seaa enews december 2012

12/1/2012

SEAA ENews - December 2012

Click any article link:

SEAA NEWS
SAFETY
- Job Hazard Analysis--Prevention Is Better Than a Cure…and an Accident, and a Citation, and a Lawsuit
INDUSTRY
LAWS & REGULATIONS
- 30 Arrested in NYC Scaffold Certification Fraud

SEAA NEWS

SEAA Announces New Website - back to top

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) (www.seaa.net) has launched a new member-driven website to better serve members while also streamlining the administration for SEAA staff. Prior to launching the new site, the SEAA office had had to manage several diverse member databases with sometimes differing information and shopping carts for different types of purchases. By consolidating all member management functions onto a single web-based platform, SEAA can better provide timely information to members in a more efficient manner.

Features of the new site include social network integration, a members-only section, a shopping cart with back-end accounting interface, streamlined event management and registration, and business directory where visitors can search for members. Over the next few months, SEAA will continue to further develop the features so check the site frequently to see what’s new.

2012 Project of the Year Nominations Due by December 31st - back to top

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) is conducting its 8th annual “Project of the Year” (POY) national competition for steel erection projects by our member firms. The competition is open from January 1 through December 31, 2012. Nominations must be postmarked by 12/31/2012 to be eligible.

Top projects selected demonstrate complex and unique steel erection projects throughout the US. In addition to an exquisite crystal award given during the Steel Erectors Association of America’s Annual Awards Ceremony, the winner receives an in-depth profile appearing in The SEAA Connector™ magazine, the official publication of the SEAA.

Eligibility Requirements: All SEAA Erector members are encouraged to participate in the Project of the Year Awards Program. Projects of any size from anywhere in the world are eligible, according to the project size. Three tiers are available.

The nominated project must have been successfully “topped-out” during the months between January 1 through December 31, 2012. The project may or may not have won awards or recognition from other professional associations.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Don’t Forget to Renew Your SEAA Membership - back to top

Watch your mail for your SEAA membership renewal form and take care of your renewal right away so you won’t miss any SEAA benefits. Renewals will be mailed to all current members around December 10, 2012.

You can go one step further and invite an industry colleague or supplier to become a member, too. Just send them HERE.

Sponsorship Opportunities at SEAA’s 2013 Convention & Tradeshow - back to top

SEAA’s annual convention and tradeshow not only provides information and activities for members, it also offers opportunities for suppliers and other businesses to showcase their products and services.

Now is a good time to sign your business up for a sponsorship opportunity at the 2013 SEAA Convention & Tradeshow in New Orleans.

The convention & tradeshow take place March 22 and 23, 2013 with informative sessions and sponsor displays. Contact the SEAA office for more details at (336) 294-8880 or [email protected] .

Go to www.seaa.net for more information. And check out these getaway options in more detail at www.neworleanscvb.com .

SEAA Presents Award to Retiring Jim Estep - back to top

On November 13, 2012, Steve Miller of Miller Safety, Phil Cordova of Alliance Rigging, and Jim Larson of Phoenix Steel Erectors attended a retirement luncheon for Jim Estep, an attorney for the Department of Labor during the SENRAC (Steel Erection Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee) Negotiated Rule Making meetings and hearings.

Jim was instrumental in helping rewrite the OSHA standards, utilizing input from ironworkers, industry manufacturers, insurance representatives and the federal government. He aided the recognition of the Merit Shop contribution to the industry and, eventually, SEAA’s having a voice in the very important developments that were to be adopted under SENRAC Subpart R, the new Steel Erection Standard. This was a significant change in that the trade workers and industry, who far better understand the nuances of our work and are in the most informed position as to developing safe work practices, had a voice in developing standards by which we are regulated.

Many SEAA members, past and present, contributed to these standards, and Jim Estep listened and helped write in the correct language, the wording for this important regulation.

Even though, Jim contributed to many other safety standards, it was evident at the retirement luncheon that he not only learned about steel erection during the negotiation process but still fondly remembers many of the meeting sessions.

While many SENRAC contributors attended the luncheon, it is important to recognize that SEAA not only had a voice and members participating during the entire process, but even now is still a source for steel erection information, practices and recommendations, not only in the industry, but in the development of current and future regulations for our industry.

