David Deem, President of Deem Structural Services, Longview, Texas, and Bob Beckner, retired Senior VP of Peterson Beckner Industries, Inc., Dallas, Texas were recently honored by the Steel Erectors Association of America. More.

Despite a major push for broad infrastructure funding in the U.S. House of Representatives, recent disruptions to the U.S. economy will extend the current recession possibly into 2021. Fallout from COVID-19, financial and equity market volatility, Federal Reserve emergency policies, and lower oil prices are contributing to the uncertainty.   More .

Two recent reports assess the occupational risks of the Coronavirus in construction as compared to other industries. Though outdoor work offers natural advantages in preventing the spread, precautions still should be taken. Construction projects must develop and implement Site-Specific Health and Safety Plans.  More . 

Trivent Safety Consulting, Westminster, Colo., previously approved by the Steel Erectors Association of America as a SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Training Unit and Assessment Site, now also has a registered ironworker apprenticeship program.

The company utilized the SEAA Ironworker Apprenticeship program template, which meets the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration guidelines for apprenticeship standards. More .

AISC has suspended all in-person site audits and has started to provide remote assessments through Zoom as of May 4th. AISC will contact companies directly to schedule a remote assessment if an audit was previously scheduled between March 17th to May 1st. An extension certificate will be given to those who have certificates that will expire before a remote assessment can be scheduled. More . 

Six steel erection companies have been named as recipients in the annual Project of the Year awards by the Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA). Chosen by an independent panel of judges, the projects were topped out in either 2018 or 2019. More .

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces new officers and board members.

Geoff Kress, Vice President of Gardner-Watson Decking, Inc., Oldsmar, Fla., was elected President. Kress has been a member of SEAA since 2007 and served as Treasurer for eight years. More .

Four new Craft Training Videos are now available through the Members Only Portal on the SEAA website. These short videos support the SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Level 1 curriculum and have been designed to complement your existing training materials. More .

Five steel industry groups are pushing Congress to include significant infrastructure investment in the next phase of COVID-19 stimulus legislation. The goal is to provide a clear path toward our nation’s recovery. More . 

The Greater Baltimore Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) recognized Kinsley Construction, Inc. with an excellence award for Gerstell Academy Alumni House, and a merit award for Courtyard by Marriott at McHenry Row. The Excellence Award is a top honor given to the highest scoring project in each category, while the Merit Award is a second-place honor given to all other projects within each category that scored 80 or more points. More .

NCCER elected Michael Bennett, vice president of The Cianbro Companies, as its 2020 board of trustees’ chairman. Stephen Toups, president of Turner Industries Group, LLC, is the 2020 vice chairman. The board executive committee includes Scott Marshall, group director – people operations – MPIS of Worley, as secretary, and Monique Ford, CPA, as treasurer. More .  

SEAA board member Jack Nix, vice president of operations for Shelby Erectors, Inc., will be a speaker for an upcoming Engineering News Report live webinar on robotics in construction. The webinar, “The Robots are Coming: Get Ready to Add Them to the Crew,” is scheduled for May 28, 2020 at 2 p.m. EST. Nix was chosen because of Shelby’s experience with TyBot, a robotic rebar-tying machine. More .  

In light of ongoing developments surrounding COVID-19, its impact on public health, and subsequent restrictions on corporate travel, the Board of Directors of the Steel Erectors Association of America has decided to cancel its convention and trade show, previously scheduled for April 1-3 in Charleston, S.C. 

SEAA will announce the winners of its Project of the Year competition and Safety & Training Awards in April, but is planning an in-person presentation of these awards for a future date. In addition, the association is considering delivering some of the education sessions planned for the convention in alternative ways. Look for more information in the coming weeks.  More .

Two companies have joined the network of SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Training Units and Assessment Sites. They are S&H Steel, Gilbert, Ariz., and L&L Construction Inc., Quakertown, Pa. SEAA is an NCCER Accredited Training Sponsor, which affords member companies access to nationally recognized credentials, with the benefit of reduced administrative costs.  More .

Hilti will host the SEAA Board of Directors for its quarterly board meeting in Plano, Texas on June 25, 2020. Prior to the meeting, Hilti will host area erectors at a Meet & Greet reception, for a chance to learn more about SEAA’s Ironworker Craft Training program. Open to members and non-members, the Meet & Greet will take place on June 24 at the Westin Las Colinas Convention Center from 6:45 pm to 9:45 pm. More .

RSVP opens on May 1.

Over the past few weeks, it’s become clear that the world is facing a remarkable health crisis. The coronavirus pandemic has now been detected in most countries worldwide, creating personal, practical, and legal implications for those in the construction industry. More . 

New ANSI A92 standards for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms, which were supposed to go into effect on March 1, have been pushed back. The new effective date is June 1. The delay is due to appeals submitted to Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA), which is the Secretariat for ANSI A92.  More .

