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Project of the Year Entries for Project of the Year could be submitted in four classes for Structural Construction based on contract value for that portion of the job. In addition, the association opened a new category last year for Miscellaneous Metals in two classes. This category includes bridges, decking, ornamental steel, reinforcing steel, and steel fabrication projects. In all, five companies were recognized for effectively solving unique jobsite challenges while safely completing projects. Project submissions are reviewed and selected by an independent panel of judges. Connector, the associations official publication, will feature each project in-depth in issues throughout the year. The Summer issue will highlight Structural Steel: Class I winner Hodges Erectors and Miscellaneous Metals: Class I and II winners Basden Steel Corporation and Shelby Erectors. Structural Steel: Class III and IV winners Derr Gruenewald Construction and Williams Steel Erection will be featured in the Fall issue.  Safety Excellence & Craft Training Excellence Awards 2023 Safety Excellence Awards goes to seven member companies in three categories with excellent 2022 safety records. Recipients were selected based on evaluations of their EMR ratings, OSHA 300A statistics, and safety program processes over the last three years. Scoring was based on points assigned to a multi-criteria analysis, conducted in blind review by members of SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. Safety Excellence and Craft Training Excellence winners will be featured in the Winter issue of Connector.  Two companies were recognized for the 2023 Craft Training Award. Applicants were evaluated on the portability of credentials, availability of apprenticeship programs, training, and recruitment efforts. Evaluations for the Craft Training Excellence award are made in comparison to other companies of similar size, based on the number of ironworkers employed from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2022. Note that there were not submissions by employers in all size categories for 2023. The World Class honorees each receive $1,500 to further their training program initiatives.   Photo: Representatives of Crane Risk Logic join panel discussion at the 2023 SEAA Convention discussing crane risk management principles. June 7, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces it has entered into an agreement to collaborate with Crane Risk Logic, a technology and data service provider dedicated to global crane risk improvement.
As such, SEAA supports member company participation in the Crane Risk Logic Federation, which is a joint venture administered by Crane Risk Logic with the Crane Safety Research Lab at Texas A&M University on behalf of crane users, OEMs, trade groups, and related industry stakeholders. “Crane safety is one of the two most important aspects of steel construction—the other being fall protection,” said David Deem, President of SEAA. “The goal of our collaboration is to reduce and mitigate crane risks for our members, through access to research, training materials, and insights from subject matter experts,” he said. Crane Risk Logic and the Crane Safety Research Lab uses an innovative information exchange between crane designers, manufacturers, and owners, and organizations that transport, erect, and dismantle cranes, as well as site supervisors and safety managers of crane operations. “Findings are generated from anonymous accident data, real-time telematics, and equipment and device testing using engineering-based research, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Predictive Analytics models and other tools,” explained Kevin Cunningham, President and CEO of Crane Risk Logic. “As the knowledge base grows, the more accurate and powerful the information becomes for everyone participating in the Federation. When we know better, we do better,” said Jim Wiethorn, P.E., and founder of Crane Risk Logic and ICC Forensics. The impetus for the Crane Safety Research Lab was a catalog of crane accident causes gathered by Wiethorn over a span of 35 years. “SEAA is committed to continual investment in our industry by connecting industry leaders, creating a strong network of support, and increasing member value through collaborations such as this,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA. This agreement is the latest in a series of investments SEAA has made in hiring, training, insurance, and risk mitigation tools for its members. About Steel Erectors Association of America Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at SEAA.net. May 15, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces it has partnered with BBSI to provide a special insurance program in which SEAA members receive discounts. As the preferred vendor, BBSI provides SEAA members an automatic 10 percent discount on their workers’ compensation premium, an opportunity to earn back 5 percent based on claims performance, and reimbursement of certification fees for achieving and maintaining AISC certification.
