Now, contractors are also spreading the safety awareness message throughout their organizations, promoting responsibility and education to save lives and reduce onsite injuries.

“The cooperation of our contractor partners is paramount to the success of Countdown to Zero Fatalities,” said Walter Wise, General President of the Iron Workers Union.  “Our training delivers the ability to recognize and avoid hazards while our Countdown to Zero Fatalities awareness campaign makes every member responsible for looking out for each other.”

Alissa Schneider, President of Danny’s Construction Company, Shakopee, Minn., first heard about the Countdown to Zero Fatalities campaign through Wise’s December 2011 video blog.  “Show this to your crews. Send it to your Brothers and Sisters in Ironworking.  Repeat the message, repeat the message, repeat the message and LEAD the way every day,” she wrote in a recent broadcast email to her company.

Schneider added, “The countdown clock on the Iron Workers’s website is a great way to stress the urgency of the challenge.   Each working minute in the day presents numerous risks, and the decisions made each minute matter.”

Darlaine Taylor, Vice President of Century Steel Erectors, Dravosburg, Pa., said that under her leadership, a “culture of safety” is paramount.  In addition to the daily and weekly safety activities, the management of Century Steel feels it is important to bring their employees together at least once a year to encourage team work, to promote safe job sites and strive for zero accidents.  “We’ve held an annual safety meeting for the past 26 years.  This year, we’ve invited Steve Rank from the Iron Workers to talk about the ‘deadly dozen’ common jobsite hazards,” Taylor said.  “In the past, we’ve had Eric Waterman, CEO of IMPACT, Joe Hunt, General President Emeritus from the Iron Workers, professional athletes and other union tradesmen.”

“We wanted to bring the campaign here, hardhat stickers, posters and all,” she added.  Taylor said that Century Steel’s annual meeting also serves as a venue for the company’s annual safety awards.  “It lends the recipients a lot of recognition, and that’s what’s important.  It’s important to be recognized for being safe and setting a good example.”

Century Steel’s annual meeting consistently draws more than 200 Ironworkers and company employees, as well as the business managers and agents from the local union hall.  This year’s meeting will be held on Saturday, March 31.

“These contractors are just a few of many who have begun to broadcast the Countdown to Zero Fatalities message to their organizations,” said IMPACT CEO Waterman. 

“A safe jobsite is in everyone’s best interest, from the owner to contractor to Ironworker and their family.  A safe jobsite is a productive jobsite and delivers a quality project that everyone can look back on with pride and accomplishment,” General President Wise added.

Steve Rank, with the help of Iron Workers and IMPACT, is hosting a Webinar on Feb. 29, focusing on the “deadly dozen” common—and avoidable—construction site hazards.  All Ironworkers and their signatory contractors are invited to attend.

About the Iron Workers International:The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IABSO&RIW) was founded in 1896 in Pittsburgh, Penn. They now represent more than 125,000 Ironworkers throughout the United States and Canada. The IABSO&RIW’s mission is to improve the working conditions of its members while promoting constructive relationships with their employers to increase work opportunities.

About IMPACT: The Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (www.impact-net.org) was formed in 2003 under Section 302(c) 9 of the Labor-Management Relations (Taft-Hartley) Act. IMPACT is a non-profit, tax-exempt labor-management trust under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The primary mission of IMPACT is to expand job opportunities for union ironworkers and their signatory contractors through progressive and innovative labor-management programs, training and safety. IMPACT is governed by a 26-member Board of Trustees. Each of IMPACT’s 13 regions is represented by one labor trustee and one management trustee.

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LAS VEGAS - The Iron Workers and IMPACT Tuesday launched into yet another full-day, information-sharing session at the 2012 North American Iron Workers/IMPACT Labor-Management Conference in Las Vegas. 

Joel Dandrea, Executive Vice President of the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA), presented “The Heavy Lifting,” during which he thanked Iron Workers and IMPACT for a strong partnership and mutual commitment to training for members.  Afterward, Steve Rank, Executive Director of Safety and Health for the Iron Workers Union, took to the stage to discuss the “deadly dozen” common construction site hazards in addition to strategies to prevent Ironworker injuries on the job.

