Association News - Congratulations 2023 Safety Excellence and Craft Training Excellence Winners

“Good safety records, comprehensive training aligned with long-term career paths, and awards recognitions, are among the criteria that prospective employees consider when deciding where to apply. Beyond the inherent value of being a safe company, it’s also a great marketing tool in a highly competitive market,” said outgoing Safety & Education Committee Chairman Bryan McClure.

The Safety Excellence Award goes to seven member companies in three categories. Recipients were selected based on their EMR ratings, OSHA 300A statistics, and safety program processes over the last three years. Scoring was based on points assigned to a multi-criteria analysis, conducted in blind review by members of SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee.

Two companies received the 2023 Craft Training Award. Applicants were evaluated on the portability of credentials, availability of apprenticeship programs, training, and recruitment efforts.

Evaluations for Craft Training Excellence are made in comparison to other companies of similar size, based on the number of ironworkers employed from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2022. Note that there were not submissions by employers in all size categories for 2023. The World Class honorees each receive $1,500 to further their training program initiatives.

SAFETY EXCELLENCE WINNERS

World Class Premier Gold

Derr & Gruenewald Construction, LLC Brighton, Colo.

Gardner Watson Decking Oldsmar, Fla.

High Plains Steel Services Windsor, Colo.

Empire Steel Erectors Humble, Texas

L.R. Willson & Sons Gambrills, Md.

CRAFT TRAINING EXCELLENCE WINNERS

World Class Category 1

Derr & Gruenewald Construction, LLC Brighton, Colo.

Black Cat, LLC Cheyenne, Wyo.

Shelby Erectors, Davie, Fla.

World Class Category 2

Shelby Erectors Davie, Fla.

■ SEAA Supports Crane Risk Logic and the CRL Federation

SEAA has entered into an agreement to collaborate with Crane Risk Logic, a technology and data service provider dedicated to global crane risk improvement. SEAA supports member company participation in the Crane Risk Logic Federation, which is a joint venture administered by Crane Risk Logic with the Crane Safety Research Lab at Texas A&M University on behalf of crane users, OEMs, trade groups, and related industry stakeholders.

“The goal of our collaboration is to reduce and mitigate crane risks for our members, through access to research, training materials, and insights from subject matter experts,” said David Deem, President of SEAA.

Crane Risk Logic and the Crane Safety Research Lab uses an innovative information exchange between crane designers, manufacturers, and owners, and organizations that transport, erect, and dismantle cranes, as well as site supervisors and safety managers of crane operations. “Findings are generated from anonymous accident data, real-time telematics, and equipment and device testing using engineering-based research, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Predictive Analytics models and other tools,” explained Kevin Cunningham, President and CEO of Crane Risk Logic.

“SEAA is committed to continual investment in our industry by connecting industry leaders, creating a strong network of support, and increasing member value through collaborations such as this,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA. This agreement is the latest in a series of investments SEAA has made in hiring, training, insurance, and risk mitigation tools for its members. •

■ IronBOT Places 147,032 lbs of Rebar

IronBOT from Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR) successfully completed its inaugural project in February on the Port St. Lucie West Boulevard Bridge in Port St. Lucie, FL alongside Shelby Erectors, Inc. The originally estimated duration of the rebar installation was 14 days. By augmenting Shelby’s crew with the BOT Bundle, the same amount of work was completed in only seven days.

During the pilot, IronBOT placed 147,032 lb of rebar while TyBOT completed 58,068 ties over 6.5 production shifts. Shelby Erectors, ACR’s Integration Partner, has already been boosting crew productivity with TyBOT for over two years. “We were excited to be able to have IronBOT and TyBOT work together alongside our crews on this project. We were impressed that we could slash our rebar installation schedule in half. We are actively looking for new projects to incorporate the BOT Bundle in our operations,” said Jack Nix, COO of Shelby Erectors, Inc.

■ EPS Introduces Patented Debris Containment System

Essential Perimeter Safety Systems (EPS) along with InCord showcased the newest technology in jobsite safety netting last month at SEAA’s 2023 Convention and Trade Show in St. Augustine, Fla. The EPS Debris Containment System (DCS) is designed to attach to steel columns that are already part of the erecting schedule. This is done on the ground. Rope and cables are tied to the base of the column and once the column is set in place a net is raised two floors above splice locations allowing all erecting to take place behind vertical netting. The DCS has proven to be the safest netting system for jobsite protection and is more efficient in its installation, maintenance and removal. Multiple patents ensure that EPS will be the leader in containment solutions for new and rehab construction projects.

■ Jekko Introduces Mini Cranes

■ Magni Releases New Fixed Boom Telehandlers

Magni Telescopic Handlers, a global leader in Rotating Telehandlers introduces the TH series of fixed boom telehandlers. The lineup includes 6 models with lift capacities ranging from 10,000-12,100 lbs., lifting heights from 25-79 ft. and max reach from 14-63 ft. The spacious cab design with unrivaled visibility, full-color digital display, and Load Moment Indicator (LMI) provides operators with a comfortable, user-friendly, and safe working environment. In addition, the Magni TH line is the only in this class in the United States with LMI and Load-Limiting Technology as standard. A variety of attachments are available, including forks, winches, jibs, and work platforms.

■ Fully Assembled Drop-In Frames from QuickFrames

OuickFrames has released a new Drop-In Frame, a fully assembled version of QuickFrames’ classic adjustable structural support roof frames. Designed for fabricators and erectors that are accustomed to dropping in frames before the roof deck is down, these new frames deliver the convenience of fully assembled frames while allowing for adjustability in the field. This prevents some of the most frustrating hassles and expenses on new construction projects, including changes in mechanical locations, measurements, and equipment sizes. With Drop-in Frames, users can detach the rail system, attach new bolt-in connectors and install the frame from elsewhere. Built to work with steel joists or beams with metal decking, the frames can save fabricators valuable shop time.

■ Lower Cost Engineered Steel and Composite Crane Pad

In response to industry demand for durable and engineered equipment stabilization at a lower price point, DICA has designed a new crane pad, EcoMax. EcoMax combines alternating solid composite “tim bers” and steel I-beams connected with through-bolts for maximum load distribution. The new crane pad is ideal for medium to larger sized equipment with reaction forces of 100,000 lbs. EcoMax Crane Pads are non-ab sorbent, easy to clean, and resistant to rot and decay, providing long-lasting and predictable equipment support. 1-866-733-3272

By Tim Heston