Member Profile: Structal - back to top

For more than 50 years, Structal-Heavy Steel Construction (Structal) and its parent company Canam Group have been designing engineering, fabricating, managing and erecting steel structures for clients throughout North America and around the world. The variety of complex projects Structal undertakes — commercial and high-rise buildings, automotive, aeronautical and industrial plants, steel mills, stadiums, arenas and convention centers — attest to its versatility in producing steel structures and its ability to provide solutions tailored to the unique needs of its clients worldwide.

Clients have the assurance that their project is in good hands because Structal, as a division of Canam Group Inc., boasts solid financial strength, a highly qualified team, fabrication know-how and flexibility. Structal has led the industry in developing and introducing new technologies to reduce lead times, ensure superior quality and offer competitive prices. Clients who partner with Structal benefit from an alliance that assures them of fast-track design and construction. Structal helps its clients achieve success by drawing on its experience and proven construction solution and services.

Steel Building Solutions

Structal offers steel building solutions that rise to construction industry challenges including: design-build, design-assist, engineering, virtual design and construction, building information modeling (BIM), detailing, project management, fabrication and erection. From design concept to completion, Structal has the cutting-edge expertise and production capabilities to successfully execute all projects.

Steel Fabrication

Structal is recognized for its steel fabrication capabilities, with the core of its services focusing on quality fabrication. As a division of Canam Group, Structal has access to a fabrication network of 20 plants located throughout the United States and in Canada. Their combined annual production capacity is over 500,000 tons. Each plant achieved at least one, or many certifications:

AISC – American Institute of Steel Construction	Cbr – Major Steel Bridges
Cbd – Complex Steel Building Structures	CISC – Canadian Institute of Steel Construction
CWB – Canadian Welding Bureau	ISO – International Organization for Standardization
F – Fracture Critical Endorsement	P – Sophisticated Paint Endorsement
FM – Factory Mutual System	SDI – Steel Deck Institute
IAS – International Accreditation Service	SJI – Steel Joist Institute
ICBO – International Conference of Building Officials	UL – Underwriters Laboratories
ICC – International Code Council	ULC – Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada

Value Engineering

To maximize efficiency and minimize fabrication costs, Structal has developed a system of value engineering on all projects. Early in the process, Structal’s engineers, in collaboration with the engineer of record (EOR), carefully evaluate the proposed structural design to identify areas that could be redesigned to generate significant cost and time savings.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

With the latest design, engineering and fabrication technologies at its disposal, Structal delivers projects on time and on budget. A case in point is Building Information Modeling (BIM), which is used to design, fabricate and erect projects efficiently and effectively. Visualizing the project as a whole allows the stakeholders to detect potential problems, identify the critical path and find the best solutions before problems occur. Structal has access to a team of over 400 detailers/modelers in Canada, the United States, Romania, India and Hong Kong.

Project Management

Structal’s project management team strives continuously to serve the client’s best interests by ensuring that performance standards and budget requirements are met. Its project managers and on-site project management supervisors work in partnership with the project team to ensure that the steel components meet the highest quality standards, arrive on the construction site on time, are erected on schedule and stay within budget.

Exceptional Customer Service

Customer service is paramount at Structal. Whether it’s for delivery deadlines or product compliance, every detail is important to ensure customer satisfaction.

More information is available at www.structal.ws.

SAFETY

Job Hazard Analysis--Prevention Is Better Than a Cure…and an Accident, and a Citation, and a Lawsuit - back to top

By Kevin O’Shea, Mastclimbers, LLC in Atlanta

Reprinted with permission of the author

I recently conducted a webinar for owners and users of mast climbing work platforms (MCWP), and aerial work platforms (AWP) dealing with ways to reduce liability.

One of the terms I used was the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), and, after the webinar, there were a number of questions about the JHA: ‘When should I do one’? ‘Do I have to do one’? ‘I thought the GC did that’? ‘How do I do one’?

Everyone had heard of the term, but for most that was the end of the conversation.

It was obvious from the questions that there was an element of confusion about the JHA, and that confusion could be costly. There are extremely good and important reasons why you have to complete a JHA, least of which is to protect you from liability post-accident, and the most important of which is to prevent the accident in the first place.

Increasingly on projects the requirement for a JHA arises. Contractors and owners of AWP’s and MCWP’s have a tough time with this request because, they say, ‘it has never traditionally been a requirement’, and even if it was they ‘wouldn’t really know how to go about it’.