Rick Sullivan, IMPACT Director of Education and Training, launched the first of the day’s collaborative sessions with a panel discussion on fabricating jobs.  The session focused on improving Ironworker Shop training in order to compete with the non-union sector, and in order to stem the rising tide of foreign workers hired to replace domestic labor.  Walter Wise, General President of the Iron Workers Union and Labor Co-Chair for IMPACT, added that “we cannot prosper, cannot double market share, and cannot grow our industry if we do not have the shops right there with us.”  Wise said that the cooperation of outside local unions and shops are crucial to accomplishing the Union’s goals of doubling market share by 2020. 

IMPACT welcomed a powerhouse panel to “Real Estate Development—When Is The Commercial Market Coming Back?” hosted by IMPACT Regional Advisory Board V Management Co-Chair Vic Cornellier.  Developers stressed relationship-building as the key to landing new projects.  “We have to market to the real client: the owner of the property,” said Peter Palandjian, a representative from the Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation in Boston.  Cornellier, who is also President and CEO of TSI/Exterior Wall Systems, Fairfax, Va., added succinctly, “The developer is the ultimate customer.”

Steve Lindauer, CEO of the Association of Union Constructors, moderated “The Customer is Always Right,” a panel of 10 of the largest owners in North America, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pfizer and Los Angeles World Airports, among others.  Owners lauded Ironworkers’ commitment to safety and training and stressed the need to market services more aggressively to large consumers like themselves who benefit from good work in the way of large cost savings and superior quality projects.

Kevin Hilton, Executive Assistant to the CEO of IMPACT, later moderated the two-part “If I Were a Contractor, This Is What I’d Do…” and “I Wish the Union Would…”  The first session included Business Managers from across North American, while the second part of the session tapped the expertise of IMPACT contractor partners.  Business Managers and contractors both agreed that an unwavering commitment to safety and transparency would lead the Union to success in the coming years.

Hugely popular breakout sessions on Davis Bacon, Temporary Reinforcing Structures and jurisdiction issues rounded out the day.

About the Iron Workers International: The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IABSO&RIW) was founded in 1896 in Pittsburgh, Penn. They now represent more than 125,000 Ironworkers throughout the United States and Canada. The IABSO&RIW’s mission is to improve the working conditions of its members while promoting constructive relationships with their employers to increase work opportunities.

About IMPACT: The Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (www.impact-net.org) was formed in 2003 under Section 302(c) 9 of the Labor-Management Relations (Taft-Hartley) Act. IMPACT is a non-profit, tax-exempt labor-management trust under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The primary mission of IMPACT is to expand job opportunities for union ironworkers and their signatory contractors through progressive and innovative labor-management programs, training and safety. IMPACT is governed by a 26-member Board of Trustees. Each of IMPACT’s 13 regions is represented by one labor trustee and one management trustee.

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LAS VEGAS — The American Subcontractors Association, Inc. (ASA), a national trade association of construction subcontractors, specialty trade contractors and suppliers, and the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT), a joint cooperative trust that brings together ironworkers and signatory contractors, signed a partnering agreement on Jan. 30 in Las Vegas.

“We look forward to the opportunities that our partnering agreement with ASA creates to collectively address many of the challenges that face the construction industry,” said Walter Wise, General President of the Iron Workers International Union and Labor Co-Chair of IMPACT. 

“The construction industry will benefit from expanded cooperation, the sharing of knowledge and regular contacts between ASA and IMPACT,”said 2011-12 ASA Vice President Walter Bazan Jr., Bazan Painting Company, St. Louis, Mo. “Our organizations have lessons to share about managing construction firms and promoting the construction industry in today’s tough economic environment. This partnership represents an opportunity to spread that knowledge in a way that our organizations can’t do alone.”

ASA and IMPACT agree to work together to:

• Create an environment to foster a sustained, meaningful dialogue among the leaders, members and staff of the respective organizations.

·         Provide mutual assistance and cooperation in appropriate circumstances.

·         Raise awareness of the value of each organization with the other’s leaders, members and staff.

