 The Dave Schulz Memorial Golf Tournament returned to the Lonnie Poole golf course at NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina, for the first time since the tournament was named for former SEAA President (2018-2019) and 2009 Person of the Year Dave Schulz. Schulz passed away in 2020.
“This homecoming would not have been complete without Cindy Schulz, Dave’s widow, and former president of Schulz Iron Works,” said David Deem, current SEAA President. Deem sported red tennis shoes in honor of Dave Schulz, who was a huge supporter of North Carolina State University and was frequently seen wearing red tennis shoes, even with a suit and tie. Lonnie Poole Club Pro Scott Clagg also shared his fond memories of Schulz, having worked closely with him on planning the annual golf tournament for more than a decade. “For the first time for as long as I’ve been involved in planning SEAA events, which is more than 20 years, we had someone make a Hole in One on #14, which was sponsored by Crane & Hoist Inspection Professionals,” said Carrie Gulajan, SEAA Vice President and chairperson of the Events Committee. “I’m told the whooping and shouting could be heard from several holes away,” she said. Funds raised during this tournament and from the semi-annual Boom Lift Ball Drop, sponsored by United Rentals, support Safety & Education projects for the association. View photos from the event here . The following individuals drove for show and putted for dough! 1st Place Team Representing United Rentals were Heath Crane, Derek Schafran, Summer Tate, and Terry Wilkerson. Schafran also scored one of the Closest to the Hole awards. 2nd Place Team The Safran Law Offices team was comprised of Stephan Safran, Oliver Fleming, Tyler Harrelson and Cole Hallum. Hallum also won one of the Closest to the Hole awards and recorded the Longest Drive. 3rd Place Team Vision Contractors was represented by Matt Minetti, Ron Coleman, Jason Hopkins, Keith Rosling. Coleman won $5,000 for his 165-yard hole-in-one shot using an 8 Iron. 4th Place Team Pat Dunn of L&D Steel USA, Beau Brosseau and Stacy Good of Infra Metals, and Jon Barbee of Construct Inc., placed fourth. Good also drove for one of the Closest to the Hole awards. October 19, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) has joined other industry association stakeholders of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP). Over 5,000 people working in construction die by suicide each year. That’s five times more than the annual number of jobsite fatalities.
“Within the construction industry, our niche is even more at risk. Of the 11 construction occupations cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, structural iron and steel workers are #1 and reinforcing iron and rebar workers are #2 for highest rates of suicide,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA. On November 15, SEAA is offering a free webinar on mental health to help employers understand the risk factors, warning signs, and how to integrate suicide prevention training into all levels of an organization. Moderated by Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of CIASP, the webinar will feature panelists representing contractors, researchers, and suppliers who are experts on this topic. To sign up, visit seaa.net/webinar-registration. “The webinar is just the first of the activities SEAA has planned around this important topic,” said Glen Pisani, Vice Chairman of SEAA’s Marketing Committee. In the coming months, SEAA will launch a resource page on its website, feature a speaker at the 2024 Convention and Trade Show April 2-5 in Glendale, Arizona, and prepare an awareness campaign for the 2024 Suicide Awareness Month. “SEAA encourages members to make corporate commitments to STAND up,” said Gum. Learn more at preventconstructionsuicide.com. The STAND Up pledge Safe: We pledge to create a culture in which team members feel safe to ask for help if they are having suicidal thoughts or if they are concerned that their fellow co-workers are at risk of suicide. Training: We pledge to make suicide prevention training available to all team members so that they can recognize the warning signs and be equipped to help those at risk. Awareness: We pledge to raise awareness by sharing the message of suicide prevention through such organizational activities as trainings, safety meetings, toolbox talks, team meetings, newsletters, and social media posts. Normalize: We pledge to normalize the topic of suicide prevention as a health and safety priority by talking about suicide, suicide prevention, and mental health. Decrease: We pledge to help decrease the risk of suicide in construction by ensuring that all team members have access to an awareness of our EAP/MAP, behavioral health benefits, screening tools, community crisis support, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and Crisis Text Line. 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 www.seaa.net.  When it comes to roof integrity, one component that plays a crucial role is the K-series bar joist. These structural members provide essential support and stability to the roof system, ensuring its durability and performance. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of K-series bar joists and their contributions to maintaining roof integrity. K-series bar joists are lightweight, open-web steel trusses that are commonly used in commercial and industrial construction. They consist of top and bottom chords connected by diagonal web members, forming a triangular truss pattern. These joists are designed to span long distances, providing structural support for roof decks and accommodating various load requirements. One of the primary functions of K-series bar joists is to bear the weight of the roof system and any additional loads applied to it. The load-carrying capacity of these joists is determined by their design, size, and spacing. By distributing the weight evenly across the joist system, K-series bar joists prevent excessive deflection and ensure that the load is transferred to the supporting columns and walls. This contributes significantly to the overall stability and integrity of the roof structure. Integration with Roof Decking and Roofing Systems The K-series bar joists seamlessly integrate with roof decking and roofing systems, and the open-web design allows for the easy installation of roof deck materials, such as metal panels or concrete slabs, between the joists. This integration enhances the overall performance of the roof, providing a secure and stable platform for the roofing materials. The compatibility of K-series bar joists with different roofing systems ensures a harmonious and efficient construction process.  Fire safety is a critical consideration in roof design, and K-series bar joists offer inherent fire-resistant properties. The open-web design allows heat to dissipate more effectively, minimizing the risk of structural failure during a fire event. Additionally, the use of fire-resistant coatings or insulation materials can further enhance the fire resistance of K-series bar joists, ensuring the safety of the building occupants and preserving the roof's integrity. The lightweight design reduces material costs and allows for faster and more efficient installation. The long-span capabilities of these joists reduce the need for additional support columns, maximizing the usable space beneath the roof. Moreover, the prefabricated nature of K-series bar joists enables streamlined construction processes, saving time and labor costs. These are essential components in maintaining roof integrity and ensuring the longevity of commercial and industrial buildings. With their load-carrying capacity, design flexibility, integration with roof decking and roofing systems, fire safety features, and cost-effective construction advantages, these joists provide the structural support necessary for a robust and reliable roof system. By understanding the importance of K-series bar joists and collaborating with knowledgeable professionals, architects, engineers, and contractors can create roofs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound and built to last. Read the original article from Oates Metal Deck and Building. This Safety Flash was contributed by Oates Metal Deck and Building Products, in cooperation with SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. It’s 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.  October 2, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) has named Keri Goldstein as its new Director of Membership & Business Development. In this newly created role, Goldstein will work closely with the board of directors and committees, and she is responsible for developing and administering member recruitment and retention programs.
In the last three years, the association has tripled its benefits programs and doubled in-person networking events. “By offering more opportunities for our members to connect and the chance to tap new hiring, training, and business resources, we are giving contractors the tools they are seeking to better run their businesses,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director. “The association’s investment in new services for members has driven membership growth by more than 12% in the first three quarters of 2023 alone. The timing was right to bring on a full-time staff person to provide intentional membership management,” said Gum. SEAA’s goal is to increase membership by more than 20% next year while maintaining 90% retention rates. Goldstein, who has a background in sales and customer relations, has experience with implementing customer education and corporate team building initiatives. She will develop and implement a pro-active onboarding plan for new members, work to educate all members about available benefits in order to increase engagement, and set strategy for prospecting and association promotions. “We look forward to introducing Keri to our Steel Strong community this month at the Dave Schulz Memorial Golf Tournament in Raleigh, North Carolina,” said Gum. Members can contact Keri Goldstein at keri@seaa.net. Learn more about member tools, including an applicant tracking system, learning management system, DOL-approved apprenticeship for structural and reinforcing ironworkers, custom craft training, and discounts on insurance, AISC certification, and more at Member Benefits and Member Tools at 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 www.seaa.net.