“BBSI is a leading provider of organizational infrastructure solutions that are customed to the unique needs of business owners in all 50 states. Member companies will be assigned to a dedicated team to assist them,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA. In addition to workers’ comp programs, BBSI also offers access to group health insurance and 401k programs, and other services, including payroll administration, staffing and recruiting, and timekeeping. “The majority of our members are small businesses. Offering services such as this helps to stretch their investment in SEAA and provides solutions for workforce challenges,” said Gum. Members can contact Tucker Smith at tucker.smith@bbsi.com or memberservices@seaa.net for more information. Not a member and want to learn more about other benefits of joining? Contact Pete Gum at executivedirector@seaa.net. About Steel Erectors Association of America Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at SEAA.net. Media Contact Tracy Bennett 816-536-7903 tbennett@mightymomedia.com The 10th Annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction will take place May 1-5, 2023. This initiative from OSHA helps to raise awareness on fall hazards in an effort to reduce fall fatalities and injuries. In 2021, there were 17 fatalities in the structural steel and precast concrete contractors’ sector and 11 of them were due to a fall, slip or trip, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“In the first three quarters of FY 2022, OSHA conducted over 9,700 inspections in the construction industry, of which 47% identified fall hazards with over $34 million in penalties issued for serious and willful violations in fall protection,” said Patrick Kapust, deputy director of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs said in an interview about OSHA’s 2022 Top 10 Citations list. The list shows that OSHA cited 5,260 violations for Fall Protection-General Requirements in 2022, making it the number one most frequently cited workplace safety standard for the 12th year in a row. Fall Protection- Training Requirements also made the list as number eight. Four of the top ten citations are related to working as height which is why OSHA encourages employers to participate in the initiative by hold Safety Stand Down meetings the first week of May. Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity like conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards. It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about falls and other job hazards they see. In support of the National Safety Stand-Down, SEAA has created a Safety Stand Down page with lots of resources. Our downloadable posters are available for free to the public. The new poster for the 2023 Safety Stand Down, How to Make JSA’s Intentional, provides suggestions on how to complete a job safety analysis and getting the whole team involved in order to keep safety at the forefront of the job. Additional resources provide insight into related topics, such as fall prevention for loading and unloading trailers, wind hazards on elevated work platforms, protecting retractable lifelines from arcing damage, and more. Visit the Safety Stand Down Resources page for best practices. Resources: Census of Fatal Occupation Injuries Summary, 2021 OSHA’s Top 10 Citations of 2022 Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities, 2021. NAISC code 23812 This Safety Flash was contributed in cooperation with SEAA’s Safety Committee. It is designed to keep members informed about ongoing safety issues and to provide suggestions for reducing risk. Best practices are gathered from a variety of sources. They may be more or less stringent than individual corporate policies and are not intended to be an official recommendation from SEAA. Always get approval and direction from your company officers on any new practice or procedure as these best practices may not work for all situations. Everyone benefits when a worker avoids injury. Submit your ideas for Safety Flash to admin@seaa.net. April 4, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) has selected the winning hard hat sticker design in a contest it hosted on social media in January and February. The hard hat sticker will be offered as part of the association’s recognition of OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, May 1-5, 2023.
CHICAGO - In less than two months, more than 5,000 construction and design professionals will gather in Charlotte, N.C., to learn the latest techniques and innovations and see the newest products at NASCC: The Steel Conference.
This year’s Steel Conference incorporates QualityCon, with more than 20 sessions about quality and AISC Certification, as well as SafetyCon, which features a dozen sessions about the most important part of any jobsite. (Visit aisc.org/nascc to search the schedule by track.) One registration includes the specialty conferences and the main conference, with technical sessions packed full of actionable information you can put into practice as soon as you get home--more than 200, in all! AISC has invited experts and industry leaders to share the latest on crucial topics like:
The Steel Conference will also feature the biggest exhibit hall in the show’s history, with more than 280 innovators showcasing the products and services you need to know about right now. AISC offers special rates for multiple registrants from the same firm, recent graduates, and public agency employees. Visit aisc.org/nascc to learn more and register, and contact nascc@aisc.org with any questions. SEAA Partners with GMF Steel Group and other Members to Host Students at Florida Career Event2/13/2023
 Local students attended a Career Fair at GMF Steel Group headquarters in Lakeland, Florida for SEAA’s Annual Career Fair. February 14, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) In January, The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) held its second Career Fair to spread awareness about the career opportunities available in the steel construction industry. Hosted by member company GMF Steel Group in Lakeland, Fla., the Career Fair brought together approximately 100 students from five local high schools and 70 students from technical colleges. “As an association, one of our goals is to invest in the future of the steel construction industry. One way we can do that is by working with our member companies to host these types of educational events,” said Pete Gum, SEAA’s Executive Director. “While it can be difficult to know exactly how many students end up having a career in the steel industry, we know that we are making a difference for our member companies and their local communities by showcasing everything that the skilled trades have to offer,” said David Deem, President of SEAA and President of Deem Structural Services. Sporting hard hats, vests, and other PPE provided by sponsor Columbia Safety and Supply, students rotated through 13 stations staffed by SEAA member companies and equipment suppliers. Florida based contractors who participated were GMF Steel Group, Bowman Steel, Gardner-Watson Decking, Gardner-Watson Studs, and Shelby Erectors.  Local steel erector Bowman Steel discusses career opportunities with Career Fair attendees. Students could observe or participate in hands-on demonstrations of welding, steel modeling, rebar tying, surveying, decking, and more. Trivent Safety Consulting led the students in a dynamic stretch routine to highlight the importance of physical health in the skilled trades. Industrial Training International provided a Virtual Reality crane operator simulator experience. Others stations included:
The response was overwhelmingly positive from both students and teachers that were in attendance. “This hands-on event helped to reinforce everything we have been telling our students about having a career in the trades,” said Thomas Hoien, a teacher at Fort Meade Construction Academy. “Being able to get them out of the classroom where they can try different tasks, see the technology being used, and ask questions gets them excited for the future.” “This event opens so many doors for me,” said Brandon Williams, a student at Ridge Technical College. Following the career fair, GMF Steel Group received several inquiries about its Structural Steel Ironworker Apprenticeship Program. Introduced last year, the program uses the SEAA/NCCER curriculum, which provides nationally recognized credentials. Participation in training is free and all apprentices employed by GMF Steel Group qualify for employee benefits. “We are offering a career path—by teaching a skilled trade and providing the opportunity to work toward many different roles within the company,” said Andy Norman, President of GMF Steel Group. “From GMF Steel’s commitment to host and coordinate with schools, demo stations executed by many companies, to lunch provided by Gardner-Watson Decking, the support of our member companies doesn’t go unnoticed and the event wouldn’t have been a success without them,” said Gum. About Steel Erectors Association of America Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at seaa.net. |
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