JP Cullen, Janesville, Wis., has helped complete the University of Madison Wisconsin's new Hamel Music Center. The 76,000 sq. ft. building is made up of three music halls, the Mead Witter Foundation Concert Hall, Collins Recital Hall, and the Sing Man & Florence Lee Annette Kauffman Rehearsal Hall. More .  

Simpson Strong-Tie, Pleasanton, Calif., has donated $20,000 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to assist relief efforts in Australia. Numerous bushfires have ravaged millions of acres throughout the country. More than 2,500 homes have been destroyed and an estimated billion animals have died in the fires. More .  

The Steel Erectors Association of America joins other leading industry associations in supporting 2020 ConExpo-Con/Agg, to be held March 10-14 in Las Vegas, Nev. Visit us at booth GL31201.

“Special focuses on Workforce Solutions, Tech Experience, and Safety make this more than just an equipment show. It aligns closely with SEAA’s own initiatives for steel erection contractors,” said Tom Underhill, Executive Director of SEAA. More . 

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) sponsored the Construction Careers Pathways Conference, an NCCER initiative that took place in December at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. The conference aims to provide successful career paths to America’s youth through construction industry and education partnerships. 

This year’s conference covered a range of topics, including programs for every stage of learning, recruitment strategies, and becoming an industry of choice. One popular panel discussion featured Young Craft Professionals who shared why they chose construction. Prior to the conference, NCCER released several  Best Practice Profiles . More.

Training and Safety go hand in hand. The SEAA Safety and Education Committee has developed two new awards to recognize SEAA Erector Member Companies who excel in these areas. The Inaugural Safety Excellence Award and Craft Training Recognition Award winners will be announced at SEAA's 48th Annual Convention. 

The new SEAA Safety Excellence Award acknowledges SEAA members who go above and beyond in the effort to provide Ironworkers a safe place to work, while the Craft Training Recognition Award is for companies that are playing a critical role in the development of skilled ironworkers.  

Download applications or submit online. Submissions due by February 14, 2020. More . 

During 2019, OSHA conducted 33,401 inspections—more inspections than the previous three years, and employers should expect that trend to continue. In order for employers to be prepared for what is ahead, it is good practice to be familiar with the Agency’s   Fall 2019 Regulatory Agenda.

Among the standards applicable to steel erectors are lockout/tagout and welding and cutting standards. Additionally, in May, OSHA plans to amend parts of the cranes and derricks in construction standard. More .

Several product and OSHA enforcement safety notices relevant to steel erection contractors were announced recently. Topics were related to fall protection, rigging hardware and crane operator certification. More .  

Simpson Strong-Tie, Pleasanton, Calif., has been recognized by Worldwide Fastener Sources for its innovation in fasteners and fastening systems products, and is one of only nine companies being honored in this inaugural event.  More .

Trimble, Hilti and Boston Dynamics have announced a collaboration to explore the development of autonomous robots in construction production and quality control. Automation of routine and tedious tasks reduces workload and improves safety. The project integrates GNSS technology and reality capture devices with Boston Dynamics' Spot Robot platform. More .

SEAA, which is a member of the Skilled Trades Coalition, recently attended the second formal meeting of the newly established group. The organization’s members include the American Welding Society, American Institute of Steel Construction, and more than a dozen others.

“The group consists of manufacturing, fabrication, and construction associations, which have come together to tackle similar challenges in recruiting qualified workers to their respective specialties,” said Tom Underhill, SEAA Executive Director, who attended the meeting held at AISC headquarters in Chicago. More.

Join SEAA in Raleigh, N.C. on October 17 to find out how the association can help you implement ironworker craft training. There is no cost to attend the Meet & Greet, from 6-8pm at the Embassy Suites by Hilton, Crabtree/Raleigh. At the event, you can find out how SEAA member companies are solving their workforce development needs with SEAA/NCCER Craft Training. More .

Bryttany Freeman is the new Administrative Assistant and Social Media Coordinator for the Steel Erectors Association of America. As SEAA is expanding, Freeman is assisting Kathy Epperson in everyday operations as well as managing social media accounts for the association. More .

The Steel Erectors Association of America is conducting its 16th annual Project of the Year national competition. Besides free publicity and peer and industry recognition, one previous recipient of the award says it gives employees and ironworkers a sense of pride in the company.

“At the worker level, there can be sameness to the work—same welds, same connections, same steel, project after project. This is proof that we are better than the other guys. Having done the job well, safely and on schedule to a level that garnered national recognition—gives our workers a sense of pride and makes them partners in our efforts to maintain quality,” said Kurt Hettinger of S.L. Shaw Company Inc., Bakersfield, Calif. More .

