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.

Per OSHA’s website:

A new international standard for MEWPs is changing the way controls on boom lifts and scissor lifts are designed. ISO 21455 (Operator’s controls – Actuation, displacement, location, and method of operation) was published in 2020 to define rules for safeguarding persons and objects against the risk of accidents associated with the operation of MEWPs.

It’s an opportunity to share challenges and solutions related to workforce development, safety, operations, and business management in an open, collaborative setting. The Peer Group session will begin at 3:30 PM, giving attendees a chance to connect with others in the steel construction industry.

Following the Peer Group discussion, attendees are invited to stay for an informal Meet & Greet from 6:00–8:00 PM, also at the Omni Providence Hotel. This casual networking reception is the perfect way to expand your network, exchange ideas, and discover valuable resources for hiring, training, and running your business.

Whether you’re a long-time SEAA member or new to the association, Steel Connections provides a unique opportunity to engage with peers in your region and gain fresh insights into industry best practices. Attendees often walk away with actionable ideas they can implement in their own companies, while also building stronger ties within the steel erection and fabrication community.
Interested companies are also encouraged to sponsor the event for added visibility. Sponsorship inquiries can be directed to Kathy Epperson at [email protected].

To register and learn more about the event, visit: https://www.seaa.net/meetings-and-upcoming-events.html#steelconnections.

Hosted in the Steel City, this year’s Convention & Trade Show was one of our biggest yet. With record-breaking attendance, and a sold-out trade show, the energy throughout the week was electric. From river views and inspiring education sessions, to honoring the people and projects driving the industry forward, the message was clear: SEAA’s momentum is building- and we’re just getting started.

SEAA is offering two limited-time promotions for companies planning to participate in the 2026 Convention & Trade Show, scheduled for May 5–8, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces the winners of its 2025 Projects of the Year- consisting of both specialty steel installation and structural steel construction.

“These projects are excellent examples of how steel erectors bring a variety of services to construction projects. Two of the winners served as both the fabricator and erector on the job and worked closely with the Engineer of Record to find workable solutions to original design plans. Another is a crane services provider, with unique access to rigging, cranes, and lift planning in addition to steel and concrete panel erection services,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA. And for the first time, one of the winners is a specialty services provider—an industrial contractor that perform structural installations of material handling systems.

Winners receive trophies, feature article coverage in Connector magazine, and the chance to participate in peer panel discussions. Summaries provided below.

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces the winners of its 2025 Safety Excellence and Craft Training Excellence Awards. These honors highlight member companies who demonstrate exceptional performance in workplace safety and the training of ironworkers. Awards were presented at SEAA’s 2025 Convention & Trade Show in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 5-9, 2025.

“This year’s recipients demonstrate what’s possible when safety and training are treated as top priorities,” said Jason Farris, Chairman of SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. “Their commitment to safety and workforce development is essential for the future of our trade. These are companies that lead by example, invest in their people, and prove that excellence is achievable at every level.”

Recipients are selected through a blind evaluation process led by the association’s Safety & Education Committee. Submissions are judged across multiple criteria including training investments, portability of credentials, incident rates, and overall safety performance.

Falls remain the leading cause of death in construction—and steel erection is among the most hazardous trades when it comes to working at height. Despite increased awareness and enforcement, the industry continues to lose workers each year due to falls. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2022, more than one-third of all construction fatalities were fall-related. Within the structural steel industry, the danger is amplified by dynamic working environments, incomplete structures, frequent transitions between tasks that expose workers to open edges, unstable decking, and unprotected connections.

OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction will take place May 5–9, 2025. SEAA proudly supports this nationwide effort to raise awareness and prevent fall-related incidents on the job. For 2025, the message is clear: Don’t Fall for False Security. Tie Off Right at Any Height. Falls from 25 feet—and even as low as 6 feet—can be fatal or result in life-altering injuries. Just because the exposure is short-term, or “routine” does not mean it’s safe.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics census data from 2011 to 2018, 60% of falls occurred from 25 feet or less, accounting for 1,556 fatalities. And 2019 data from CPWR shows that 21% of those occurred from heights of 11 to 15 feet.

