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Back to National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE)
2008 NATE-OSHA Strategic Partnership
Annual Evaluation Report
| Partnership Name |
| National Association of Tower Erectors
(NATE) National Partnership |
|
Purpose of Partnership |
| The National Association of Tower Erectors
(NATE) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will
work to provide a safe and healthful work environment for employees and
contractors involved in the communications tower industry by preventing
serious accidents and fatalities through increased training, implementation
of best work practices, development and implementation of safety and health
management systems, and being in-compliance with applicable OSHA standards
and regulations. |
|
Goal of Partnership |
| Goal |
Strategy |
Measure |
|
1) Reduce the percentage of injuries, illnesses and fatalities of
participating telecommunication and broadcast tower erection employers, and
their subcontractors, to an aggregate rate that is below the Bureau of Labor
Statistics’ (BLS) national average, based on most recently published data. |
a) Analyze participant data to identify causal factors and corrective
actions. Share corrective actions.
b) Establish a baseline year to provide for the analysis of results.
c) Participants to use tools such as the NATE Site Safety Audit Checklist.
d) Create/disseminate safety and health materials to NATE participants.
e) OSHA to provide 10-hour training up to two times a year as resources
allow. All supervisory personnel to receive OSHA 30-hour training.
f) Develop, implement, and share best practices with participants. Establish
a website or tool to communicate best practices among participating NATE
members. For example, produce/disseminate guidelines for the use of gin
poles and tower maintenance activities.
g) Participants to provide 100% fall protection.
h) Review annually and
provide feedback on
participants’ safety and
health management
systems as needed. |
i. OSHA 300 Logs
ii. Percent of participant employees and contractors receiving requisite
OSHA 10- or 30-Hour training.
iii. Percent of participants using each tool.
iv. Number of best practices developed and the percentage of implementation
among NATE participants.
v. Number of injuries/fatalities related to falls (compared to baseline).
vi. Number of casual factors identified and abated by participants.
vii. Percentage of participants’ safety and health management systems
reviewed by NATE as part of the application process.
viii. Percent or number of fatalities reduced from baseline.
ix. Results of NATE audits. |
|
2) Recognize participants that successfully achieve reductions in illnesses,
injuries, and fatalities. |
a) Develop a recognition system to recognize participants for reductions in
injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the telecommunications and broadcast
tower erection industry. |
i. Number and percentage of participants recognized. |
|
3) Improve awareness of OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs)
on the hazards/issues associated with the tower erecting industry. |
a) Increase the number of employees that attend the OSHA 3150 Tower Safety
course. |
i. Number of CSHOs completing the course from the time of the established
baseline. |
|
Anticipated Outcomes |
| The Partnership will work to provide a
safe and healthful work environment for employees and contractors involved
in the communication tower industry by preventing serious accidents and
fatalities through increased training, implementation of best work
practices, development and implementation of safety and health management
systems, and being in-compliance with applicable OSHA standards and
regulations. Partnership goals will be accomplished by focusing the efforts,