·         Identify shared interests, needs and concerns on a regular basis.

·         Identify specific resources, appropriate communication pathways, and key volunteer and staff contacts on a regular basis.

·         Appoint representatives to serve on joint initiatives and task forces.

·         Exchange materials and information and provide educational opportunities tailored to identified interests, needs and concerns.

·         Conduct regular meetings among the respective leaders of the organizations to review and to refresh the partnering relationship and to assess its effectiveness and direction.

The Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (http://www.impact-net.org) was formed in 2003 under Section 302(c) 9 of the Labor-Management Relations (Taft-Hartley) Act. IMPACT’s mission is to expand job opportunities for union ironworkers and their signatory contractors through progressive and innovative labor-management programs, training and safety. IMPACT is governed by a 26-member Board of Trustees. Each of IMPACT’s 13 regions is represented by one labor trustee and one management trustee.

Founded in 1966, ASA (http://www.asaonline.com) amplifies the voice of, and leads, trade contractors to improve the business environment for the construction industry and to serve as a steward for the community. ASA’s vision is to be the united voice dedicated to improving the business environment in the construction industry. The ideals and beliefs of ASA are ethical and equitable business practices, quality construction, a safe and healthy work environment, and integrity and membership diversity.

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LAS VEGAS - The Iron Workers and the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust tackled both light-hearted and gritty industry issues Monday as more than 600 attendees packed the 2012 North American Iron Workers/IMPACT Labor Management Conference’s morning session.

“The politics of no and gridlock in Washington have not served our country well,” said Iron Workers General President and IMPACT Co-Chair Walter Wise as he called to order Monday morning’s session.  “Instead, our mission as a Union is to constantly improve as we reaffirm our commitment to safety and value.”

Management Co-Chair William Brown and IMPACT CEO Eric Waterman also took to the stage to stress the importance of IMPACT’s Regional Advisory Boards and heralded the formation of three new Boards in Canada, the addition of which brings IMPACT’s total numbers of RABs to 13, up from 10 in 2011. RAB XI Co-Chairs Darrell LaBoucan (Labor) and Ross Fraser (Management) lauded IMPACT’s efforts to tailor its programs to the needs of Canada, especially its instrumentality in encouraging cross-border mobility in areas of western Canada where the industry often experiences shortages of Ironworkers.  “This is a strong opportunity for Ironworkers and contractors to grow their business,” LaBoucan said.

The morning’s discussions also included General James Conway’s powerful session on effective leadership, and later, Charlie Cook’s take on the current political landscape as the nation gears up for the presidential election later this year.  Anirban Basu, CEO of the Sage Policy Group, livened the mood as he delivered a positive economic outlook for the coming years.

More of the day’s highlights include Executive Director of Apprenticeship and Training Lee Worley’s presentation on training material innovation, as well as the signing of a partnering agreement between IMPACT and the American Subcontractors Association (ASA), an organization that, like IMPACT, is committed to improving communication and productivity within the construction industry. The agreement opens the door to a much-needed information-sharing program between the two organizations, benefitting both Ironworkers and contractors.

The afternoon breakout sessions included a packed house at “A Frank Discussion With Contractors and Owners,” moderated by Management Co-Chair William Brown.  General President Walter Wise, General Secretary Eric Dean, General Treasurer Ed McHugh and all Iron Worker District Council Presidents were on hand to add to the discussion.

Lyle Hill of Keytech North America presented “Transparency in the Glazing Business,” and Dan Grove and Lee Worley spoke to dozens of attendees interested in learning more about Ironworker IT programs in “What Are the IWITS and the IWATS?” Harvey Swift and Rick Sullivan piqued Ironworkers’ interest in mobile technologies by delving into the world of mobile construction apps—they even added a highly interactive session component to gather more ideas on future Ironworker-specific application development.

In late afternoon sessions, Ian Coats of Tekla, Inc. presented on innovative virtual reality modeling called “Business Information Modeling."  Erin Conway of the AISC presented a “Steel Supply Chain” tutorial.  Don Hazel of McGraw Hill and Tony Salemme of Industrial Information Resources presented “Need More Work? Here It Is!” a breakout session highlighting IMPACT’s project tracking software, offered free (or deeply discounted) to participating contractors.

