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Putting safety first means an ongoing investment in time and resources, something that the National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) members commit to everyday. In the tower industry, like with other construction driven industries, work can be risky but thanks to the extraordinary efforts of tower erectors and their employees tower climbing has become safer.
Over NATE’s 16 years, the association has strived to send every tower worker home safely and now it has a program, which will help do just that. At last week’s NATE 2011 Conference & Exposition in Oklahoma City, NATE launched another program which will further advance safety in the tower industry and give its members and the tower industry a new level of safety assurance to which they can aspire.
The new program, known as the NATE STAR Initiative, is designed to improve tower safety practices, recognize participants for their high standards of safety and enhance the quality work performed by tower crews. The NATE STAR Initiative reinforces a culture of safety in each participating company and industry wide.
Developed for tower erection, service and maintenance companies as well as their customers – carriers, broadcasters, tower owners/operators and general contractors – the new safety resource allows NATE to further recognize members with exceptional commitments to safety.
The benefits of the NATE STAR participation include:
–Strengthening the culture of safety for member companies and the industry by focusing on Safety, Training, Accountability and Reliability through training, site safety audits and safety programs while adhering to industry best practices;
–Implementing proven methods for improving health and safety on tower sites;
–Recognizing companies dedicated to a higher standard of safety;
–Requiring adherence to strict criteria to participate and remain in the program; and
–Encouraging strict adherence to best practices which leads to safety and professional workmanship.
At NATE, we believe the investment by a company in safety programs such as STAR demonstrates a commitment to excellence in both safety and quality work, and this program is just one of many ways NATE provides its members with safety guidelines. The NATE STAR Initiative replaces the NATE/OSHA Partnership allowing the Association to continue its commitment to safety regardless of the changing priorities within OSHA.
What it takes to be a STAR member
Participating members must complete an application process and commit to requisite levels of training; have implemented a safety and health program; require the presence of a competent person on work sites at all times and conduct regular site safety audits. STAR members must also adhere to the applicable requirements found in the NATE Telecommunications and Broadcast Tower Inspection Checklist and provide tower climber training that meets or exceeds the NATE Tower Climber Fall Protection Training Standard (NATE CTS). Companies that spend the time and money to operate safely under these guidelines show they are detailed oriented which leads to quality workmanship and reliability.
Member enrollment has been ongoing during the preceding three months and more than 80 NATE members applied for inclusion in the inaugural year of the program. At the NATE Annual Conference & Exposition in Oklahoma City, attendees were provided with detailed information about the program. Those members not participating in the program’s first year are encouraged to apply for the next period of the program. Applications for the second year will be available in June 2011.
NATE membership is a demonstration of a company’s commitment to tower industry safety. If your company is not a member of NATE, please contact the Association at (888) 882-5865 or www.natehome.com to discuss the benefits of membership. If your company is already a member, we encourage you to sign up for the NATE STAR Initiative through the NATE office.
Patrick Howey is the Executive Director of the National Association of Tower Erectors. You may contact Howey directly at Patrick@natehome.com with any questions you may have about NATE.