skills, knowledge, and resources of NATE and OSHA to benefit tower employers
and employees. Increased communication, collaboration, and mutual respect
are additional benefits expected during the Partnership. |
|
Strategic Management Plan Target Areas (check
one) |
| Construction |
X |
|
|
|
Strategic Management Plan Areas of Emphasis
(check all applicable) |
| Amputations in
Construction |
|
Oil and Gas Field
Services |
|
| Blast Furnaces and
Basic Steel Products |
|
Preserve Fruits and
Vegetables |
|
| Blood Lead Levels |
|
Public Warehousing
and Storage |
|
| Concrete, Gypsum and
Plaster Products |
|
Ship/Boat Building
and Repair |
|
| Ergo/Musculoskeletal |
|
Silica-Related
Disease |
|
|
Landscaping/Horticultural Services |
|
|
|
Section 1 - General Partnership Information
|
Date of Evaluation Report |
January 8, 2009 |
|
Evaluation Period: |
| Start Date |
November 8, 2007 |
End Date |
November 7, 2008 |
|
Evaluation OSHA Contact Person |
Danielle Gibbs |
|
Originating Office |
OSHA National Office – Washington DC |
|
Partnership Coverage |
| # Active Employers |
97 |
# Active Employees |
4,215 |
|
Industry Coverage (note range or specific NAICS
for each partner) |
Partner Name
National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) |
NAICS
23713 |
|
|
Partnership Participants |
NAICS |
|
Partnership Participants |
NAICS |
|
1 |
Advanced Tower Services, Inc. |
23713 |
50 |
MIKAB Corporation |
23713 |
|
2 |
Advanced Wireless Solutions, Inc. |
23713 |
51 |
MILLENNIA CONTRACTING, INC. |
23713 |
|
3 |
American Communications |
23713 |
52 |
Mountain Valley Tower Service, Inc. |
23713 |
|
4 |
Asbuilt Construction, Inc. |
23713 |
53 |
Netrepid |
23713 |
|
5 |
Atlantic CommTech Corporation |
23713 |
54 |
New Wave Communications, Inc. |
23713 |
|
6 |
Atlantic Tower Services, Inc. |
23713 |
55 |
Nex-Tech, Inc. - Mobile Radio Div. |
23713 |
|
7 |
B-C Walker, Inc. |
23713 |
56 |
Noash Construction, Inc. |
23713 |
|
8 |
Black & Veatch |
23713 |
57 |
Northern Pride Communications, Inc. |
23713 |
|
9 |
Blackhawk Tower Communications, Inc. |
23713 |
58 |
Paramount Advanced Wireless |
23713 |
|
10 |
Bright Lighting, Inc. |
23713 |
59 |
PERFECT WIRELESS, INC. |
23713 |
|
11 |
Brook Hill Communications, Inc. |
23713 |
60 |
Phoenix of Tennessee, Inc. |
23713 |
|
12 |
Central General Engineering & Maintenance Ltd. |
23713 |
61 |
Phoenix Tower Service, LLC |
23713 |
|
13 |
Communication Services, Inc. |
23713 |
62 |
Professional Resources & Services Inc. |
23713 |
|
14 |
COM-TECH SERVICE GROUP, INC. |
23713 |
63 |
Proventus Structural Services, LLC |
23713 |
|
15 |
Cross Development, LLC |
23713 |
64 |
Radian Communication Services Corporation |
23713 |
|
16 |
CSG Wireless, Inc. |
23713 |
65 |
Radiofrequency Safety International (RSI) |
23713 |
|
17 |
D & H Builders, Inc. |
23713 |
66 |
RIO Steel & Tower, Ltd. |
23713 |
|
18 |
Deerfield Construction Group, Inc. |
23713 |
67 |
Seacomm Erectors, Inc. |
23713 |
|
19 |
Dietz Brothers, Inc. |
23713 |
68 |
Shenandoah Tower Service, Ltd. |
23713 |
|
20 |
Dish Technologies |
23713 |
69 |
Sioux Falls Tower & Communications |
23713 |
|
21 |
Doty Moore Tower Services LLC |
23713 |
70 |
Skyhook, Inc. |
23713 |
|
22 |
Dynamic Construction Services, Inc. |
23713 |
71 |
SOLO Romania |
23713 |
|
23 |
Dynamic Construction, Inc. |
23713 |
72 |
South Seas Inspection (S) PTE LTD |
23713 |
|
24 |
E.M. Enterprises General Contractors, Inc. |
23713 |
73 |
Southern Broadcast Services, Inc. |
23713 |
|
25 |
Eagle Communication Services, Inc. |
23713 |
74 |
Speelman Electric, Inc. |
23713 |
|
26 |
Eastern Communications, Inc. |
23713 |
75 |
Stewart Electric & Communications |
23713 |
|
27 |
EasTex Tower, Inc. |
23713 |
76 |
Synergy Concepts, Inc. |
23713 |
|
28 |
eciWireless LLC |
23713 |
77 |
System One Communications |
23713 |