Finally, Communications Specialist Brennan Gamwell’s “I’m Already Online…And I Didn’t Even Know It” rounded out the day with a hugely popular presentation on social media, branding and identity in the digital sphere, with a focus on what the Iron Workers and IMPACT do to communicate online.

“This year’s session consists of 50 percent Ironworkers and 50 percent contractors and owners.  The diversity of this year’s group has led to some incredible, productive discussions, and I look forward to continuing this trend tomorrow,” added CEO Waterman.

About the Iron Workers International: The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IABSO&RIW) was founded in 1896 in Pittsburgh, Penn. They now represent more than 125,000 Ironworkers throughout the United States and Canada. The IABSO&RIW’s mission is to improve the working conditions of its members while promoting constructive relationships with their employers to increase work opportunities.

About IMPACT: The Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (www.impact-net.org) was formed in 2003 under Section 302(c) 9 of the Labor-Management Relations (Taft-Hartley) Act. IMPACT is a non-profit, tax-exempt labor-management trust under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The primary mission of IMPACT is to expand job opportunities for union ironworkers and their signatory contractors through progressive and innovative labor-management programs, training and safety. IMPACT is governed by a 26-member Board of Trustees. Each of IMPACT’s 13 regions is represented by one labor trustee and one management trustee.

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LAS VEGAS - The Iron Workers Union and the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT) welcomed more than 750 owners, contractors and Ironworkers to Las Vegas Sunday morning to the fifth annual Iron Workers/IMPACT Labor-Management Conference.  The conference consistently breaks attendance records year over year and provides a rich, interactive forum where owners, contractors and Ironworkers can share ideas in order to partner for success.

“IMPACT is a tremendous program, and I am very happy to see so much interest in this year’s conference,” said Walter Wise, General President of the Iron Workers Union and Labor Co-Chair for IMPACT.  “But awareness of our programs is especially crucial as the Iron Workers Union and IMPACT make a commitment to Zero Fatalities in 2012.  We promise to ensure that every single Ironworker goes home safely to his family this year—and in the years to come.”

“Our strength as an organization lies in the incredible commitment to innovation by our Board of Trustees, staff and partners,” said William Brown, CEO of Ben Hur Construction Company and Management Co-Chair for IMPACT. “The level of interest we’ve seen in IMPACT this year is truly a testament to the value of our programs.”

Since its launch in 2008, the North American Iron Workers/IMPACT Labor-Management Conference has grown to become one of the largest—and most anticipated—conferences in the construction industry, thanks in large part to the guidance of its strong leaders and the commitment of more than 125,000 Ironworkers throughout the United States and Canada.

“The conference is just kicking off, and I look forward to the productive conversations we’ve planned throughout the week,” said Eric Waterman, IMPACT CEO.  Conference attendees will enjoy panel discussions with the Union’s General Officers, never-before-offered breakout sessions on new technologies and industry issues, as well as a roll call of dynamic and engaging speakers, including politico Charlie Cook and retired 34^th Commandant of the Marine Corps James Conway.

About the Iron Workers International: The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IABSO&RIW) was founded in 1896 in Pittsburgh, Penn. They now represent more than 125,000 Ironworkers throughout the United States and Canada. The IABSO&RIW’s mission is to improve the working conditions of its members while promoting constructive relationships with their employers to increase work opportunities.

About IMPACT: The Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (www.impact-net.org) was formed in 2003 under Section 302(c) 9 of the Labor-Management Relations (Taft-Hartley) Act. IMPACT is a non-profit, tax-exempt labor-management trust under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The primary mission of IMPACT is to expand job opportunities for union ironworkers and their signatory contractors through progressive and innovative labor-management programs, training and safety. IMPACT is governed by a 26-member Board of Trustees. Each of IMPACT’s 13 regions is represented by one labor trustee and one management trustee.

