e news july 2015

Website  |    Events  |  Join SEEA  |  Safety Flash  |  Contact Technical Training a High Priority for SEAA More than 200 professionals and 90 exhibitor representatives attended the 2015 National Convention and Tradeshow in Myrtle Beach, S.C., representing a 42% increase over the 2014 attendance. New this year was craft training and certification opportunities, including NCCER Certified Signal Person, Boom Lift Operator Training provided by United Rentals, and Ironworker Assessment delivered by Tim Eldridge. The issue of recruiting, training, and retaining a qualified workforce is not just a concern for steel erectors. It remains a hot button issue in the U.S. and around the world in construction, manufacturing, and other hands-on industries. And it's an issue that also has the attention of Hollywood and the mainstream media. More SEAA joins Build Your Future and other Sponsors in Support of Career Day Mark your calendars for the North Carolina Construction Career Day, Oct. 7, 2015, at the Cabarrus Arena and Event Center in Concord, N.C. The event is in partnership with NCCER Build Your Future, and is designed to introduce North Carolina students to opportunities in construction and related careers. North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory recently signed a proclamation commemorating October as Careers in Construction Month, lending the State's support of the construction industry and the critical role craft professionals play in the economic success of the state. For the Career Day event, more than 800 high school and college students, who have been handpicked by teachers as having an interest in construction, are expected to attend.  SEAA is supporting the event as a Gold Level Sponsor and will share information about the Ironworker Craft Training Program at its Booth. If SEAA members are interested in helping with the SEAA booth, contact Tom Underhill at 336-294-8880. Buckner Companies has stepped up as a sponsor and will be conducting rigging demonstrations. SEAA challenges other member companies to join in this effort to recruit our future workforce. Companies will also have the opportunity to participate in a Career Fair for  Community College and University students. For more information contact Tim Eldridge at t_ [email protected]  or 980-722-9373. The Human Hand: An Ironworker's Most Precious Tool Hand injuries account for about one-third of all disabling job-related injuries each year. More than 80% of these injuries are caused by pinch hazards. Injuries can include cuts, bruises, fractures and even amputations. About 20% of these injuries become infected.   For Steel Erection activities, here are some specific tips for protecting hands from injury. Hands Off! Use tag lines at all times. Identify pinch points and provide guards. Be aware of hand placement and pinch points. Watch for folding or collapsing loads. Always wear impact and cut-resistant gloves and maintain them in good condition. Establish a gloves policy. Do not operate tools or equipment without guards. More Best Practices Golf Tournament Education Fundraiser Supports Ironworker Craft Training   SEAA's 16th annual education golf fundraiser tournament returns to the Lonnie Poole Golf Course in Raleigh, N.C., Oct. 9, 2015. This event is open to all steel erectors, fabricators, detailers, engineers, general contractors, architects, suppliers/manufacturers and services that support the steel erection industry and training and education of their workforce.  9 am SEAA Ironworker Craft Training & Apprenticeship Program Session 9:30 am Registration and Practice Balls 10:30 am Golf--Captain's Choice 3:30 pm Dinner and Awards Ceremony 5:30 pm Boom Lift Ball Drop REGISTER NOW Industry Reports Survey Shows Need for Skilled Ironworkers Over the past year which of the following craft are experiencing lower productivity? In April and May 2015, The Construction Labor Market Analyzer (CLMA) team, in collaboration with The Construction Users Round Table (CURT), surveyed construction owners and contractors on how the skilled craft labor market is affecting productivity and safety. More than 200 organizations participated in the survey, including 72 owners and 130 contractors. Data was collected primarily from the southeastern states of Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.  Although the survey is broader in scope that pertains to steel erection, a few of the results are of interest. In particular, among the crafts there were identified as experiencing lower productivity were Reinforcing Ironworkers (5%), Structural Ironworkers (7%), and Specialty Welders (12%). Across all crafts, 79% said they are having problems finding qualified skilled labor. Of those that answered no to this question, many expect to have a problem in the future. According to the report, "There is a great amount of apprehension about the coming boom in the Gulf Coast and the ability to staff all the work there." Register to receive a free copy of the survey. OSHA Updates Regulatory Agenda OSHA included 23 updates in its Spring regulatory agenda. Of particular interest to SEAA members are the following proposed changes. See OSHA's full list of proposed regulations here. Construction Contractors Affirmative Action Requirements (Proposed Rule Stage) Amendments to the Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standard (Proposed Rule Stage) Nov. 2015 Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses (Final Rule Stage) Sept. 2015 Updating OSHA Standards based on National Consensus Standards for Eye and Face Protection (Final Rule Stage) May 2015 Walking Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems: Slips, Trips and Fall Prevention (Final Rule Stage) Aug. 2015 Clarification of Employer's Continuing Obligation to Make and Maintain Accurate Records of Each Recordable Injury and Illness (Proposed Rule Stage) Crane Operators Compete for Title of Champion Fred King of Superior Cranes is one of 15 operators who will vie for Champion Crane Operator. Crane operators from around the country will convene in Louisville, Ky., on Sept. 29, 2015, to compete in the Crane Operator & Rigger Skills Championship, to be held during the 2015 International Construction & Utility Equipment Expo.   Since its debut by Crane Institute Certification and Crane & Rigging Hot Line in 2011, the annual competition provides a venue to showcase the industry's best crane operators.   During 2014 and 2015, CIC Practical Examiners partnered with local sponsors to hold regional qualifiers to select the operators who would advance to the championship. The final regional qualifier takes place in Louisville, Ky., on Monday, Sept. 28. Register online to reserve a time slot.   See the list of finalists who will compete for title of Champion and Grand Prize of $10,000 on Sept. 29. More Member News Plan to enter Project of the Year competition The SEAA Board of Directors approved the addition of a fourth category for the 2015 Project of the Year program. To accommodate a growing number of entries in the $1 million and greater category, new this year, is an option for projects costing over $2.5 million. Don't wait until the last minute. Materials are due Feb. 1, 2016.  Tekla now offers self-paced e-learning sessions Structural Designer sessions from Tekla Inc., Kennesaw, Ga., provide an efficient way to to become familiar with the program. Unlimited access is allowed for 3 months, and the sessions include videos, training manuals with step by step instructions, and example models. More Red-D-Arc Offers National Accounts Program Designed to help large companies who are doing business across various geographical areas, Red-D-Arc Welderentals' national accounts program includes standardized pricing, dedicated account specialists, and access to a hotline to manage all equipment procurement and service needs. More Members Support Craft Training In April, Schulz Iron Works, Raleigh, N.C., provided materials for 40 high school and 40 post secondary welding contestants at the 2015 North Carolina  SkillsUSA State Conference. In July, Buckner Companies, Graham, N.C., provided professional development for high school teachers at the North Carolina Career and Technical Education conference. Industry updates, career opportunities, and NCCER/SEAA Ironworker Craft Training were hot topics for these sessions. Eastern Constructors, Winchester, Ky., will become the next SEAA Accredited Training Unit and Assessment Site. Instructor/Performance Evaluator and Coordinator training is scheduled to take place in August. Each addition to the SEAA program  expands opportunities to create a skilled and sustainable workforce for our industry. Discover the benefits for your company. In the News Modern Metals: Can legislators summon the will to create adequate financing for multi-year highway bill? More Crane & Rigging Hot Line: New crane and rigging rules impact inspection, operation, management, and recordkeeping. More NCCER Blog: Why not construction? I know why, but you might not like it. More ISHN: Get a grip on hand injury costs. More Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.