​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.

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].

Digital transformation is changing customer experiences, business models, and operations across most industries. In steel construction, contractors can analyze digital data from past accidents to help build a culture that continuously improves safety. That kind of safety culture prevents accidents, saves lives, and reduces the likelihood of lawsuits.

Establishing an effective process for continuous safety improvement requires contractors to transform compliance-based mindsets to a holistic view of safety culture. Companies can use advanced tools like risk analytics to look at the causes of past incidents in order to reduce or eliminate them in future. In a true safety culture, legal compliance is a natural outcome instead of the primary driver.

​Thank you to the SEAA member companies that participated in OSHA’s 2024 National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction earlier this month and shared their photos with us!

Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 395 of the 1069 construction fatalities recorded in 2022 (BLS data), and the National Stand-Down aims to raise awareness in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries. 

​The Fall Prevention Stand-Down resources page, which includes this year’s printable poster that featured R.A.D. Ideas for Fall Prevention, focused on Research, Awareness, and Delivery, is available year-round for anyone looking for fall prevention resources and training materials.

​The 2024 hard hat sticker will also be available for members to purchase all year.

​SEAA is committed to the cause and works to provide our members with the knowledge and resources to help them keep safety at the top of mind.

View Fall Prevention Resources
View Photos from the 2024 Stand-Down

Over the last few years, SEAA has developed more than 80 Ironworker Training Videos that align with specific learning modules from the SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Custom Curriculum. These videos have been available exclusively through SEAA’s SteelPros Training Portal, but now, five of them can be accessed for free on our YouTube Channel.

“We decided to make a few of the videos publicly available so that members could get an idea of the variety and quality of content that is available in the SteelPros Training Portal,” said Tim Eldridge, President of Education Services Unlimited and SEAA’s Craft Training and Assessment Administrator. “There is a complete list of the ironworker training videos we have developed on the association website under Member Tools.” Click here to see the list.

Each member company is entitled to 1 free user license. Companies can upgrade to an Admin Account and add additional learners for the discounted rate of $35 each.
 
View the sample videos.
​Get more information on SteelPros.

May 8, 2024 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces the recipients of its 2024 Safety Excellence and Craft Training Excellence Awards. Member companies received recognition for maintaining good safety records and having a comprehensive training program aligned with long-term career paths.