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BENICIA, Calif. - Certified Welding Instructor (CWI) Prep & Recertification Courses filled well before the class’s registration deadline, despite the California Department of Transportation’s claim late last year that a “shortage” of welders and welding inspectors has forced the state to hire foreign workers to complete welding jobs, notably on the San-Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The Iron Workers Union, with the help of the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT), also provides a CWI Prep course in St. Louis.

Welding is one of the most demanding skills that an Ironworker can learn.  This is true, at least, according to Brian Colombo, Apprenticeship Coordinator for Iron Workers Locals #377 and #378 in the San Francisco Bay area.

Colombo qualified his statement rather convincingly, “You’re probably looking at six months of 40-hour weeks to earn the welding certifications that are most commonly used on a typical job.”

While the rigor of the job hasn’t put a damper on Ironworkers’ fervor to learn the nuances of this difficult profession, it has compelled the Iron Workers Union to train the qualified instructors needed to teach this most difficult skill.   The Union’s 40-hour Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) & Recertification Course, offered at the Benicia, Calif., training center (the same course is also offered at the Local #396 Training Center in St. Louis) is a necessary component in meeting this demand. 

The CWI course prepares students to go forward and take the American Welding Society’s Certified Welding Instructor Exam, a three-part test focusing on the welding codebook and welding fundamentals.  The test also includes a hands-on segment.

“The codebook alone is nearly 600 pages, written by engineers for engineers,” Colombo explained.  “People that have passed have really achieved something.”

Ironworkers who pass the test become Certified Welding Instructors, and, according to Colombo, “bring incredible value to our signatory contractors, because these guys know all aspects of the work.”  Workers can function in a dual capacity as both Ironworker and inspector, whereas many contractors without access to qualified inspectors must foot the bill to hire out for inspections.  “The Ironworkers cut out a huge expense for contractors.  Ironworkers who pass the test and become a CWI bring a much better understanding of the entire welding process, metallurgy and welder training.”

Welders have to maintain incredibly sharp analytical and physical skills to do their jobs.  “When you’re fusing two pieces of metal together, there is no room for error or for any voids in your welds.  One mistake can lead to disaster.”  To demonstrate the precision Ironworker welders maintain, Colombo added, “Our work, the critical welds, is often subject to x-ray or ultrasound testing to make sure they are acceptable.”

This unique course, which filled early this year, saw some interested Ironworkers turned away due its tremendous popularity.

The Ironworkers of Locals #377 and #378 maintain the highest standards in Ironworker training and upgrading, as do all Iron Workers local unions throughout the United States and Canada.  In addition to local training courses in and around Benicia, the Iron Workers International Union, in conjunction with Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust and the Apprenticeship and Training Department, hold an annual week-long training program in Ann Arbor, Mich., for Ironworker instructors and provide $50 million each year to Ironworker training centers across North America. 

About IMPACT: The Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (www.impact-net.org) was formed in 2003 under Section 302(c) 9 of the Labor-Management Relations (Taft-Hartley) Act. IMPACT is a non-profit, tax-exempt labor-management trust under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The primary mission of IMPACT is to expand job opportunities for union ironworkers and their signatory contractors through progressive and innovative labor-management programs, training and safety. IMPACT is governed by a 26-member Board of Trustees. Each of IMPACT’s 13 regions is represented by one labor trustee and one management trustee.

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The Importance of Training

Prior to performing the installation of metal decking, apprentices and journeymen must be trained on the recognition and avoidance of common hazards during the installation process to prevent serious incidents.  The OSHA Subpart R - Steel Erection standard requires special training for all Ironworkers working within a Controlled Decking Zone (CDZ).  The OSHA 1926.760(c)(3)(i) requires training on “the nature of the hazards associated with work within a controlled decking zone” and additionally, the OSHA 1926.761(c)(3)(ii) standard requires training on “the establishment, access, proper installation techniques and work practices.”    

Preventing Fall Hazards From Lack of Sheet End-Bearing and Lap Splicing

When decking sheets are placed during the progression of leading edge installation, both ends of the sheets must have sufficient end-bearing on structural support to prevent sheet deflection and collapse.  When decking sheets are placed in their final position, the male-female lap splices must be inter-locked to prevent the sheets from sliding open. Walking and working on metal decking sheets with insufficient end bearing on structural members and sheets that have not been properly lap spliced along the leading edge has been attributed to fatalities and serious incidents from falls through the sheets.     