The Project of the Year Award is for SEAA members that topped out a steel erection project I from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023. 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 2024 National Convention & Trade Show and will be invited to participate in panel discussions. The Project of the Year panelists discuss issues and challenges and how they work to overcome them. The Safety and Craft Training panelists share best practices for recruiting and vetting workers, how to implement training programs, and how to solve the safety challenges all companies face. Project of the Year Safety & Craft Training Excellence  Whether you're a steel erector or a metal decking company, a butterfly roof anchor is a common choice for decking activities and accessing work areas, but there can be a catch. It’s critical to choose the right roof anchor because some are specifically designed for residential wood structures installed on the peak of the roof and NOT for steel erection or metal decking. After ANSI Z359.18-2017 was approved in August 2017, manufacturers’ product development teams started looking at the new rigorous anchor requirements. Even though the butterfly is an OSHA rated anchor, it is still a single user anchor, which is now deemed necessary for fastening through decking and purlin to ensure proper strength. Manufacturers updated their user manuals to reflect the changes but there was no memo to reflect the change from some manufacturers. Steel erectors and decking companies still had the old user manual stating screws did not have to penetrate a structural member underneath deck sheet. Before you get stuck with the wrong anchor, let's dive into the details. Know the Regulations OSHA's Subpart 1926.758(g) states that purlins and girts can't be used as anchorage points for fall arrest systems without written approval from a qualified person. So, before putting any system into use, make sure to submit a letter of override to ensure you're complying with safety standards and not compromising the structural integrity of the steel purlins.  Review Product Materials and Manuals The hinged roof anchors from major fall protection equipment manufacturers like Fall Tech, Safewaze, and 3M are often referred to as butterfly roof anchors and can be used on metal deck sheets in pre-engineered buildings with z-purlins. Falltech's Engineering Manager, Zack Winters, emphasizes that their model #7410 anchor can withstand a 5000 lb. load when fastened properly to a minimum 20-gauge steel deck. Just make sure to use the recommended fasteners and follow the installation instructions. Safewaze and 3M user manuals state a minimum 22-gauge metal roofing/decking over minimum 16-gauge Z-purlin. Fall Tech is the same with the exception of minimum 14-gauge Z-purlin instead of 16-gauge.  But what about different types of deck sheets? For floor deck sheets, which are usually 18-gauge, you’ll need to fill in the screw holes to prevent concrete leakage. And when it comes to commercial or industrial roof deck sheets, typically 22-gauge, the butterfly roof anchors won’t work on top of them alone. However, research shows that all three manufacturers allow screwing the butterfly anchor into a structural member underneath the deck sheet, such as a purlin. Other Considerations Installation manuals don’t provide information on anchoring butterflies to metal decking over steel bar joists or I-beams. You’ll need to assess the structure’s components, sheet gauge, purlin size, and availability to find the best anchor solution. And remember, an anchor system installed using columns or overhead can eliminate holes in deck sheets and purlins, providing greater fall distance clearances and less paperwork hassle with OSHA. So, next time you're choosing a roof anchor, keep these insights in mind. Safety first! References: DBI Sala, User Instruction Manual Hinged Roof Anchor Model Number: 2103676 Fall Tech, Metal Frame Structure Anchor 7410M User Instruction Manual Supplement Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (1970). Occupational safety and health standards: Occupational health and environmental control (Standard No. 1926 Subpart R) Safewaze, FS870 / FS870N / FS870S Reusable Roof Anchor Winters, Frost, July 31, 2019, #7410 Anchorage Connector in Metal Deck Applications, Fall Tech This Safety Flash was contributed by, Jeremy McAllister, Safety Director for Gardner-Watson, in cooperation with SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. It’s 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. SEAA has partnered with member company Flawless Steel Welding to form a new peer group in Denver, Colorado. This Denver Peer Group aims to bring together individuals that are passionate about the steel industry to foster collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing. Whether you have years of experience or are just starting out in the field, this group provides a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and stay updated on the latest industry trends.
If you're interested in kick-starting this peer group, we encourage you to join us on August 23rd at the Raices Brewing Company from 5-8 PM. We welcome Union or Non-Union Erectors, Fabricators, Project Managers, Safety Coordinators, Engineers, Architects, Vendors, and all steel professionals to join us on this exciting journey. To get involved or learn more about the SEAA Peer Group in Denver, please reach out to Victor Garcia at Victor@fsw-denver.com. Don't miss out on this chance to connect with industry peers, expand your professional network, and contribute to the growth of the steel erection community in Denver. |
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