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If Labor Supply Issues Keep you Up at Night...
By Josh Cilley, SEAA President
I predict that by this summer steel erectors may be facing serious shortages of qualified labor, affecting their ability to deliver jobs on time and on budget. An expanding economy and increasing numbers of job starts combined with tightening U.S. immigration policies, could mean a perfect storm for meeting construction labor needs. I'm hearing similar concerns from other erectors and contractors working in the northeast, and I suspect the same is true all over the country.

SEAA's ironworker training program has put in motion solutions that will deliver long-term results to the labor supply problem. But what are erectors going to do in the short term? You won't solve the qualified labor supply puzzle by reading any article, especially this one. But I promise that these are the very real issues erectors who are members of SEAA work on together. Collaboration happens when you network with other like-minded business owners and managers. I invite you to attend SEAA's annual convention in April in Myrtle Beach, S.C., to learn more about labor forecasting, tapping military veterans to supply your ironworker pipeline, and how to enhance craft worker recruitment efforts.   Register Now
Plan Now for Fall Prevention Stand Down
Order Banners by April 7
Contractors across the country will participate in the fourth annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls May 8-12, 2017. At least 7% of falls are from work on girders or structural steel, according to an infographic produced by The Center for Construction Research and Training. 

SEAA encourages steel erectors to offer fall protection training unique to ironworkers during May Stand Down. In addition, 60"x35" banners designed for steel erection contractors to use in their stand-down events are available. Place your order by April 7. More
Sponsored Content 
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Improve safety while saving tons of $$$$ by reducing slow, expensive manlifts on your project. For Connecting, Bolt Up, Welding, Maintenance & Inspections.  Work faster, work safer, work smarter.
Coast to Coast Ironworker Training
The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces that its Ironworker Training Units are now available from Coast to Coast with the addition of Rackley Company, a structural steel erector and metal building erector located in Northern California.

Rackley Company, a SEAA member since 2011 with 40 years of experience, serves Southern Oregon to Central California. The company erects commercial buildings, institutional structures, agriculture infrastructure, industrial buildings, and multi-family housing. Like many steel erectors, the company faces the need to maintain a skilled workforce as they prepare to lose seasoned ironworkers to retirement.

Scott Rackley, President, with Mike Boggs, Foreman; Robert Vanucci, Safety Coordinator; Charlie Alderson, Foreman; and Andy Ontiveros, Equipment Manager, will lead the implementation of SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Training at the company. More
Industry Reports
NCCER Announces BYF Initiatives for Veterans, Women
The Build Your Future (BYF) program of NCCER announced two new initiatives targeted at key demographics for the steel erection industry--veterans and women.

The first is Hard Hat Heroes Credentialing Portal, which allows veterans to receive NCCER credit for skills and training they received while in the military. An updated ironworker trading card features a female craft professional who works for one of NCCER's industry partners. More
The Employer's Role in Addressing Opioid Epidemic
By Melanie Armstrong, RN, BSN, Medical Services Manager for American Mining Insurance Group, a Berkley Company

Whitepaper
The statistics are staggering. More than 300,000 Americans have lost their lives to prescription and illicit opioid use since 2000. According to 2015 data from the Centers for Disease Control, 63 percent of deaths from drug overdose involved opioids.  Doctors often prescribe opioids when a worker is injured. Meant for short-term relief, medical teams should discuss the prescription plan before the injured worker is at risk for developing dependency. More

Learn more about this at the SEAA's annual convention in April in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Register Now
Connector Winter Edition February 2017 Now Online
A digital version of the newly redesigned
Connector magazine is now available. Read about two university projects that were recognized as Projects of the Year. In both cases, contractors working on the Liberty School of Music and The Pavilion at Ole Miss faced tight job sites and tight schedules.  SUBSCRIBE NOW

Next Ad Deadline: April 9
Contact Chris Harrison 
ConnectorSales@SEAA.net
660-287-7660
SEAA Participates in The Steel Conference


Last week, SEAA participated in The Steel Conference in San Antonio, Texas. In addition to exhibiting, several SEAA members presented on topics relevant to erectors and fabricators. (Right) David Deem, a director on SEAA's board, with Charles Wall, Rick Jensen, and Tom Sputo discussed "Safe and Efficient Installation of Steel Joists and Metal Deck."
Member News
Welcome New Members
Construction Labor Contractors Knoxville, Tenn. Services
Magni Telescopic Handlers/
Paramount Equipment
Union, N.J. Suppliers & Manufacturers
PMS Inc. Roxboro, N.C. Specialty Services
Steelco Erectors LLC Carroll, Ohio Erectors