SEAA is excited to announce the winners of its 2025 Project of the Year Winners, Safety Excellence and Craft Training Excellence Awards!

Project of the Year entries could be submitted in four classes for Structural Steel and two classes for Miscellaneous Metals. Classes are based on contract value for that portion of the job.  In all, six companies were recognized for effectively solving unique jobsite challenges while safely completing projects.  Project submissions are chosen by an independent panel of judges.

Winners will get the chance to participate in a peer panel discussion at AISC’s Steel Conference, SEAA’s Convention, and will also be featured in Connector throughout the year.

SEAA’s Board of Directors voted in January to endorse a series of certification programs offered by the National Institute of Steel Detailing.

"Every steel project begins with the detailing phase. Detailers are the first to translate a structure’s design into precise, buildable plans. When detailers understand OSHA requirements and erector best practices, many potential hazards are eliminated right from the start,” said David Deem, President of Deem Structural Services and SEAA board member. He added: “NISD has always encouraged their members to be proactive in that regard. Their certification and training programs serve as another way to ensure a quality steel product can be completed safely and efficiently.”

The programs include: Individual Detailer Certification, Quality Procedures Program, and CD-BIM Certification. Learn more at https://www.nisd.org/.

“This is a great example of how related groups can work together to improve safety and education for all members of the steel industry be they union, open shop, detailers, fabricators, erectors, ironworkers, or rodbusters,” said Jack Metcalfe, SEAA board member and industry liaison to NISD.

Representatives of SEAA member companies, who are also involved in other industry associations, recently provided updates on relevant initiatives to SEAA’s board of directors. The following reports come from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and the National Institute of Steel Detailing (NISD).

“SEAA remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships that strengthen the steel construction industry. By collaborating with organizations like AISC and NISD, we are ensuring that fabricators, detailers, and erectors have access to the best training, certification, and technical resources available. These initiatives not only improve safety and efficiency but also help attract and retain the next generation of skilled professionals,” said Glen Pisani, Chairman of SEAA’s Strategic Planning Committee.

In support of the 2025 Women in Construction Week (March 2-8, 2025), the Steel Erectors Association of America recognizes 17 women who were nominated by colleagues. In addition, seven were selected as “Legacy Builders,” who will be featured in the association’s social media campaign the first week of March.

All nominees will also be recognized during SEAA’s 2025 Convention & Trade Show, May 6-9, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Candidates were evaluated on their professional achievements, contributions to the team, leadership or mentorship, community involvement, and personal qualities. “Each woman nominated is exceptional in her own right,” said John Hughes, director of Business Development for Industrial Training International, and member of the SEAA Marketing Committee. “Their stories of perseverance and accomplishments are inspiring.”

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, fall protection is required at varying heights depending on the industry. In general industry (29 CFR 1910.28), fall protection is mandated at 4 feet. For construction work (29 CFR 1926.501), the threshold is 6 feet. However, OSHA emphasizes that fall protection should always be applied when the risk of injury is significant, even if the height is below these thresholds.

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) is proud to announce EZARC Building Solutions, based in Lindon, Utah, has joined its network of SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Training Units and Assessment Sites. Known for its excellence in structural steel erection and fabrication, and specialization in the semiconductor industry, EZARC brings unique strengths to SEAA’s training initiatives.
 
As one of the fastest-growing companies in Utah, EZARC Building Solutions upholds an exceptional commitment to safety, with an impressive EMR of 0.67 and a TRIR of 0.35. In addition, the company is AISC Certified and woman-owned.

SEAA’s Board of Directors voted in January to endorse a series of certification programs offered by the National Institute of Steel Detailing.

