North American Occupational Health and Safety Week is celebrated the first week of May, but Steamfitters 449 decided to extend the festivities throughout the entire month.
On Friday, May 15, the Local 449 held a special safety luncheon where apprentices working at the Technology Center got a safety refresher alongside a catered lunch. This luncheon was designed to strengthen our union’s commitment to safety, as it is our number one priority, both in the training center and on a job site.
“We mainly touched base on fall protection and how important it is in the industry since it is still the number one leading cause of fatalities in construction,” said safety instructor Matthew Coon, president of Environmental, Health, and Safety Solutions, Inc. “Number one, you got to be trained to use fall protection equipment properly, and number two you have to know how to inspect it just in case there are any deficiencies, tears, burns, whatnot in the harness itself.”
Safety training is currently required for all jobs by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and in the construction trade, people fought for years to bring safety to the forefront.
“You are trying to keep yourself safe in the industry as well as the gentlemen and ladies to the right and left of you,” Coon said. “Make sure that whatever company you end up with, be a leader, don’t just be a follower. Make sure you utilize your stock work authority if you see something wrong.”
In addition to the skills learned during last week’s luncheon, all Local 449 apprentices receive comprehensive safety training throughout their entire education.
Another safety luncheon will be held at the Technology Center on May 22.