zone (CDZ). The information reinforces best practices and awareness around CDZ requirements and can be displayed in job trailers, training rooms, or other common areas.
Additional hazards include damaged or improperly rated rigging gear, sling failure caused by sharp rebar edges, and uncontrolled loads when taglines are not used or lift points are poorly positioned. These risks increase when crews do not establish standard lift points or skip a final check of connections before signaling the crane operator.
 “NASCC is worth every penny a company would spend. The return on investment is incredible!” - Curtis Harmon, Erector at Deem Structural Services
Join more than 6,500 structural steel enthusiasts in Atlanta for NASCC: The Steel Conference, taking place April 22–24 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Choose from nearly 300 technical sessions and explore more than 280 products and services that can help you build better with steel—all at one unmissable event. Get the latest insights straight from leading field experts on topics like:
Registration opens January 26, and prices go up every week until the conference. Reserve your spot early to lock in the best possible rate! Learn more and register at aisc.org/nascc. The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) will host its National Convention & Trade Show May 5–8, 2026, at the Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The event brings together steel erection and fabrication professionals for practical business and workforce development discussions and opportunities to connect directly with peers and industry leaders. Attendees will also have access to the Trade Show, featuring new technologies and solutions for steel contractors.
The keynote speaker for the 2026 Convention will be Jim “The Rookie” Morris, whose remarkable career shift from high school science teacher to Major League Baseball pitcher was immortalized in the Disney film The Rookie. Morris will speak on mentorship, leadership, and the impact of surrounding yourself with people who elevate your potential.
“These bonus training aids are available to SEAA members at no cost and are designed to make implementation of craft training more manageable at the company level,” said Tim Eldridge, President of Education Services Unlimited and SEAA Training Coordinator. “They reflect our commitment to providing practical safety, education, and craft training resources that help members turn curriculum into action.”
We’re excited to announce significant updates to our annual award programs, giving members new opportunities for recognition. Submissions for the Project of the Year Award are due December 15, 2025, and entries for the Safety and Craft Training Excellence Awards are due January 31, 2026.
What’s New This Year For the first time, the Project of the Year Award will feature a dedicated category for Reinforcing Steel projects. This addition ensures that rebar contractors are evaluated alongside their peers for similar types of work. Rebar projects can now be submitted under two contract value classes—up to $500,000 and over $500,000—covering a range of project types including transportation, building structures, industrial and utility, and specialty work. The Safety & Education Committee has also expanded its Safety Excellence Award to include a new category for Fabricators, recognizing members that demonstrate outstanding safety performance and best practices. Like the Erector Safety Excellence Award, it uses a points-based system evaluating EMR ratings, OSHA logs, citations, safety programs, and training initiatives. NCCER has announced updates to its crane operator certification program to streamline the testing process and better align certifications with specific crane types. The new model introduces one written assessment and one practical exam for each type of crane, allowing operators to be tested only on the equipment they use in the field.
The change is intended to reduce unnecessary testing requirements and improve clarity for training providers and employers. Under the simplified structure, certification options now include Industrial/Carry Deck, Telescopic Boom, Boom Truck, Lattice Boom and Overhead Crane. Articulating Boom and Service Truck are pending ANAB accreditation. The new program is currently available. The existing crane certification program will remain in place until April 2026, allowing providers time to adjust. However, the two models should not be combined within the same certification path. As the year winds down, SEAA is gearing up for an exciting 2026 and we want to ensure every member is ready to take full advantage of the programs, resources, and industry connections that shape our association. All 2026 membership renewals are due by November 30, and we encourage you to submit your payment soon to avoid any interruption in benefits.
Membership in SEAA is more than an annual invoice it’s an investment in your workforce, your business, and the future of steel construction. Renewing keeps your company connected to SEAA’s expanding network, including access to Craft Training & Apprenticeship resources, safety and education initiatives, peer groups, industry best practices, and exclusive member discounts. These tools are designed to support teams in the field and in the office, helping companies stay competitive in a fast-moving market. We also extend our thanks to the many members who have already renewed. Your early action strengthens our ability to deliver timely programs, elevate the voice of steel erectors, and expand opportunities for collaboration across our community. SEAA is proud to recognize several member companies ranked among the Top 20 Firms in Steel Construction in ENR’s 2025 Top 600 Specialty Contractors list, an exceptional accomplishment in a highly competitive market. These firms earned their place during a year shaped by rising material costs and ongoing pressure on project timelines.
