September 30, 2024

Brothers and Sisters,

The construction industry is no stranger to the opioid crisis affecting North America and it has likely touched each of us in some way, shape or form. The data shows that construction workers are dying from suicide and opioid overdoses at rates higher than those in other industries. Earlier this year, the Biden-Harris Administration launched the White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose. “The Challenge is a nationwide call to action to stakeholders across all sectors to save lives by committing to increase training on and access to lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medications.”

General President Christensen and the IUEC have made the commitment to accept the Challenge to save lives from overdose. One simple way we can begin to participate in this challenge is to distribute information regarding Naloxone, a nasal spray that can reverse an overdose caused by opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers.

Below is a Naloxone Information Sheet from North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) and the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR). Please bookmark this Guide for reference. You never know when you may need to assist someone to avoid a preventable death. The guide also provides links to Naloxone training resources and good Samaritan laws by State.

Fraternally,

IUEC Safety Committee

It is the mission of the IUEC Safety Committee to improve the Elevator Constructor’s sense of awareness to daily hazards present in the workplace.

May 3, 2024

Brothers and Sisters,

The AFL-CIO recently released DEATH ON THE JOB: THE TOLL OF NEGLECT, 2024 – A NATIONAL AND STATE-BY STATE PROFILE OF WORKER SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE UNITED STATES – 33RD EDITION, APRIL 2024.

This is a must read for all workers and their families who are exposed to daily hazards in the workplace. Please click on the document below and at a minimum, read the Executive Summary.

Fraternally,

IUEC Safety Committee

It is the mission of the IUEC Safety Committee to improve the Elevator Constructor’s sense of awareness to daily hazards present in the workplace.

IUEC Safety Stand Down 2024 Update

April 22, 2024

Brothers and Sisters,

April 28th is IUEC Safety Stand Down Day and we take this opportunity to remember the 402 IUEC members who have lost their lives on the job. The IUEC joins together with our employers on April 28th to promote a safer and healthier workplace by holding safety meetings, tool box talks, and sending out safety messages.

General President Christensen and our Employers Safety Message for the 2024 Safety Stand Down is now available on the Stand Down Page and HERE.

Visit the IUEC Safety Stand Down 2024 page to access video messages from General President Christensen and employer representatives. Links for Workers Memorial Day in the United States, the National Day of Mourning in Canada, and other useful tools are also available on the Stand Down page.

March 28, 2024

Brothers and Sisters,

April 28, 2024 is IUEC Safety Stand Down Day. Please stay tuned for updates and a new link to the 2024 Safety Stand Down page coming soon. Once again we will have video messaging from General President Christensen and our employers posted on the website. We will also have links to participate in OSHA’s National Safety Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, May 6th through May 10th. Please check back in the coming days as our website will continue to be updated with resources for our IUEC Safety Stand Down.

Fraternally,

IUEC Safety Committee

It is the mission of the IUEC Safety Committee to improve the Elevator Constructor’s sense of awareness to daily hazards present in the workplace.

IUEC Safety Stand Down 2023 Update

April 20, 2023

Brothers and Sisters,

April 28th is IUEC Safety Stand Down Day and we take this opportunity to remember the 383 IUEC members who have lost their lives on the job. The IUEC joins together with our employers on April 28th to promote a safer and healthier workplace by holding safety meetings, tool box talks, and sending out safety messages.

General President Christensen’s Safety Message for the 2023 Safety Stand Down is available on the Safety Stand Down Page and is available HERE.

Visit the IUEC Safety Stand Down 2023 page to access video messages from General President Christensen and employer representatives. Links for Workers Memorial Day in the United States, the National Day of Mourning in Canada, and other useful tools are also available on the Stand Down page.

IUEC Safety Stand Down 2022 Update

April 13, 2022

Brothers and Sisters,

April 28^th is Workers Memorial Day in the United States and the National Day of Mourning in Canada. The IUEC recognizes April 28^th as IUEC Safety Stand Down Day and remembers the 353 IUEC members who have lost their lives on the job.

The IUEC will join together with our employers on April 28^th to promote a safer workplace by holding safety meetings, tool box talks, and sending out safety messages.

Please call 1-888-618-0613, toll free in the U.S. and Canada, in order to hear a Safety Message from General President Christensen.

Visit the IUEC Safety Stand Down 2022 page to access links for Life After Loss Videos, OSHA’s National Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, and other useful tools as we Stand Down for Safety.

Please contact your Local Union office or employer for more information.

Fraternally,

IUEC Safety Committee

It is the mission of the IUEC Safety Committee to improve the Elevator Constructor’s sense of awareness to daily hazards present in the workplace.

IUEC Safety Stand Down 2022 Campaign

Brothers and Sisters,

As part of our April 28^th 2022 IUEC Safety Stand Down Day and the OSHA Fall Protection Campaign May 2^nd thru May 6^th, below is the information for registering your Locals participation in OSHA’s campaign.