A new book prepared by the Education Committee of the Forensic Engineering Division of the American Society of Civil Engineers explores failures in steel structures between 1970 and 2013. Failure Case Studies: Steel Structures provides a summary and review of eight case studies. The case studies are designed to promote failure literacy and to reduce risk to the public. This book serves as a reminder that learning from past failures can avoid similar failures in the future and lead to improved engineering practices.

Fall Protection-General Requirements has made OSHA’s “Top 10” citations list for eight years running. The body harness is the most critical piece of PPE that will most likely save an ironworker's life. It is also the heaviest, most uncomfortable piece of safety equipment ironworker deals with on a day to day basis.

Selection and inspection of harnesses, plus proper understanding of tie-off procedures and types of connection points have been the focus of several articles in the news recently. These resources serve as a good reminder of best practices to prevent falls and what to do after a fall. More .

The American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) updated A92.20/22/24 standards go into effect this December. Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs) will now become known exclusively as Mobile Elevating Work Platforms, or MEWPs. MEWPs will be classified as Groups A and B and Types 1, 2, or 3. Type is determined by how MEWPs are driven to, from, and around job sites.

Perhaps one of the most significant changes to design standards that will affect operation is load- sensing technology. Overload or load sensing systems must be included in the new MEWP design. Load sensing assesses the weight of operators and equipment in the work platform, and will only allow the machine to operate if the total load stays within the MEWP’s rated capacity. The machine will disable functionality if it exceeds it. More .

During a study conducted in early 2019 by BigRentz is was shown that only 11% of young Americans believed they could get a high-paying job from attending a trade school. To combat this inaccurate view of trade schools BigRentz has launched a trade school scholarship program in order to support students who are looking to pursue a career in a skilled profession. Learn more about the scholarship program and how to apply here .

Garrison Steel, Pell City, Ala., has transitioned its SEAA/NCCER ironworker training program to a 501c3, a not-for-profit educational facility that is now the Ironworker Skills Institute. Garrison Steel partnered with a local community college to offer co-op education for high school students. Recent changes have allowed the Ironworker Skills Institute to transition to a trades program with local high schools and home school associations. Ironworker Skills Institute is able to offer this program at no cost to high school students due to grants and financial contributions from vendors and donors.

The program is designed to guide the current workforce and the next generation of ironworkers and welders towards qualification and employment. “The program is producing young people who are on fire for being in the trades,” said John Garrison, CEO, who reports they have placed at least half of the students into jobs with his company as well as with his competitors. However, Garrison reminds would-be students: “Success doesn’t come without commitment of purpose and hard work.” More.

Ashley Sling, Atlanta, Ga., announces the Tuff-Ash Sling Armor Sleeve. The strong, durable sleeves enable end users to take advantage of the benefits that textile slings can provide while ensuring significant improvements in safety.

The sleeve is resistant to cutting, while also being flexible. It offers excellent resistance to sharp edges and outstanding abrasion resistance. The Sling Armor sleeve also offers identification and wear indicators. More .

Simpson Strong-Tie hosted 32 scholarship program award recipients from universities across the country as part of its new fellowship program. The Simpson Strong-Tie Fellowship provides the opportunity to network with industry professionals, meet with Simpson Strong-Tie executives and fellow scholarship awardees. Since 1998 more than 850 scholarships have been awarded to nearly 100 participating universities. More.

The Crosby Group, Tulsa, Okla., has named Robert Desel CEO. He has served as Chief Commercial Officer since 2017, leading sales, marketing, and company strategies. Desel gained channel management and product support experience in his previous role as founding partner and CEO of Carlisle & Co. More.

The growing trend towards Design-Build and Fast-Track methods of construction have made it more important than ever for there to be cooperation between members of the steel industry in the construction process.

In its 3rd Edition of Detailing Guide: For Steel Erector’s Safety and Efficiency, the Steel Erectors Association of America and the National Institute of Steel Detailing have partnered to update its practical guide for erection procedures. More .

SEAA will hold its 48 ^th  Annual Convention & Trade Show in Charleston, S.C., April 1-3, 2020. Keynote speaker Bob McCall draws on more than 30 years of experience in the utility industry, addressing leadership, culture, expectations, and behaviors that need to be changed in order to take safety to the next level. Additional sessions will focus on workforce development, responding to workplace disasters, correcting rigging and structural steel field mistakes, and managing AISC certification. More .

The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) held its annual Education Fundraiser Golf Tournament, and the Boom Lift Ball Drop Raffle last month. Both activities fund safety and education projects for the implementation of new craft training programs.  

The golf tournament was preceded by a Meet and Greet Reception where more than 50 people attended. The reception included a presentation by Tim Eldridge, President of Education Services Unlimited and SEAA’s Craft Training and Assessment Administrator, on the SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Craft Training Program. The reception was sponsored by member company Pneutek, Inc. More .