Despite these pressures, ENR reports that the Top 600 specialty contractors collectively saw an 11.8% revenue increase, with more than 97% reporting profit growth. Industry leaders say that strong relationships and steady, well-managed project controls continue to make the difference. ENR also notes that skilled labor remains a major challenge. Even so, many top firms are turning that challenge into progress by expanding training efforts and creating clearer paths for new workers entering the trades. The following SEAA member companies were ranked in the Top 20 Steel Construction Firms:  Every successful steel erection project depends on teamwork and careful planning. Whether hoisting structural members, rebar cages, or bundles of deck, every lift includes several moving parts. When that coordination slips, even small details can lead to unnecessary risk.
Pre-lift planning is one of the best tools we have to ensure safe and efficient operations. It brings operators, riggers, and ironworkers to the same table to review the load, ground conditions, and the lift path. By talking through each step, crews can catch oversights early and align on responsibilities, communication, and stop-work authority. As highlighted in Spring 2024 issue of Connector, lift directors play a vital role in this process, but effective lift planning is truly a team effort. When every person involved understands the “why” behind the plan, they’re more likely to speak up, double-check, and support one another in maintaining control of the lift.
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 Oldsmar, FL — 08/15/2025 — Gardner-Watson, a leading provider of commercial metal decking installation, proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Founded in 2005, Gardner-Watson has grown from a small decking business into a respected name in the Steel erection industry. Over the past 20 years, the company has expanded its operations, built lasting customer relationships, and maintained a strong focus on Safety.
 The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) is now accepting nominations for the SteelStrong Women in Construction initiative, which recognizes women that are advancing the steel construction industry. The program is designed to showcase women serving in a variety of capacities, from ironworkers and field supervisors to project managers, executives, and business owners.
 Jobsites are crowded with moving equipment, blind spots, and constantly changing conditions. Combine that with working in tight spaces, and the spotter quickly becomes a critical safety control. Their role is not only to react to hazards but to anticipate and prevent them by walking paths, scanning the work area, and guiding operators before problems arise.
One SEAA member reported a serious incident in a 60 ft. boom lift: An operator working alone extended into the third level of a building to level and weld steel tubes. As he maneuvered the boom, the bottom of the basket became lodged against a tube. After several attempts, the basket broke loose and the stored torque in the boom caused the platform to catapult upward nearly eight feet, resulting in an injury. This type of incident underscores why spotters are so critical. A trained spotter, positioned on the ground with a clear view would have recognized the obstruction and helped to guide the operator around it to prevent the incident from occurring.  Left to right: Jon Mosebach - L.R. Willson & Sons, Inc., Carrie Gulajan - Construction Insurance Agency, Inc., Austin Reiner - Derr & Gruenewald Construction LLC, Mike Mulsow - FM Steel Construction LLC, Tanner Myers - Cumberland Steel Company, LLC, Joel Hall - Porter Steel, Inc. (Missing: Jason McElrath, MP Specialty Insurance) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) has announced new appointments to its Board of Directors, welcoming a mix of returning leaders and fresh voices from across the steel erection industry.
Returning to the board are Carrie Gulajan of Construction Insurance Agency, Inc. and Jason McElrath of MP Specialty Insurance. Gulajan, a longtime SEAA member and past board member, has been actively involved with the association for more than 15 years. McElrath joined the board in 2021. Both bring deep experience in contractor-focused insurance and continue to support the association’s mission. SEAA has entered into an agreement with Engine, a travel platform for booking flights, hotels, and car rental. Their services include options for booking for large groups and extended stays.
“Through this formal agreement, SEAA can now offer its members access to discounts on hotels, averaging 26% savings over booking direct,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA. Engine’s travel platform saves businesses time and money through an intuitive travel network that connects to nearly every hotel, airline, and car rental company in the United States. It offers single invoice billing, the flexibility to modify trips at any time, and a unified view of all company travel expenses. SEAA is currently seeking dedicated members to join several of its key committees. This is a valuable opportunity for those looking to make an impact within the industry while contributing to the organization's growth and success.
We have openings in the following committees:
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Association celebrates individual contributions to member recruitment
His efforts have helped expand SEAA’s reach, strengthen peer group involvement, and support programs that benefit contractors of all sizes.
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