|
29 |
Elite Wireless |
23713 |
78 |
TEAM Communications |
23713 |
|
30 |
Emergency Radio Service, Inc. |
23713 |
79 |
Texcom Construction LLC |
23713 |
|
31 |
Empire International |
23713 |
80 |
Tim's Tower 2000 |
23713 |
|
32 |
Excalibur Communications Inc. |
23713 |
81 |
Tower & Communication Services, Inc. |
23713 |
|
33 |
Excell Communications, Inc. |
23713 |
82 |
Tower MRL, Inc. |
23713 |
|
34 |
GMT Service Corp. |
23713 |
83 |
Tower Systems, Inc. |
23713 |
|
35 |
Great Plains Towers, Inc. |
23713 |
84 |
Tower Technologies, LLC |
23713 |
|
36 |
Green Mountain Communications, Inc. |
23713 |
85 |
Tower Works Inc. |
23713 |
|
37 |
Hayden Tower Service, Inc. |
23713 |
86 |
TowerTel USA LLC |
23713 |
|
38 |
Heartland Solutions Corp. |
23713 |
87 |
TR Systems Inc. |
23713 |
|
39 |
Hightower Communications, Inc. |
23713 |
88 |
Train's Towers, Inc. |
23713 |
|
40 |
Hoosier Tower Service, Inc. |
23713 |
89 |
TriCon/TowerWerks, Inc. |
23713 |
|
41 |
Hydaker-Wheatlake Company |
23713 |
90 |
Trillium Development, Inc. |
23713 |
|
42 |
JDH Contracting, Inc. |
23713 |
91 |
Trusty Construction, LLC |
23713 |
|
43 |
Lee Antenna & Line Service, Inc. |
23713 |
92 |
United States Tower Services, LTD |
23713 |
|
44 |
Legacy Telecommunications, Inc. |
23713 |
93 |
WAVE Communications |
23713 |
|
45 |
McCabe-Orin |
23713 |
94 |
WesTower Communications |
23713 |
|
46 |
MEI - Morgantown Excavators, Inc. |
23713 |
95 |
Wireless Horizon |
23713 |
|
47 |
Mid Atlantic Contracting, Inc. |
23713 |
96 |
Wireless Infrastructure Services |
23713 |
|
48 |
MidAmerica Tower Service, Inc. |
23713 |
97 |
Wireless Legacy Corp. |
23713 |
|
49 |
Midwest Underground Technology, Inc. |
23713 |
|
Section 2 - Activities Performed
|
Note whether an activity was provided for by the
OSP and whether it was performed |
| |
Required |
Performed |
| a. Training |
Yes |
Yes |
| b. Consultation
Visits |
No |
No |
c. Safety and Health
Management Systems Reviewed/Developed
d. Technical Assistance
e. VPP-Focused Activities
f. OSHA Enforcement Inspection
g. Offsite Verifications
h. Onsite Non-Enforcement Interactions
i. Participant Self-Inspections
j. Other Activities |
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No |
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes |
|
2a. Training (if performed, provide the following
totals) |
Training session
conducted by OSHA staff
Training session conducted by non-OSHA staff
Employees trained
Training hours provided to employees, supervisors, and managers
Supervisors/managers trained
Training hours provided to supervisors/managers |
1
1
1,488
48,470
Included above
Included in Line 4 |
|
Comments/Explanations (briefly describe
activities, or explain if activity provided for but not performed) |
As a result of the Partnership, 1,040 employees, managers, and supervisors
received the OSHA 10-hour course and 448 received the OSHA 30-hour course.
Also this year, NATE:
- Developed and released the second edition of its Tower Climber Fall
Protection Training Standard (NATE CTS) which will be delivered by in-house
and commercial trainers to both NATE members and non-members.
- Throughout the year, developed and added safety materials to its list of
safety resources, including the NATE Accident Prevention, Safety and Health
Program Guide; NATE Hoist Operator’s Educational Requirements Guide; Tower
Signals and Communication Guide; Roof Top Safety Protocol Manual; site
signage materials; the Radio Frequency Awareness Guide; and videos on best
practices (e.g., Personnel Hoisting, Gin Pole Procedures, and Radio Frequency
Awareness).
- Met with commercial trainers to discuss future training initiatives
during NATE’s 2008 Conference and Exposition.
- Worked with the Pennsylvania Wireless Association regarding collaboration
on online tower climber safety training.