Please assist your members and employers during this time and perform jobsite health and safety inspections. During your visits, please ask our members to inspect their fall protection equipment.

Below is an example of the Certificate a Local and/or employer will receive from the OSHA Region Office as a participant in the campaign and a guide from Miller/Honeywell for Fall Protection Inspection reviewed by OSHA for use with inspecting a body harness.

Remember to check Cable Grabs, Lanyards, SRLs, Lifelines, Anchor Points and Anchorages. Remove all damaged and outdated PFAS equipment from service and log equipment removed and replaced as well as noting the number of members on the job. Once you have completed your health and safety inspections, please forward the information from the jobsite visits to Brother Langer and Brother McClaskey. We will tally the information and submit the completed report to OSHA.

April 28^th 2022—IUEC Safety Stand Down Day
Beginning today April 27th, call 1-888-618-0613 for a Safety Message from GP Christensen

Fraternally,

IUEC Safety Committee

It is the mission of the IUEC Safety Committee to improve the Elevator Constructor’s sense of awareness to daily hazards present in the workplace.

OSHA’s National Safety Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction May 2-6, 2022

Remember to CERTIFY your Stand-Down!  As in previous years, employers and other stakeholders will be able to download Certificates of Participation and provide feedback on their experiences following their Stand-Down.  Certificates are the main way OSHA receives feedback on how many employers participate and ideas for improvement, so that OSHA can evaluate the Stand-Down’s success and make changes in the future.  Certificates will be available on OSHA’s webpage. Alternate weblink: https://www.osha.gov/form/stop-falls-stand-down-certificate

“Once you submit this information, you will receive a certificate (a printable PDF document will display) with your business name, project title and level of participation (depending on the number of years of participation). We also hope that you will help us by answering a few optional questions about your Safety Stand-Down and giving us feedback on our campaign. Please note that you are not required to request a certificate and that if you choose to do so OSHA will not use the information or feedback you provide for any purpose other than evaluating the Stand-Down campaign and planning future outreach efforts. Also note that the certificate does not represent an assessment of compliance with OSHA standards at your worksite(s).”

Items marked * are mandatory to print the certificate.

1. Name of Business*:

2. Project Title:

3. State*:

4. Type of Industry*: (Choices include: Commercial or Residential Construction, Highway, Other Construction, Non-Construction, or Government)

5. Number of Employees who participated*: (numbers ONLY field)

6. Optional – Number of years of participation:

7. Optional – Please tell us about your Stand-Down. What did you do? What materials did you use? How did it go? What do you expect to happen as a result of the Stand-Down? (Limit entry to 1500 characters.)

8. Optional – How can we improve future initiatives like this? What could have been better? (Limit entry to 1500 characters.) Please Indicate if you give the Agency consent to use your comments in our program assessment and promotional activities. (Yes or No)

Certificates can be printed in English, Spanish or both. Examples are below.

IUEC Safety Stand Down 2021 Update

April 27, 2021

Brothers and Sisters

Tomorrow, April 28^th, is Workers Memorial Day and The National Day Of Mourning. We also recognize April 28^th as IUEC Safety Stand Down Day, 2021 and remember the 343 IUEC members who have lost their lives on the job.

Tomorrow morning, employers and The IUEC will join together in order to promote a safer workplace, and in support of The IUEC Safety Stand Down, by holding safety meetings, tool box talks and sending out safety messages.

Please call 1-888-618-0613 , toll free in the US and Canada, in order to hear a Safety Message from General President Christensen.

Please go to the IUEC Safety Stand Down page to access the links for the Industry Safety Message and Life After Loss-Joseph Crook videos. The videos and call in message will be accessible April 28^th.

IUEC Safety Stand Down page

Please contact your Local Union office or employer for more information.

Fraternally,

IUEC Safety Committee

It is the mission of the IUEC Safety Committee to improve the Elevator Constructor’s sense of awareness to daily hazards present in the workplace.

IUEC Safety Stand Down 2021

April 5, 2021

Brothers and Sisters,

We hope this e-mail finds you and your families Safe and Healthy.

As vaccines are becoming more and more available and we navigate through the ever changing
Corona Virus world, we must continue to re-enforce Safety on the job. While all of us are thinking
about the Safety and Health of our families and friends, it is important to remind our Brothers and
Sisters to focus on their Safety and the Safety of those working around them on the job.

In order to again recognize Workers Memorial Day and The National Day Of Mourning on April 28th, The IUEC
has prepared a Toll Free call in number in order to hear a Safety Message from General President
Christensen as well as links to a Life After Loss video and a video with Safety messages from several
leaders of our industry including The IUEC, company presidents, employer safety directors and
employer organizations supporting the Safety Stand Down. The call in number and links to videos will
become active on April 28th.

