To the Editor:
The Oct. 24 RCR Wireless News story regarding the North Carolina Communication Tower Standards erroneously reported that the National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) opposed the 100-percent fall protection provisions of that document. I appreciate this opportunity to clarify this issue.
“100-percent fall protection” is one component of the larger North Carolina Fall Protection Standard. Concerns over a different component of the Fall Protection Standard-rescue training and services-could not be resolved through negotiation, so NATE exercised its procedural right to file an objection to that standard.
The objection, however, was not to North Carolina’s 100-percent fall protection language. Never during the process of review and negotiation did NATE voice disagreement with North Carolina’s position on 100-percent fall protection.
As one of the most important safety issues facing the industry, NATE wants to ensure that NATE members, their customers and government officials understand the Association’s position on this topic.
NATE appreciates RCR’s ongoing interest and support of tower climber safety. Thank you.
Patrick Howey
Executive Director
NATE
