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.

​A drop test was recently conducted by Derr & Gruenewald Construction at their facility in Henderson, Colorado, to replicate ironworkers in the process of throwing out steel decking. The objective of this test was to assess the structural integrity of steel deck sheets under impact conditions and to analyze various fall protection scenarios, particularly what might happen if an ironworker were to fall over the edge of a loose deck sheet.

​First Drop Test
In the initial test, a 315-pound test weight was suspended 5 feet above the working surface of the deck sheet. The test weight was connected to a 50-foot leading edge self-retracting lifeline (SRL), which was anchored to a horizontal lifeline (HLL) elevated 6 feet above the deck. The SRL was extended 25 feet from its anchor point to the test weight positioned at the edge of an unsecured deck sheet.

Earlier this month, Trivent Safety Consulting opened its doors to the members of the Steel Erectors Association of America at their state-of-the-art training facility in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, creating a platform for vital safety education. Trivent trainers guided participants through best practices and strategies designed to mitigate risks associated with falls. Trivent showcased demonstrations of rescue from a fall arrest system using their specialized training tower. Attendees also gained insights into various types of rescue equipment and techniques that are essential for maintaining worker safety on construction sites. The demos emphasized the importance of being aware of orthostatic intolerance—an often-overlooked condition that can affect workers who have been suspended after a fall. The hands-on experience allowed industry professionals to engage directly with advanced safety protocols and tools necessary for effective emergency response in high-risk environments, underscoring the Trivent Safety Consulting’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety within the steel erection industry.

SteelPros, SEAA’s online learning management system, houses more than 80 training videos for ironworkers. More than 20% of our erector members have created their free account and logged in to access the content. The four most viewed courses are:

• Demonstration of the Proper Use of a Fall Protection System
• Properly Inspect, Don, and Store a Safety Harness
• Position and Use an Aerial Platform
• Demonstrate the Safe and Effective Use of Available Ironworking Power Tools

Every member receives one free account, but for a minimal fee, contractors can add learners or upgrade to paid content. Since January of this year, half of SteelPros users have added new learners and 72% of the registered learners have completed content modules.

Want to better understand how to take advantage of this member benefit? Contact Keri Goldstein, Director of Membership & Business Development at [email protected].

SEAA has opened the submission forms for 2025 Project of the Year, Safety Excellence, and Craft Training Excellence awards.

The Project of the Year Award is for SEAA members that topped out a steel erection or miscellaneous metals project from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024. Applications can be submitted using a simple online form and supporting documents. Structural steel projects will compete in one of four classes, determined by the dollar value of the erection contract. Miscellaneous metals projects will compete in one of two classes, based on contract value amount. Submissions are evaluated by an independent panel of judges based solely on information presented with each submission.

The Safety Excellence Award acknowledges SEAA members in good standing that go above and beyond in the effort to provide ironworkers a safe place to work, while the Craft Training Excellence Award is for companies that are playing a critical role in the development of skilled ironworkers. Winners are selected in blind presentation by SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee.

Winners are recognized during the Awards Ceremony at SEAA’s 2025 National Convention & Trade Show and will be invited to participate in panel discussions.

There is no cost for SEAA members to submit an application. The application deadline for Project of the Year is December 31, 2024, and the deadline for Safety Excellence and Craft Training Excellence awards is January 31, 2025.

SEAA is committed to supporting rebar placers, structural erectors, decking contractors and fabricators. Starting October 1, SEAA is offering a special incentive for new members. Sign up for a 2025 membership and start taking advantage of your membership benefits right away!

The average membership fee is just $1,630. The value of benefits offered—$30,000.

Other practical benefits that you can tap immediately:

• SteelPros Training Portal: A learning management system with over 80 ironworker training videos aligned with the SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Custom Curriculum.
• National Exposure: Via SEAA’s Award Programs.
• Career Plug Applicant Tracking System: Post and promote available jobs and get access to tools to efficiently manage the hiring process.
• Safety Flash: Tool box topics provided by SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee.

Don’t miss out on these valuable resources. For more information, contact SEAA’s Director of Membership & Business Development, Keri Goldstein, at [email protected].

The Dave Schulz Memorial Golf Tournament returned to the Golf Club at Omni Interlocken earlier this month. The tournament was named for former SEAA President (2018-2019) and 2009 Person of the Year Dave Schulz, who passed in 2020.

Funds raised during this tournament and from the Boom Lift Ball Drop, sponsored by United Rentals, supports Safety & Education projects for the association.

The association would like to thank all of the players, sponsors, volunteers, and the SEAA staff who helped make this another successful event!

View photos from the event here.