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Construction Safety: Communist China needs America's Union Training Programs

By Steve Lombardi

In China a three-story building under construction collapsed in the Shanhe village of Xiaoshan district in Zhejiang’s capital Hangzhou. Nine construction workers were on the site, of which seven immediately escaped. Two were trapped and one of the two later died.

Xiashan is the same district where the subway tunnel collapsed killing seven workers. There is something to be said about a good solid American Union training program. I visited Russia and thought it odd that a country with a long history of Communism would have such poor construction methods. I haven’t yet been to China or India. The types of accidents causing construction workers to die seem easily preventable. All three of these countries could benefit from the American labor training programs.

If you’re thinking of becoming and iron worker consider the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers. The IABSORIW has a proud tradition of turning out exceptional ironworkers with tremendous courage and skill. Here is what it takes to be an ironworker.

Are you ironworker material?

If you possess the following qualities and are looking for a career that will maximize your potential, you just might have what it takes to become an ironworker.

• Do you like to be able to see the work you've done at the end of the day?
• Do you take pride in providing quality work that meets demanding standards?
• Do you like to work as part of a team?
• Do you like to work outdoors?
• Are you willing to do physically demanding work that requires you to use your mind too?
• Would you like to earn a respectable wage while going to school to learn new skills and perhaps even a college degree?
• Are you interested in a career rather than "just a job?"
• Do you enjoy new challenges?

If you're nodding your head "yes" to the questions above, we encourage you to contact your local iron workers union about apprenticeship training programs in your area. An apprenticeship program will provide a way to achieve the success you're looking for. To find a local union in your area, click here. Want to know more about what it means to be an apprentice? Click here. And if you're still not sure what exactly it is an ironworker does, well, we can answer that, too. Click here.

Requirements to Enter an Ironworkers Apprenticeship Program:

• Minimum age of 18 years.
• High school diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent as specified by the local training committee.
• Good physical condition - The materials used for ironworking are heavy and bulky so above average physical strength is necessary.
• Agility and a good sense of balance are also required.
• Drug and alcohol free.
• Must meet requirements as set out in applicable citizenship laws.

An Important Note

It is important to mention that an ironworker must be willing to work in high places, have a good sense of balance, and be alert to potential danger to themselves and others. However, the apprenticeship program includes safety training with OSHA certified instructors so that the danger is minimized.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on January 29, 2009 (boomark / email).