Garrison Steel Opens Training Center
Garrison Steel Inc. recently opened a hands-on workshop at its headquarters in Pell City, Ala., to complement the Core and Introduction to Ironworker classes it is holding at nearby Jefferson State Community College. The inaugural class of high school students includes 22 seniors, who are set to complete the program in May with Level 1 Ironworker credentials. More

Lincoln Electric Remembers Valued Life-Long Team Members


Hastings
Blodgett
Lincoln Electric remembers long-time members of their team, who recently died. Former CEO Donald F. Hastings, age 88, died in December 2016. He had a 44-year career at the company, beginning in 1953 as a trainee in the welding school. Omer W. Blodgett, age 99, died in January. He was a welding industry pioneer and renowned authority on the design of welded connections. Blodgett spent 60 years working for Lincoln Electric. More

United Rentals to acquire NES Rentals
United Rentals, Inc. and NES Rentals Holdings II announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which United Rentals will acquire NES for approximately $965 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close early in the second quarter of 2017. More

Mazzella Lifting Technologies Opens Branch in OKC
Rigging gear supplier Mazzella Lifting Technologies, (a member of Mazzella Companies), has opened a branch in Oklahoma City, Okla. Mazzella will maintain an inventory of wire rope, specialty ropes, fall protection, chain and fittings, synthetic slings, rigging hardware, hoists, hoist parts, pullers and other related rigging products. The branch will be managed by Tyler Henley. More

Altec Introduces Offsettable Jib for AC45-127S
A new offsetable jib for the 45-ton AC45-127S crane provides the operator the ability to accomplish more on the jobsite. Introduced by Altec Cranes at ConExpo-Con/Agg in March, the jib package helps operators position the crane closer to the side of a structure when other obstacles prevent alternative set-up sites. The AC45-127 features a five-section, 127-foot boom, and dual entry cab. More

New Mini Crawler Debuts at ConExpo
ML Cranes & Equipment, a Maeda dealer and rental company in Charlotte, N.C., announces that Maeda has released a new mini-crawler crane. The CC1485 replaces the LC785 and will be available in North America in 2017. Key features include 6.6 ton capacity and 72.2-ft. maximum hook height. The no outrigger design has near zero tail swing. The crane debuted at ConExpo-Con/Agg in Las Vegas, Nev., in March. More

High Reaching Telehandler New from Magni and Paramount Equipment
The new RT 6.45 SH rotating telehandler from Magni, and available through Paramount Equipment, can lift up to 13,200 pounds and reach 14 stories with 5,500 pounds. The unique rotating telehandler works like a crane or aerial work platform. According to Gary Weisman, VP Sales and Operations for Magni's authorized USA distributor, this is the world's highest reaching rotating telehandler. More
Safety Flash: Preventing Tipovers in Boom Lifts
On a recent steel erection project, a worker employed by another specialty subcontractor tipped over in a boom lift. The worker in the platform was elevated at least 60 feet when he drove the boom lift over a 10'x10' hole. The hole had been covered by two sheets of plywood. Plywood is not of sufficient strength to support a boom lift. The area around the hole should have been barricaded.  More
In the News
OSHA Whitepaper: Sustainability in the Workplace: A new approach for protecting worker safety and health  More
EHS Today:  OSHA Penalties Keep Changing, But OSH Act Remains the Same More
Equipment World: Adapt or Die: Future of construction will require contractors to embrace technology More
Safety + Health: Is behavior based safety really washed up? More
OHS Online: Respirators-Mandatory or Voluntary?  More
Fox News: Mike Rowe, "Learn a skill that is actually in demand... If you want to weld, you're gonna work." More
Reach Managers in the Steel Construction Community
Connector, published quarterly, targets 4500 executives, project managers, engineers, and operations personnel. 

Digital newsletters, Connector eNews and Safety Flash, are emailed six times per year each. Industry-leading open rates mean your banner ad or sponsored content connects with highly engaged audiences.

Contact Chris Harrison at ConnectorSales@seaa.net or 660-287-7660.
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