Ensure end bearing and lap-splicing.

Preventing Perimeter and Interior Fall Hazards

Perimeter and fall hazards created by open-sided floors have attributed to fatalities and serious incidents during the decking process. The OSHA 1926.760(a)(2) standard requires “on multi-story structures, perimeter safety cables shall be installed at the final interior and exterior of the floors as soon as the metal decking has been installed.”   However, in some areas throughout the country, it is a common practice for the safety cables to be installed prior to the decking process.  The OSHA standard 1926.756(e)(2)requires  “perimeter columns shall have holes or other devices in or attached to perimeter columns at 42 – 45 inches above the finished floor and the midpoint between the finished floor and the top cable to permit installation of perimeter safety cables except where constructibility does not allow.” 

Exterior cable lugs installed prior to column erection.

Perimeter Fall Hazard

The Ironworker on the right was exposed to an exterior fall hazard due to the lack of perimeter safety cables.   The steel erection contractor and steel fabricator prearranged for holes to be punched in column flanges for the installation of cables.  The perimeter safety cables must be installed after the decking has been installed.

Lack of perimeter safety cables.

Interior Fall Hazard

The Ironworker installing flashing around the interior shaft opening is exposed to an interior fall hazard to the basement of the building.  Detail work such as flashing must not proceed until all interior floor openings have been guarded by protective covers or standard guardrail systems.

Lack of interior safety cables around opening.

Prevent Floor Opening Hazards

The installation of metal decking around stairways, elevator shafts, and other openings create fall hazards.  The OSHA 1926.754(e)(2)(ii) standard requires “roof and floor openings shall be covered during the decking process.  Where the structural design does not allow openings to be covered, they must be protected by perimeter safety cable systems, guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest or fall restraint systems.”  If covers such as plywood are used, the OSHA 1926.760(d)(1)(ii) standard requires “covers shall be capable of supporting, without failure, twice the weight of employees, equipment and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time.”

Requirements for Maintaining Tightly Decked, Planked, or Netted Floors

During the erection of multi-story structures, the installation of decking, planking, or nets must be integrated into the erection sequence to limit fall hazards and prevent falling object hazards to workers below.  The OSHA Subpart R – Steel Erection standard 1926.754(b)(3) requires “a fully planked or decked floor nets shall be maintained within two stories or 30 feet, whichever is less, directly under any erection work being performed.”   Unfortunately, there has been much confusion regarding this OSHA standard due to the OSHA CPL 02-01-048 Compliance Directive that provided inconsistent interpretation and enforcement of the OSHA 1926.754(b)(3) standard.  The International Association regrets that OSHA, under the previous Administration issued this Compliance Directive that was contrary to the OSHA Subpart R – Steel Erection standard and has contributed to several serious incidents and fatalities.  The International Association has formally denounced this OSHA Compliance Directive because it has removed specific safety provisions that are necessary to protect our members during the steel erection process. The OSHA Subpart R – Steel Erection standard 1926.754(b)(3) requiring a decked or planked floor provides the following safety provisions to our members and others on the job site.

Maintain decked and planked floor on multi-story.

1. Decking and planking provides protection from falling objects.
2. Decking and planking provides a safe work platform for rescue.
3. Decking and planking limits the fall distance.

Fall Protection Requirements for a Controlled Decking Zone

There are two primary fall protection requirements pertaining to Ironworkers installing metal decking.  The first OSHA 1926.760(c)standard states “a controlled decking zone may be established on a structure over 15 and up to 30 feet above a lower level where metal decking is initially being installed and form the leading edge of a work area.”  The second OSHA 1926.760(c)(1) states “each employee working at the leading edge in a controlled decking zone shall be protected from falls hazards of more than two stories of 30 feet, whichever is less.”  Note: there are additional OSHA requirements regarding the use of controlled decking zones that must be addressed prior to the commencement of metal decking operations.   