Scott Ketcham has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Labor as the new director of OSHA’s Directorate of Construction (DOC). Ketcham has been acting as head since January 2019, succeeding Dean McKenzie.  

 

While Ketcham had previously held the positions as DOC deputy director for more than two years, he has also served in various other roles at OSHA for 19 years. Ketcham has a background in construction, general industry, and maritime. He is also a Certified Safety Professional.  More .

The new ANSI/SAIA Suite of Standards, originally scheduled for December 2019 has been changed to March 1, 2020. Members of the A92 Main Committee decided at the 2019 ASC A92 Aerial Work Platforms Annual Meeting, held Oct. 27-30 in Kansas City, Mo. 

 

The suite includes ANSI/SAIA A92.20 design, calculations, safety requirements, and test methods, the ANSI/SAIA A92.22 safe use of MEWPs, ANSI/SAIA A92.24 Training Requirements for the Use, Operation, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of MEWPs.  More.

Simpson Strong-Tie sponsored Habitat for Humanity’s annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project that took place in Nashville, Tenn., in October. Volunteers from the company’s facilities in Columbus, Ohio, and Gallatin, Tenn., participated in the week-long build project alongside former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.  More . 

JP Cullen hosted its 5th annual Construction Career Fair in Janesville, Wis. More than 200 local students participated in activities that allowed students to experience different trades such as utility work, mechanical, fire protection, ironworking, and prefabrication. JP Cullen’s Apprenticeship Committee builds partnerships with local schools by allowing students to participate in tours of their jobsites and mentoring students in the classroom, as well as encouraging participation in their annual career fair. More  .

Through the sales of The Crosby Groups' popular wire rope clips, the company was able to donate funds to the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation at the company’s warehouse in Arlington, Texas. The Foundation provides college scholarships and educational counseling to children that have lost a parent in the line of duty. More .

Four companies have joined SEAA’s network of Ironworker Craft

Training providers, offering SEAA/NCCER training and assessments. Participation in the program provides SEAA member companies with access to nationally recognized credentials for ironworkers. Because of SEAA’s affiliation with NCCER, members also have access to the dozens of other construction craft training materials, assessments, and certifications. More.

 

These four companies will join a network of 22 training units, located all over the United States. These companies include:

Monterey Structural Steel Inc., a family owned and operated steel fabricator and erector located in Watsonville, Calif., was the 2019 recipient of the SEAA Training Grant. The grant provides funding to cover startup costs associated with establishing a new SEAA/NCCER training unit and assessment site. Monterey Structural Steel is SEAA’s second Training and Assessment site in the state of California. More.

SEAA will hold its annual golf tournament on Oct. 18 in Raleigh, N.C. The tournament raises funds for the Craft Training Grant and other Safety Committee initiatives. Held at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course, the Captain’s Choice style tournament kicks off after a brief industry update from SEAA. Fees include lunch, snacks and beverages, and the awards dinner.

 

Receive $25 off per player if you register by July 30th. More.

SEAA’s Executive Board directs six committees, which tackle specific projects and annual planning. “More than anything, involvement in the day-to-day work of the association is what opened doors and created great networking opportunities for me personally,” said Jack Nix, Chairman of the Membership Committee.

 

Openings are available for each of the following committees. Committees meet in person at quarterly

board meetings and by conference call as projects dictate. Looking for more information? Contact Tom

Underhill at the SEAA office or the individual chairperson. More.

NCCER, SEAA’s partner in the development of the association’s Ironworker Craft Training materials, is seeking Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to assist with revisions to the Reinforcing Ironwork and Ironworking curriculum.

 

“NCCER subject matter experts should have outstanding knowledge of their trade; have the ability to communicate verbally in group settings; have familiarity with NCCER curricula; have journey-level experience in their craft; have experience teaching the craft to others; and have a commitment to the project for its duration,” explained Chris Wilson, NCCER Project Manager. More info on becoming an SME is available at NCCER’s website .

 

“SEAA members have a vested interest in supporting ongoing updates to NCCER curriculum, especially, the Reinforcing Ironwork and Ironworking materials,” said Tom Underhill, SEAA Executive Director. More .

Frankel Media Group, on behalf of NCCER, recently survey more than 500 parents in Virginia about their opinion of careers in construction for their children. According to NCCER, parents and teachers are among the primary influencers on the career paths chosen by students.

 

While some of the results related to opinions about the importance of college, pay and benefits, job security, and safety were expected, other results were surprisingly supportive of careers in the trades. More.

Effective safety and health programs tap into workers' collective experience, knowledge, and insight in order to find solutions to workplace safety and health challenges. SEAA encourages steel fabricators and erectors to participate in Safe + Sound Week, August 12-18. More.