Future plans:
- NATE is developing its first online training program on hoist operator
educational requirements which should be completed by early 2009.
|
|
2b. Consultation Visits (if performed, provide
the following total) |
| Consultation visits
to partner sites |
N/A |
|
Comments/Explanations (briefly describe
activities, or explain if activity provided for but not performed) |
|
N/A |
|
2c. Safety and Health Management Systems (if
performed, provide the following total) |
| Systems implemented
or improved using the 1989 Guidelines as a model |
97 |
|
Comments/Explanations (briefly describe
activities, or explain if activity provided for but not performed) |
During the Partnership application process, NATE verifies that each
potential participant has a safety and health management system in place and
has provided their employees with a copy of the system. Every applicant
(including previous and current participants) is required to submit a new
application during the application period to help ensure that current
information is provided.
*Note: If an applicant does not have a safety and health management system
in place when they apply to participate in the Partnership, they are
strongly encouraged to develop and implement one (based on OSHA’s 1989
Guidelines) and may re-apply when the company feels they are ready to
participate in the program. |
|
2d. Technical Assistance (if performed, note type
and by whom) |
| |
Provided by OSHA Staff |
Provided by Participants |
Provided by Other Party |
Conference/Seminar
Participation
Interpretation/Explanation of Standards or OSHA Policy
Abatement Assistance
Speeches |
6
Yes – see below*
Yes – see below**
4 |
-
-
-
- |
11
Yes – see below*
Yes – see below*
17 |
|
Comments/Explanations (briefly describe
activities, or explain if activity provided for but not performed) |
Conference/Seminar Participation:
NATE’s annual conferences provide an excellent opportunity for OSHA to
conduct outreach, compliance assistance, and provide OSHA cooperative
program information to NATE members, tower employers, and employees. The
face-to-face interaction is especially helpful in forming cooperative and
friendly relationships within the tower industry.
Six OSHA staff members actively participated at NATE’s 2008 Annual
Conference and Exposition, held in Orlando, Florida on February 11-14, 2008,
including: Rex Morgart (National Office), Rob Medlock (Region 5 – Cleveland
Area Office), Jocko Vermillion (Region 5 – Cleveland Area Office), Ken
Koroll (Region 5 – Cleveland Area Office Compliance Assistance Specialist),
and Veneta Chatmon (National Office). Former Assistant Secretary Edwin G.
Foulke Jr. served as a keynote speaker and opened the conference. Following
his keynote address, Mr. Foulke addressed the crowd of several hundred and
pledged his commitment to tower safety by signing NATE’s “Recommitment to
Safety” eight foot signature wall.
OSHA exhibited at the NATE 2008 exposition by staffing a booth and providing
compliance assistance materials, posters, and Partnership application
materials. In addition, OSHA staff members were readily available to answer
any questions that conference participants may have had. OSHA held its
10-hour training course on the first day of the conference along with a
national partnership workshop. Both were very well-received by conference
attendees.
Conference/Seminar Participation:
During the conference, the following educational or technical assistance
sessions were provides by OSHA and/or another party:
- OSHA 10-hour training course (90 attendees)
- OSHA Revised Directive for Riding the Line During Construction &
Maintenance Activities on Communication Structures (210 attendees)
- Mobile Crane Certification and Safety (200 attendees)
- Radio Frequency Safety at Work Sites (195 attendees)
- Installing an Effective Ground Electrode System (145 attendees)
- Controlling Substance Abuse (60 attendees)
- NATE/OSHA Partnership Review (110 attendees)
- Making Safety Happen in a Tower Company (120 attendees)
- The Role of the Company Safety Officer – Part 1 and Part 2 (66
attendees)
- CPR/First Aid (# of attendees not available)
- NATE Climber Training Course (# of attendees not available)
- Vibration Dampening, Bird Flight Diverters, and Unique Termination for
Guyed Towers (# of attendees not available)
*Interpretation/Explanation of Standards or
OSHA Policy:
- Throughout 2008 on an as-needed basis, OSHA provided technical
assistance to the tower industry regarding how to interpret tower-related
OSHA standards and directives (e.g., OSHA regulations regarding monopole and
tower arm climbing requirements).
- Throughout 2008, NATE responded to inquiries from the tower industry
regarding how to interpret tower-related OSHA standards and directives. If
additional specific technical information was needed, the inquiry was
forwarded to OSHA for assistance.