The “2012 Zero Fatality” campaign requires all members to “intervene and prevent unsafe conditions and unsafe acts” in the workplace.  We need your support to promote “2012 Zero Fatality” campaign by “targeting the deadly dozen hazardous activities that lead to fatalitiesand disabling injuries.

Learn more about the "Deadly Dozen" hazards on construction sites.

WASHINGTON - Seldom do conference attendees have the opportunity to choose from as wide a variety of breakout sessions, focus groups and workshops as do attendees of the 2012 North American Iron Workers/IMPACT Labor-Management Conference in Las Vegas. The Conference, scheduled Jan. 29 – February 1, 2012, consistently features commentaries from contractors, owners and construction employer groups of all sizes and stripes from across North America.

“We know contractors and Ironworkers would have to pay hundreds—sometimes even thousands—of dollars to attend workshops and breakout sessions like the ones the Iron Workers Union offers at our annual Conference,” said Eric Waterman, CEO of IMPACT. “We’re pleased to offer all of them free of charge.”

Of particular importance this year is an exclusive discussion with contractors and owners (Jan. 30), moderated by IMPACT Co-Chair William Brown, joined by General Officers Walter Wise, Eric Dean and Ed McHugh, in addition to all Iron Worker District Council Presidents.

A number of Conference breakout sessions also highlight the impressive advances in 3D building modeling and mobile technologies over the past year.

What the Hell is BIM? introduces contractors and Ironworkers to the 3D world of Building Information Modeling (BIM). Harvey Swift, Assistant Director of Education and Training, will moderate a breakout session on iPhone and iPad apps in the construction industry, while Brennan Gamwell, Communications Specialist for the Iron Workers and IMPACT, will moderate “I’m Already Online…and I Didn’t Even Know It,” a session focused on taking control of branding conversations on the Web.

The Iron Workers will also showcase their Online Project Tracking Systems, valuable search tools designed to help partner contractors locate and bid jobs in their region. A breakout session on the Steel Supply Chain, hosted by Erin Conaway of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), promises value in the form of Continuing Education Credits for all contractors and Ironworkers who attend.

Transparency in the Glazing Business, a special breakout session focusing on ornamental ironworking, is moderated by General Secretary Eric Dean, joined by Lyle Hill of Keytech North America.

Also offered in conjunction with this year’s Conference are “Effective Project Management” (Feb. 1) and “Getting Paid” (Feb. 2), two contractor courses designed to help contractors improve efficiency and money flow within their business, the end result being to maximize profits and grow market share.

“It is exciting to see my colleagues benefit from such amazing programs,” said William Brown, IMPACT’s Management Co-Chair. “To be able to host a breakout session for contractors and Ironworkers—and learn from others—shows just how important it is to both share with and listen to colleagues.”

Look elsewhere to pay thousands of dollars for similar breakout sessions, focus groups and workshops. The Iron Workers, through IMPACT, are proud to offer all of these sessions free of charge to contractor partners and Ironworkers.

About IMPACT: The Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (http://www.impact-net.org) was formed in 2003 under Section 302(c) 9 of the Labor-Management Relations (Taft-Hartley) Act. IMPACT is a non-profit, tax-exempt labor-management trust under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. The primary mission of IMPACT is to expand job opportunities for union ironworkers and their signatory contractors through progressive and innovative labor-management programs, training and safety. IMPACT is governed by a 26-member Board of Trustees. Each of IMPACT’s 10 regions is represented by one labor trustee and one management trustee.

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WASHINGTON - Ironworkers, contractors and owners will flock in never-before-seen numbers to Las Vegas, Jan. 29 – February 1, 2012, to attend courses and sessions designed to hone their management and leadership skills.  They will also have the unique opportunity to glean tips on expanding their customer base and maximizing profits at a series of courses designed specifically for IMPACT partner contractors. 

The conference agenda includesThe Steel Supply Chain: AISC Tutorial, a session which will count for Continuing Education Credits.  In addition, the conference will offer a variety of new breakout sessions designed to familiarize attendees with today’s era of wireless communication and technological innovation.

