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BTN News Affiliate Reports Ironworkers: Safety Standards on Job Sites
BTN News Affiliate Reports Ironworkers: Safety Standards on Job Sites
| Ironworkers: Safety Standards on Job Sites |
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As all of our members know, safety is priority #1 among Ironworkers. We
stress it in everything we do. Local 416 and 433 apprentices must spend
days and weeks in the classroom learning about safety. Our veteran
Journeymen are constantly going back for safety retraining and to
refresh their knowledge base. Our apprenticeship mission statement says it all: To train Ironworkers to the highest level of safety and productivity. We live by that motto. So whenever our stellar safety record is compromised, we redouble our efforts, investigating any potential safety shortcoming that may have contributed to the accident. We don’t stop until we come up with solutions to prevent further tragedies. Sure, we all know Ironwork is dangerous – probably the most dangerous of the building trades crafts. But it’s the job of the union to make a dangerous industry more safe. Our safety standards will never be compromised. In Las Vegas, where work has been booming, Ironworkers 433 and 416 have established over the past year an Advisory Committee, made up of contractors, general contractors and the union. We meet regularly to identify safety concerns, develop plans to address those concerns, work to increase safety awareness and investigate any safety shortcomings on the job site. We’re proud of the Advisory Committees accomplishments to date: xx Trained over 450 men in Subpart R training xx Required more and earlier safety training for our apprentices xx Established commitments from the contractors to enforce our three primary safety concerns: • 15’ and 30 foot rule • Protection in elevator shafts • Maintenance of an independent tie-off system xx Required that all GC safety personnel take Subpart R training The Ironworkers are working closely with Nevada OSHA and will have them attend future advisory meetings. In addition, we will continue offering Subpart R, OSHA 10 and other safety classes at the apprenticeship school six days a week - Monday through Saturday – during the day and in the evenings, and at the union hall as needed. We’re now requiring our apprentices to enroll in special evaluation class held at the apprenticeship school to ensure each has an understanding of the requirements of the job and our safety expectations. And we’re encouraging members who travel into our jurisdiction from other parts of the country and may not be familiar with area regulations and practices to attend journeymen retraining classes. Remember, these men and women are OUR responsibility. We need to help them become accustomed to our safety rules and regulations. Contact the apprenticeship office or the local hall for more information. Don’t forget, our mandatory safety meetings on the job site – which we hold once or twice each week – is the time for members to go over any specific concerns they have about upcoming work or let supervisors know if they need a refresher on any work skills. It’s your right to refuse to do any unsafe job. Safety will always remain our #1 priority. Ensuring Drug Free Work Sites Once again, Ironworkers are leading the industry when it comes to ensuring safe and drug-free job sites. The International began implementing a new drug testing program in February. This nationally recognized program utilizes a national data base to ensure enrollment and participation. To date, 33 of our contractors have already signed up for The Impact Drug Testing program. Although the program is voluntary the first year, some contractors are only giving members 45 days to be tested and get their names entered into the data base. Be sure and be tested. Don’t wait. Even OCIP managers are beginning to enroll in our program. Contact your union hall for more information. Doug Williams Business Manager Ironworkers Local 433 Hart Keeble Business Manager/F.S.T. Ironworkers Local 416 |
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