The answer to those questions is:

It has always been a requirement and,

You really need to find out quickly how to compile one.

Most contractors and equipment owners can tell about some of the OSHA requirements which affect the equipment’s use. They know about Subpart M (Fall Protection) and probably know about 1926.454 (Training), and there are regular citations written for non-compliance to these sections. However, most don’t see the relevance of the 5(A)1 ‘General Duty Clause’ to AWP and MCWP use.

There are many citations written every month for non-compliance to the General Duty Clause which involve the use of AWP’s or MCWP’s.

The General Duty Clause says:

Each employer shall furnish to his/her employee(s) employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

The phrase “recognized hazards” is key. So, what’s a “recognized hazard”?

A hazard is recognized if the employer’s INDUSTRY recognizes it. So, if the AWP or MCWP industry “recognizes a hazard” the employer has to protect the employee from it.

Where are these “recognized hazards”? Recognized hazards can be found in the relevant ANSI Standard for the equipment, manufacturer’s manuals, and by conducting a Job Hazard Analysis.

ANSI A92.5 – Boom-Supported Elevating Work Platforms, as with other ANSI standards contains language to this effect. For example, in section “7.8 Work Place Inspection,” ANSI lists a number of “recognized hazards” that one should be looking for during the work place inspection.

The final item on the ANSI Recognized Hazards list is “Other possible unsafe conditions.” This is where the JHA is vital.

The “Qualified” (OSHA definition) person should conduct a pre-use inspection of the job site, looking for evidence of “recognized” and “other possible” hazards. Recognized hazards are usually a result of previous incidents which have prompted the industry to include them in the ANSI list. “Recognized Hazards and Other Possible Unsafe Conditions” refers to job-specific hazards which will require some form of control and/or training to reduce them to a safe level. An example of this might be the presence of overhead steel beams which the platform of the machine has to maneuver in between. Extra Operator training and the use of an “involuntary operation prevention system,” to prevent the Operator from being crushed between the platform guardrails and the steel beams, would be among the “control measures” used to ensure that this type of maneuver was safely done. The responsibility for the identification of these hazards falls to the Employer.

Example of an AWP job hazard analysis.

The example here shows a “job survey” for the proposed provision of boom lifts for a glass job. The “qualified person,” having completed a comprehensive survey, has identified a potential hazard where overhead power lines may be in close proximity to the AWP equipment.

The risk needs to be assessed in order to determine if it is a danger and, if so, what action should be taken to eliminate the risk.

Use of a simple risk analysis matrix is a good way to consistently assess and identified hazards.

[John, I have a separate PDF of this matrix if you need it]

The matrix vertical tab above shows A-D levels of probability that the identified hazard might become a reality. It ranges from ‘Possible but unlikely’ to ‘Very likely’

The horizontal tab showing 1-4 indicates the level of injury likely to occur if the hazard should become an accident. It ranges from ‘Minor injury’ to ‘Incapacity or Possible Fatality’.

Taking the example of ‘Overhead power lines’ from the JHA the individual who has conducted the JHA has assessed the probability as A-‘Possible’ and the level of injury as 4 – Incapacity or possible fatality’.

This translates to a ‘High Risk’ hazard. The action required is two-fold. The hazard needs to be prevented or discontinued. Alternatively it could be revised or replaced to achieve a ‘Medium or Low’ rating, from where it can be controlled by training or guarding or other means.

The solution to this hazard might be:

Find out voltage of lines.
Refer to ANSI Approach Distance Table.
If boom lift proximity at any point of use is outside the approach distance, then training, physical barriers and signage could be used as a combined method of acceptable abatement.
If boom lift proximity at any point of use is inside the approach distance, then the power will require to be turned off or the use of the boom lift should be restricted through the use of physical barriers and signage from encroachment into the unsafe area.

Points 3 and 4 may restrict the movement of the boom into all areas it needs to get to. This is obviously a productivity problem, and there is the potential for operators, even after training, to try to get “just a bit further” to get the job done quickly. So, for this reason, a solution providing the required access is preferable.

A third option could be the best solution:

Find out the voltage of the lines
Co-ordinate with Power Company and GC to install ‘sleeves’ or ‘blankets’ over the power lines, to reduce the voltage, therefore decreasing the approach distance.
Then control this distance with physical barriers, training and signage.

This allows ALL the work to be done safely and under controlled circumstances.