Construction Apps Even an Ironworker Would Love (Jan. 30) will assist attendees in navigating the murky waters of mobile device applications, while “Your Ironworkers are Talking …A Lot!” will delve into the fast-paced world of social media.

“We have recognized that the field of mobile communications has become a valuable part of the construction industry,” said Harvey Swift, IMPACT’s Assistant Director of Education and Training. “Our breakout on construction apps is designed specifically to provide a much-needed introduction to the world of mobile phone and tablet technology that can really improve our workflow.”  Swift is scheduled to host the Construction Apps Even an Ironworker Would Love breakout session.

In addition to the educational, value-added breakout sessions, this year’s Labor-Management Conference will also feature a host of well-known speakers, including James Conway, 34^th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps; Charlie Cook, syndicated political commentator; and Joshua Bleill, wounded warrior and public relations representative for the Indianapolis Colts.  IMPACT Co-Chairs Walter Wise, general president of the Iron Workers Union, and William Brown, President and CEO of Ben Hur Construction Company, will be on-hand to join in discussions at the Conference.

This year’s Labor-Management Conference will include a town hall meeting, moderated by IMPACT Co-Chair William Brown, joined by the Iron Workers International’s General Officers, Walter Wise, Eric Dean and Ed McHugh.  For the first time, Iron Worker District Council Presidents will also participate in the town hall meeting.

About IMPACT: The Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (www.impact-net.org) was formed in 2003 under Section 302(c) 9 of the Labor-Management Relations (Taft-Hartley) Act. IMPACT is a non-profit, tax-exempt labor-management trust under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The primary mission of IMPACT is to expand job opportunities for union ironworkers and their signatory contractors through progressive and innovative labor-management programs, training and safety. IMPACT is governed by a 26-member Board of Trustees. Each of IMPACT’s 10 regions is represented by one labor trustee and one management trustee.

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SAVANNAH, GA.  - When Iron Worker customers want results, they get them—and fast.

IMPACT and Iron Workers Local 709 are proud to announce the culmination of a recent Regional Advisory Board (RAB) grant which funds specialized training and upgrading for ironworker welders.  The grant and training come in response to jobsite needs at Plant Vogtle, our nation’s newest nuclear power facility, located in Burke County, Ga.

The $30,000 welding grant was written, presented to IMPACT’s Region V Executive Committee and approved—all in less than one month.  “When one of our good customers needs our help, we are ready to jump,” said Iron Worker General Vice President Dick Ward.  “I immediately contacted my Management Co-Chair, Vic Cornellier, and we agreed to make this happen.  The truth is, adding value and productivity to this project will help us get the next job,” he said.

Using grant funds, Local 709 acquired three pulse arc welding machines from Lincoln Electric Co. to train members for the rigorous welding needed at the Vogtle site.  The type of welding, referred to as GMAW-P, is a special form of gas-shielded arc welding.  The welders are also being trained to weld from remote locations.

“We have to use stainless duplex metal and wire for this type of welding.  Both of these pieces are very expensive,” said Ed Abbott, Executive Director for the Welding Certification program at the National Training Fund.  “Between the expense of the materials and the special training, our local needed some help.  IMPACT stepped in and provided money for as-needed training for our members.  We couldn’t ask for more,” he said.

“Currently, Local 709 has two specialized welders and 10 stick welders at Plant Vogtle,” said David Edenfield, Business Manager of Local 709. “But as a result of this training, we are ready to provide many more.”

Plant Vogtle operates as part of Georgia Power, a subsidiary of the Southern Company, which is a long-time partner for the Iron Workers and IMPACT.

About IMPACT:The Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (www.impact-net.org) was formed in 2003 under Section 302(c) 9 of the Labor-Management Relations (Taft-Hartley) Act. IMPACT is a non-profit, tax-exempt labor-management trust under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The primary mission of IMPACT is to expand job opportunities for union ironworkers and their signatory contractors through progressive and innovative labor-management programs, training and safety. IMPACT is governed by a 26-member Board of Trustees. Each of IMPACT’s 10 regions is represented by one labor trustee and one management trustee.

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