**Abatement Assistance:
- Throughout 2008, on an as-needed basis, OSHA provided assistance to the
tower industry regarding abatement issues and topics (for example: fall
protection systems, hoisting, and rigging).
- Throughout 2008, NATE responded to questions and provided assistance to
the tower industry regarding abatement assistance. If additional information
was needed, NATE referred to the inquiry to OSHA.
Speeches:
- During the 2008 annual conference, OSHA presented four speeches on the
following topics: tower worker safety and health, the NATE-OSHA National
Partnership, the updated Tower Directive (CPL 2-1.36), and complying with
OSHA directives and standards related to the tower industry.
- During the 2008 conference, speeches by NATE or other parties included:
“Tower Safety – It’s Up To You,” “Tailgate Talks,” The Critical Aspects of
Tower Site Safety,” NATE’s Safety Standards,” and “The Importance of Tower
Safety.”
|
|
2e. VPP-Focused Activities (if performed, provide
the following total) |
Partners/participants
actively seeking VPP participation
Applications submitted
VPP participants |
0
0
1 |
|
Comments/Explanations (briefly describe
activities, or explain if activity provided for but not performed) |
|
At the end of 2007, OSHA and NATE reached another milestone as MidAmerica
Tower Service was the first Partnership participant to attain Voluntary
Protection Programs (VPP) New Star recognition. During the 2008 annual
conference, MidAmerica was presented with their VPP flag and plaque by Mr.
Foulke while he gave his keynote address. NATE plans to continue efforts to
increase Partnership participants’ and members’ interest in participating in
VPP and OSHA Challenge. |
|
2f. OSHA Enforcement Activity (if performed,
provide the following totals for any programmed, unprogrammed, and
verification-related inspections) |
OSHA
enforcement inspections conducted
OSHA enforcement inspections in compliance
OSHA enforcement inspection with violations cited
Total number of citations classified as Serious, Repeat, and Willful |
6
2
4
3 (Serious)
0 (Repeat)
0 (Willful) |
|
Comments/Explanations (briefly describe
activities, or explain if activity provided for but not performed) |
|
Three Partnership participants experienced fatalities in 2008: Brook Hill
Communications (4/17/08), Paramount Advanced Wireless 7/18/08), and Phoenix
of Tennessee (5/27/08). OSHA’s investigations into these fatalities resulted
in the issuance of three Serious citations. OSHA issued four citations for
violations to Phoenix of Tennessee of which three were later deleted. The
other two cases involving Brook Hill Communications and Paramount Advanced
Wireless are currently under Contest. |
|
2g. Offsite Verification (if performed, provide
the following total) |
| Offsite
verifications performed |
97 |
|
Comments/Explanations (briefly describe
activities, or explain if activity provided for but not performed) |
|
All participants’ applications were reviewed by NATE and then forwarded to
OSHA for review and approval prior to being accepted into the Partnership. |
|
2h. Onsite Non-Enforcement Verification (if
performed, provide the following total) |
| Onsite
non-enforcement verifications performed |
N/A |
|
Comments/Explanations (briefly describe
activities, or explain if activity provided for but not performed) |
|
N/A |
|
2i. Participant Self-Inspections (if performed,
provide the following total) |
Self-inspections performed
Hazards and/or violations identified and corrected/abated |
1,340
350 |
|
Comments/Explanations (briefly describe
activities, or explain if activity provided for but not performed) |
|
During this year, over 1,300 self-inspections were performed by Partnership
participants, resulting in approximately 350 hazards and violations being
identified and abated. Corrected and/or abated violations and hazards
included employees not wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) –
hard hats – improper barricading, missing signage and tags, plastic gas cans
on the worksite, and the use of improper equipment (e.g., broken ladders). |
|
2j. Other Activities (briefly describe other
activities performed) |
- Safety and Health Outreach and Promotion
Marketing Efforts:
- NATE hired public relations firm, GolinHarris, to help educate the
industry on the cost and value of promoting tower safety.
Responsibilities of GolinHarris include: continuously identify speaking
opportunities for NATE at industry and safety-related trade shows,
attend relevant meetings and briefings (e.g., OSHA’s Assistance
Secretary), and work with NATE members to develop specific case studies
for safety.