“Every Steel project starts with the detailing phase. Detailers are the first to put “on paper” how the design of a structure is to be put together. Having quality detailers that are familiar with OSHA requirements and erector best practices eliminates many hazards right from the start,” said David Deem, President of Deem Structural Services and SEAA board member. He added: “NISD has always encouraged their members to be proactive in that regard. Their certification and training programs serve as another way to ensure a quality steel product can be completed safely and efficiently.”

The programs include: Individual Detailer Certification, Quality Procedures Program, and CD-BIM Certification. Learn more at https://www.nisd.org/.

“This is a great example of how related groups can work together to improve safety and education for all members of the steel industry be they union, open shop, detailers, fabricators, erectors, ironworkers, or rodbusters,” said Jack Metcalfe, SEAA board member and industry liaison to NISD.

CHICAGO - NASCC: The Steel Conference, the must-attend event for anyone involved in the design or construction of steel buildings and bridges, is coming to Louisville, Ky. April 2 to 4--and registration is now open!
 
QualityCon returns this year with 21 sessions designed specifically for erectors and fabricators, whether they’re already AISC certified or simply interested in quality management systems. Participants will leave with ideas and tools to put into action on jobsites and fabrication facilities immediately.

It is with great reverence and our sincerest condolences that SEAA announces the passing of Eddie Williams. From his beginning as a rebar laborer in 1952 to Chairman of the Board of Buckner Companies, Eddie Williams devoted his life to the betterment of the steel construction industry. He was one of the founding fathers of SEAA and he was instrumental in ensuring the organization’s success through the decades.

To honor him, the SEAA Board of Directors voted on January 17, to name the annual Person of the Year award after him. “We would not be the organization we are today without his guiding influence. We chose to rebrand the award as ‘The Eddie’ as an acknowledgement of the devotion Eddie Williams had to this association for the purpose of improving the ironworking profession,” said David Deem, Deem Structural Services, and member of SEAA’s Executive Committee.

SEAA, on behalf of its members, submitted comments to OSHA's proposed rule on Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. The comments were developed with input from member companies and SEAA's Safety & Education Committee.

SEAA’s Membership Directory is printed annually in the Spring Issue of Connector. If you want to get noticed by fabricators, erectors, or other companies in the steel construction industry, including your logo is a great way to make your company stand out.

In addition to having a year-long shelf life, the directory gets bonus distribution at the 2025 SEAA Convention & Trade Show. Your listing will be seen by potential business partners and customers. To be included in this once-a-year promotion, upload your logo by February 28, 2025.

As we transition into the colder months, it’s important to refresh our understanding of cold-weather-related illnesses, how to recognize their symptoms, and the appropriate steps for treatment. Cold weather can pose significant hazards for outdoor workers or those exposed to unheated environments, making preparation and awareness vital. Understanding how to prevent and manage these conditions is key to ensuring worker safety and maintaining productivity in challenging environments.

Representatives of SEAA member companies, who are also involved in other industry associations, recently provided updates on relevant initiatives to SEAA’s board of directors. The following reports come from The National Institute of Steel Detailing (NISD), Steel Joist Institute (SJI), Steel Deck Institute (SDI), and the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).

“SEAA is committed to aligning with industry partners on safety standards, technical advancements, and workforce challenges,” said Glen Pisani, Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee and Steel Division Manager for MAS Building & Bridge.

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) will host its 52nd Convention & Trade Show from May 6-9, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at The Landing Hotel at Rivers Casino. The event will bring together industry professionals for networking, education, and exciting excursions.

“We look forward to welcoming steel erectors, fabricators, and suppliers in Steel City! Our annual convention is an unmatched opportunity for networking, learning, and industry engagement for steel construction business owners and managers,” said Pete Gum, SEAA Executive Director. “We encourage members to register early, as hotel space is limited and high demand is expected with major events happening in Pittsburgh,” said Gum.