This is the best possible solution, providing a safe working environment, productivity and a process of analysis which will stand up to scrutiny.

Creating your own Job Survey Sheet and Risk Analysis Matrix, which are then used by a “qualified person” to identify and abate all the hazards on the job site, shows that you take your responsibilities seriously, it shows that you take the welfare of your employees seriously and, if the worst still happens, post accident it shows that you took “suitable and sufficient” means to protect your workforce.

Kevin O’Shea is the director of training and safety at Mastclimbers, LLC in Atlanta. He has been in the powered access business for 29 years, working with JLG, SGB, Lavendon and Mastclimbers LTD UK (now Harsco). O’Shea serves as Chairman of IPAF’s North American Council, Chairman of the SAIA’s MCWP Committee, is a member of the SAIA/OSHA Alliance Team and has won various awards over the years, including: IPAF Safety Champion 2009 and 2010; SAIA Council Chairperson of the Year 2009 and SAIA Coupling Pin Award 2010.

INDUSTRY

Cultural Focus at JLG - back to top

JLG Industries has piloted an online cross-cultural training program that teaches cultural sensitivity and awareness, as a way to enhance international business skills.

The program, named CultureWizard, was tested on the US-based company's new interns. “It helps employees better understand cultures around the world, including social and business practices, so they can work together more effectively to serve our customers,” explains Michael Kannisto, JLG director of talent management and talent acquisition.

Stephanie Song, one of the interns, adds, “The program also helps you learn about yourself, your personality and your own culture, why you do the things you do and how that knowledge can improve both your personal and your professional relationships with individuals from other countries.”

Based in JLG’s human resources department, Song, a native of China, helped introduce CultureWizard to her fellow interns. “In my case, it helped me recognize the differences between the Chinese and American cultures, including business protocols and behaviors, and adjust some of my behaviors so I can work more effectively with Americans.”

To learn more about this program, visit http://www.jlg.com/en-US/Home.html

Crane Companies Hold Their Own Despite the Economy - back to top

Despite hostile economic conditions, the number of cranes owned by the world’s 50 largest crane rental companies (the IC50) has remained almost unchanged over the last four years. Between 2008 and 2012, crane numbers have ranged from 21,467 to 22,002, following a period of steep growth from 15,540 units in 2004.

The world’s 50 largest crane owning companies’ combined fleet of 21,896 cranes in 2012 had a total lifting capacity of some 4.98 million tons. Dominated by mobile wheeled cranes, the fleet has a ratio of 78:22, mobiles to crawlers in unit terms. This information comes from the new World Crane Report, an Executive Report published by KHL Group, the publisher of International Cranes & Heavy Transport.

While crane numbers have remained relatively flat over the last four years, the total lifting capacity of the fleet has grown to 4.98 million tons in 2012, 47% higher than 2008 and more than 200% greater than the level seen in 2003. This increase in capacity indicates that companies in the IC50 have replaced their smaller cranes with higher capacity units. The average lifting capacity of an IC50 crane in 2012 was 227 tons, contrasted with 158-tons capacity in 2008 and only 93 tons in 2003.

The most comprehensive study ever prepared, this World Crane Report contains two sections: one focusing on crane manufacturers, their financial performance, stock market performance and standing within the wider construction equipment industry. The second section looks at crane owners worldwide, drawing on ten years of data from International Cranes & Specialized Transport’s IC50 ranking. Taking the information one step further, the report also analyzes long-term trends in the industry.

This World Crane Report is available for purchase in KHL's Information Store.

USS Missouri Gun Barrel Travels to Scenic Vista in CA - back to top

The 120-ton, 16 inch gun barrel was originally a part of the World War II battleship USS Missouri.

A large WWII-era gun barrel from the USS Missouri was recently transported up a steep and winding hillside to a historic Battery overlooking the San Francisco Bay, thanks to Bigge Crane and Rigging.

For over-the-road transport, Bigge’s team used a 500-ton capacity gantry system to load a 16-foot-wide, dual-lane platform trailer with the gun barrel. The move originated at the Army Depot in Hawthorne, NV then proceeded to the Marin Headlands in a convoy composed of a four-man crew, two tractors, and the trailer. The crew covered 549 miles over the course of three transport shifts. Once the convoy entered California, officers from California Highway Patrol escort the convoy, as required by law.