Public Speaking Events:
- NATE and its members attended and spoke at six public events (e.g.,
State Wireless Association events in PA, North Carolina, South Carolina,
and Georgia) to promote tower safety to tower owners and operators and
discourage the hiring of unqualified contactors.
- NATE requested and was granted a speaking position at the American
Society of Safety Engineers 2009 Safety Conference.
- NATE collaborated with the National Association of Broadcasters
(NAB) to obtain a speaking position to discuss the Telecommunications
Industry Association (TIA) tower safety construction standard their 2009
Annual Conference and Exposition.
Public Service Announcement (PSA):
- NATE developed the groundbreaking “It’s Up to You” Public Service
Announcement (PSA) which was released on November 11, 2008. Tower
companies, regulatory groups, families of tower workers who were
victims, and other key industry stakeholders came together to deliver
the message about the importance of safe work practices.
Outreach Materials:
- NATE developed and disseminated their monthly publication, Tower
Times (available to both non-members and members) which provides safety
resources in every edition. NATE also identifies member companies who
provide training on the NATE CTS in every issue.
- NATE prepared a tower safety article for the American Society of
Safety Engineers (ASSE) publication.
- NATE developed and disseminated safety brochures to their members
which included a list of safety resources.
- NATE developed a series of 18 different tower climber safety posters
that were mailed to over 6,000 industry contacts and made available for
free download.
- NATE developed and disseminated news email bulletins.
- NATE makes available the “It’s Up To You” t-shirt which reflects the
tower safety PSA.
Website:
NATE has developed and posted safety information on their website which
includes:
- Safety and health videos.
- The Accident Prevention Safety and Health Program Guide.
- A radio frequency awareness manual.
- The Hoist Standard.
- Hoist Operators Educational Requirements Manual and other safety
resources.
- Links to OSHA and other safety and health organizations.
- Qualified Contractor Evaluation Checklist.
- Tower Owner Safety Checklist.
- Free download access to 18 safety posters that address critical
safety issues for tower climbers.
- Replay and download of NATE’s safety and health webinars.
- Archived copies of the Tower Times magazine which include safety
articles, tailgate talk topics, health information, OSHA reports,
regulatory news, and legal guidance.
Safety Updates and Preventive Response Notices (“NATE News”):
Safety updates and notices known as “NATE News” are disseminated to
members via email which are later posted on NATE’s website. Examples
include:
- Following tower worker fatalities that involved rappelling, NATE
disseminated an Industry Safety Alert to remind members to utilize fall
arrest equipment and follow safety requirements and procedures while
rappelling and descending from a tower (July 2008).
- OSHA’s “Preventing Fatal Falls in Construction” announcement
(October 2008).
- OSHA’s Updated “Cranes and Derricks Standard” announcement which
addressed the erection, dismantling, and operation of tower cranes
(October 2008).
Webinars:
- NATE offered three safety and health webinars to the entire tower
industry. During the webinars, NATE endorsed the use of the Qualified
Climber Evaluation Checklist and the Tower Owner Safety Checklist as an
industry best practice.
- Tower Safety Standards Development
- The second edition of the NATE Tower Climber Fall Protection
Training Standard (CTS) was completed and posted on the NATE website
with free access to the public.
- NATE members and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)
collaborated on Revision G of the Tower Structural Standard (TIA 222g).
- NATE members developed the TIA Gin Pole Standard (TIA 1019).
- A NATE representative assisted with the development of the American
National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) Z359.
- NATE members collaborated with North Carolina to develop the state’s
new tower safety standard.
- NATE assisted in the development of Michigan’s new tower safety
standard.
- Collaboration between Industry Stakeholders
- NATE members collaborated with TIA to gain input on revising tower
structural standards.
- NATE served as a representative on the ANSI Fall Protection Standard
Committee.
- NATE collaborated with the American Society of Safety Engineers
(ASSE) to develop a positive working relationship on safety issues.
(Many NATE members are also members of ASSE.)
- NATE encouraged a positive relationship between association members
and the media which resulted in a member company being named one of
“America’s Safest Companies.”
- NATE reached out to PCIA – The Wireless Infrastructure Association
to determine methods for future collaboration efforts.
