Topping Out-Fall 2024

TOPPING OUT

The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), in partnership with the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), has been selected to receive a $6.4 million grant. The purpose of the grant is for research into automation of the development of steel product environmental product declarations (EPDs). The grant is part of a nearly $160 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program to reduce climate pollution from the manufacturing of construction materials and products.

“American structural steel is already the most transparent, sustainable material on the market today–and thanks to a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, specifiers and the public will have even more accurate data available to help them choose structural materials that protect the planet both today and tomorrow.”

– Brian Raff, AISC’s VP of Sustainability and Government Affairs.

Engaged Company Leaders Reduces Incident Rates

A new report from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) provides empirical evidence that companies using leading indicators have significantly safer worksites, resulting in fewer accidents and disruptions, regardless of company size. One finding in the 2024 Safety Performance Report showed that employer involvement at the highest level of management significantly impacts safety outcomes.

When top management is engaged, there was a 54 percent reduction in Total Recordable Incident Rates (TRIR) and a 52 percent reduction in Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) rates. In top-performing ABC STEP member firms, the owner or CEO actively participates in the safety program, promotes accountability, regularly reviews safety goals, seeks feedback for continuous improvement, commits necessary resources, and integrates safety into performance appraisals and overall operations.

Credit: Associated Builders and Contractors 2024 Safety Performance Report

Meet New Members

Battle Born Steel, Las Vegas, Nevada, an AISC certified structural steel fabricator and installer working on single and multistory commercial and residential projects across the country.

D.T. Read Steel Co., Inc., Camden, North Carolina, specializes in installing reinforcing steel, Stay-in-Place metal decking, bridge shear studs, and post-tension cable. Referred by: Nick Caratelli, Nelson Stud Welding and Jack Nix, Shelby Erectors

HTX Steel Constructors, Houston, Texas, a newly formed company specializing in the erection of heavy and complex structural steel projects. Referred by: Geoff Kress, Gardner-Watson Decking

KASK America, Inc. Charlotte, North Carolina, and based in Italy, specializes in developing, designing, and manufacturing safety helmets. Referred by: OES Products Group

MGX Equipment Services LLC, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is one of the largest Manitowoc and Grove crane dealers in the U.S., providing crane rentals, aftermarket parts, service, crane certification training, and more. Referred by: Richard Bostick, Piedmont Structural Company

Nationwide Erectors LLC, Henderson, Nevada, is a steel erector serving the Las Vegas, Nevada, area.

R/A Hoerr Inc., Edwards, Illinois, is a logistical and commercial partner of manufacturers taking high performance, extreme environment, and safety related products from the automotive racing industry to new channels, transcending their market potential. Referred by: Veronica Ventimiglia, QuickFrames

Structural Steel Technologies, Nazareth, Pennsylvania, offers crane technology solutions that decreases cycle times for crane operators by providing precision GPS equipment. Referred by: Nick Caratelli, Nelson Stud Welding

Universal Welding Services LLC, Corpus Christi, Texas, provides steel fabrication and erection services for South Texas and Southwest Louisiana.

Villabona Iron Works, Kinston, North Carolina. Referred by Kevin Dempsey, Turner Construction Company

Worcester County Welding Corp, Rochdale, Massachusetts, is a family-owned company with over 30 years of experience in structural steel fabrication, steel erection and miscellaneous metals. Referred by: Glen Pisani, MAS Building & Bridge