According to the US Department of Labor, steel erection is considered to be one of the top 10 most hazardous occupations. Steel erection work includes the construction, alteration or repair of heavy-duty high-rise structures, metal buildings and signs. Steel erection occurs during the construction of many bridges, office buildings, commercial, retail and industrial structures. OSHA published its current Steel Erection Standard (1926, Subpart R) in 2001. More than two decades later, steel erection continues to be regularly cited by OSHA and many serious injuries continue to occur.
The OSHA enforcement guide for steel erection identifies several ways employers can prevent injuries and ensure compliance:
- Are fall protection systems complete and are the correct components in use? For example, if workers are tied off at foot level, a standard 6-ft shock absorbing lanyard may not be adequate.
- Have the workers been properly trained in the use of the equipment?
- Has the employer provided for rescue? Is there a viable self-rescue option? Are the equipment and rescue procedures in place? Have all of the employees been trained on the rescue procedures? If the procedures include calling 911, do the emergency services know they are part of the plan and have the ability to respond?
- Has falling object protection been provided or has work been precluded below the erection activity?
CMI recently provided training for a steel erection company who works throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. In addition to reviewing the OSHA regulatory requirements; the group discussed case studies and examples of lifesaving information that will be used when developing rescue plans in the field. This training also included donning personal fall arrest systems to practice safe transitions while maintaining 100% tie off at all times. Our team also works with participants to perform multiple lift rigging and slung loads of steel trusses to learn how to best perform this difficult activity as safely as possible. This opportunity to connect with employees who face these risks in the field helps to ensure that CMI’s training courses provide an understanding of the practical value of site layout, proper set up for safe hoisting and rigging, column anchorage, fall protection and rescue planning.
CMI’s training team creates an environment where our participants learn regulations and best practices in a practical way to help prevent injuries and incidents in the field. We are happy to work with your organization to plan and deliver engaging safety training courses for your employees or contractors involved in steel erection or any other high risk construction activities.
Written by Frank Marino, Senior Safety Specialist and Trainer