- NATE, PCIA, NAB, and CTIA – The Wireless Association developed the
regulatory issue coalition.
- NATE collaborated with the state of North Carolina to develop their
new tower standard.
- NATE was represented on Michigan’s Advisory Committee with a member
serving as co-chair of the committee.
|
Section 3 - Illness and Injury Information
|
Year |
Hours |
Total Cases |
TCIR |
# of Days Away from Work Restricted and
Transferred Activity Cases |
DART |
|
Year 1 |
5,857,645 |
151 |
5.2 |
121 |
4.1 |
|
Year 2 |
6,988,112 |
121 |
3.4 |
93 |
2.6 |
|
Total |
12,845,757 |
272 |
|
214 |
|
|
Two-Year Average Rate |
4.2 |
|
3.3 |
|
BLS National Average for 2007 |
4.9 |
|
2.9 |
|
Baseline |
|
|
5.2 |
|
4.1 |
Section 4 - Partnership Plans, Benefits, and Recommendations
|
Changes and Challenges (check all applicable) |
|
|
Changes |
Challenges |
|
Management Structure |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Participants |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Data Collection |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Employee Involvement |
N/A |
N/A |
OSHA Enforcement Inspection
Partnership Outreach
Training |
N/A
N/A
N/A |
N/A
N/A
N/A |
|
Comments |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
Partnership Benefits (check all applicable) |
|
Increased safety and health awareness |
Yes |
|
Improved relationship with OSHA |
Yes |
|
Improved relationship with employers |
Yes |
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Improved relationship with employees or unions |
Yes |
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Increased number of participants |
Yes |
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Comments |
Increased Safety and Health Awareness:
With close to 100 Partnership participants, increasing safety and health
awareness in the tower industry has continued to be a high priority. The
participants demonstrate their willingness to voluntarily hold themselves to
higher standards regarding job site safety by identifying and resolving
potential hazards through the required site safety audits. Increasing safety
and health awareness is also accomplished by requiring the participants to
requisite levels of training, implementation of a safety and health
management system, and the presence of a competent person on the worksite at
all times. Furthermore, NATE has been very proactive in promoting the
Partnership and re-enforcing the value of safety in the tower industry.
Improved Relationship with OSHA:
The formation of the Partnership Management Team (PMT), consisting of NATE
and OSHA representatives, has increased communication and strengthened the
relationship between the organizations. This working relationship with
federal regulators has extended beyond the Partnership for addressing issues
of concern. The Partnership has become a forum for OSHA and NATE to discuss
issues and concerns with an emphasis on improving overall safety within the
tower industry. Partnership participants and NATE members are provided the
opportunity to meet and talk with OSHA officials during the national
conference and during the offered training sessions, as well through
technical assistance efforts. This helps to alleviate preconceived fears of
the agency and leverage resources.
Improved Relationship with Employers:
Through the Partnership, OSHA has been able to work closely with NATE to
discuss, address, and resolve issues relating to safety in the tower
industry. The result has been an open forum of communication where companies
no longer fear OSHA but rather look to the agency for help and guidance.
Improved Relationship with Employees or Unions:
Employees of Partnership participants understand that by partnering with NATE
and OSHA, their employers are taking steps to ensure their safety. The
Partnership is one more method to make certain that tower climbers go home
safely at the end of the day.
Increased Number of Participants:
The first membership application period yielded 87 participating companies –
far above our expectations. The mid year application period added another 14
companies bringing the total partners to 100. The interest level has remained
high and OSHA plans to once again participate in NATE’s Annual Conference. |
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Status Recommendations (check one) |
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Partnership Completed |
N/A |
|
Continue |
Yes |
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Continue with the following provisions: |
N/A |
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Terminate (provide explanation) |
N/A |
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Comments |
|
As the Partnership completes its third and final year in 2009, partners
should begin considering whether the Partnership should be renewed in
November 2009 and if so, whether the agreement needs to be amended and what
these specific amendments would entail (e.g., are the current goals
sufficient or are modifications necessary). It would beneficial for the
Partnership Management Team (PMT) to begin discussions on this topic during
the regularly scheduled PMT quarterly teleconferences occurring in 2009
leading to consensus by late summer 2009. |
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