The 120-ton, 16-inch gun barrel will now remain on permanent display in Marin, CA USA, where visitors can view it alongside the Battery.

On-site, Bigge trans-loaded the barrel to two four-line, bolstered platform trailers and then used a push and pull tractor to navigate the road. It was mandatory that this equipment be used to navigate the steep slope and hairpin turns that provide the only access to the Battery. Once at the setting location, a 500-ton capacity gantry with a side-shift system was required to offload, side shift and set the barrel in a tightly constrained location on the hillside.

This high-profile job required extensive planning and engineering support, Bigge said. Considering the length and weight of the piece and the grade of the hill, every precaution had to be considered to ensure the safety of all crew members.

Video Downloads Available from 2012 International Cranes Conference - back to top

Dennis Bates, vice president - tower crane division, AmQuip, USA

The second in a series of exclusive videos of presentations made at the 2012 International Tower Cranes Conference in Germany in October is now available for download. Held at the Kempinski Hotel Bristol in Berlin, the second International Tower Cranes conference tackled diverse industry issues with a large audience in attendance.

This second video in the series features the presentation by Dennis Bates, tower crane division vice president, AmQuip, USA. Bates discussed the prospects for the tower crane market in the USA and looked at trends in workload, regulation and rental rates. Highlights included tower crane activity by market sector, utilization trends and a forecast for the short-term versus the long term.

More than 150 industry professionals from around the world attended the one-day conference and networking event organized by International Cranes and Specialized Transport magazine, a KHL publication.

A new video from ITC 2012 will be added each week on KHL.com's Videozone .

Photos Wanted for IAPA Competition - back to top

The winner of the Access Photograph of the Year at the 2012 International Awards for Powered Access was taken by Uwe Schneider of German rental company Mateco. It was taken at the medical association building in Hannover, Germany, where Hayko May Cleaning Company was cleaning the glass roof.

IAPA (International Awards for Powered Access) judges are looking for a spectacular or beautiful photograph that helps promote access equipment and/or highlights an important aspect of safety or productivity. The photo must show a real job where all relevant safety procedures are being followed. Generously sponsored by UK rental company Facelift Hire, IAPA awards will for the second time include an Access Photograph of the Year competition with a prize of €1000 for the best photo.

Deadline for photo submissions is Friday, February 1, 2013. Basic information should be included with the photo submission: date of photo, name of project, description of any machines, owner of platform and the client for the job.

Photos can be sent directly to the Editor of Access International, Euan Youdale, (E-mail: [email protected] ).

The competition is not open to professional photographers or the media, and the prize will go to the individual operator, site worker, service engineer, delivery agent, trainer, trainee or manager who takes the best picture.

The photographs will be judged by the same panel assessing the other IAPA entries. The photograph should have been taken in the period between January, 2012 and the closing date of February 1, 2013.

Access International and IPAF will be allowed full use of any entered photographs.

LAWS & REGULATIONS

30 Arrested in NYC Scaffold Certification Fraud - back to top

Discovery of a fraudulent scaffold certification ring resulted in 30 arrests by top New York City (NYC) officials. In addition, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a construction company owner has been charged with possessing 32 fake scaffold certification cards he had made. These cards are required for anyone to work on scaffolding in NYC.

OSHA reports that Rose Gill Hearn, commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation, and Buildings DOB Commissioner Robert LiMandri conducted a two-week sweep where more than 70 cards were confiscated by police.

According to OSHA, one person arrested was charged with possessing 32 fake scaffold certification cards that he made by altering real safety cards. Since the sweep, partial and full stop work orders have been issued at 14 construction sites for a variety of violations including unapproved installation of supported scaffolding.

“In this day and age, there is no excuse for having untrained scaffold erectors on the job,” said Marty Coughlin, president of the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) and president of Dependable Scaffolding, LLC . “Training is provided at low cost and sometimes is free from scaffold suppliers, trade unions, trade associations, union apprentice programs, SAIA accredited training institutes and more.”

The department launched the operation after DOB reported in September that its inspectors had found fraudulent scaffold certification cards at work sites across Manhattan. The sweep began with DOI investigators and DOB inspectors visiting 16 work sites in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens beginning in mid-October.

“This was clearly a willful act that not only put the employees at risk, but everyone on the jobsite who will be working on the scaffolding and relying on the scaffolding to be erected safely and within code,” Coughlin said.