Go to the IUEC Safety Page and follow the IUEC Safety Stand Down 2021 link to view the videos, access the safety message at 1-888-618-0613 Toll Free for Canada & US and view information regarding the upcoming OSHA Safety Campaigns:

IUEC Safety Stand Down Page

National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction — May 3-7, 2021

Safe + Sound Week – August 9-15 2021

Please share this information with your members thru e-mail and text, as part of your virtual Union
meetings, Safety meetings, NEIEP and CEIEP Training. Please remind all of your members of the IUEC
Safety Stand Down April 28th, 2021 and include the link above. Please remember those lost due to
On The Job Fatalities and send a message of strength and support to all during the COVID 19 crisis.

Fraternally,

IUEC Safety Committee

It is the mission of the IUEC Safety Committee to improve the Elevator Constructor’s sense of awareness to daily hazards present in the workplace.

IUEC Safety Stand Down 2020

April 1, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,

We hope this e-mail finds you and your families Safe and Healthy.

In preparation for Workers Memorial Day and The National Day Of Mourning on April 28^th, we have created the Safety Stand Down page. Safety messages that will be available April 28^th, are available to the public at IUEC.org. Please click on the link below to go directly to the Safety Stand Down page.

During this time of uncertainty and constant threat of COVID 19, it is important to re-enforce Safety on the job. While all of us are thinking about the Safety and Health of our families and friends, it is important to remind our Brothers and Sisters to focus on their Safety and the Safety of those working around them.

IUEC Safety Stand Down page

Please share the Safety Stand Down information with your members thru e-mail and text, as part of your virtual Union meetings, Safety meetings, NEIEP and CEIEP Training.

Please remind all of your members of the IUEC Safety Stand Down April 28^th, 2020 and include the link above to kick off April as we remember those lost due to On The Job Fatalities and send a message of strength and support to all during the COVID 19 crisis.

Fraternally,

IUEC Safety Committee

It is the mission of the IUEC Safety Committee to improve the Elevator Constructor’s sense of awareness to daily hazards present in the workplace.

Message from the IUEC Safety Committee

Subject: Safety Bulletin – Eaton Heavy Duty 30A and 60A Safety Switches

July 16, 2018

Brothers and Sisters

Attached is a warning issued by The Eaton Corporation, regarding the use of Eaton Heavy Duty 30A and 60A Safety Switches .

Issue: “The safety switch can potentially supply power when the handle is in the “off” position , subjecting the operator of the switch or any downstream equipment to risk of serious bodily injury or death”

2018-7 2018-7 Eaton Safety Bulletin – Eaton 30A and 60A Heavy Duty Safety Switches

Fraternally,
IUEC Safety Committee

Message from the IUEC Safety Committee

Subject: Otis Escalators-Unexpected Motion

May 7, 2018

Brothers and Sisters,

Below is an Otis Safety Alert regarding Unexpected Motion of side by side escalators installed in the late 1980’s early 1990’s.

The issue as reported to The IUEC:

On responding to a shut-down of an up escalator, side by side with a down escalator, a mechanic barricaded the escalator pits, entered the barricaded truss and powered down the faulted out up unit. Through troubleshooting, with both escalators not running, when the disconnect was powered down, the opposite unit started in the up direction without any outside interaction. The down escalator started on its own during the troubleshooting process.

Mechanics were able to get both escalators to start on their own during a power up or down of the opposite unit, primarily in the up direction. On 4 occasions during a power up of the up escalator, both the up and down units started simultaneously, both in the up direction. By moving the disconnect switch to the on position on either escalator, both escalators started to run. The mechanics determined the issue was with the Mother Board (picture attached) and relayed the information to their supervisor. Through conversations with Otis Safety, we were informed that the issue occurred when current was induced through a dry capacitor on the Mother Board.

Below is the Safety Message from Otis:

Otis has been advised of a near miss when an idle escalator, wired for tandem operation, started to move as main line power was removed from the opposite unit. All associates must be advised that both units in any tandem operation installation should be barricaded at both ends and removed from service whenever main line power is removed from or restored to either unit. Similar precautions must be taken when working on simplex escalators.

• Associates must be well clear of any moving components of either unit when either main line disconnect is operated.

• Associates must be well clear of any moving components of a simplex unit when the main line disconnect is operated.

 2018-5 Otis Escalators-Unexpected Motion

Fraternally,
IUEC Safety Committee

Message from the IUEC Safety Committee

Subject: GAL CUSTOMER WARNING – DANGEROUS 3rd PARTY REPLACEMENT PARTS

May 7, 2018

Brothers and Sisters,

Attached is a warning issued by GAL, regarding the use of third party replacement parts for GAL gate switch contacts (used in an over speed governor).

Issue: “Recently, a serious safety issue was brought to the attention of G.A.L. of a gate switch (used in an over speed governor) being stuck in the closed position, due to an interference of the bridging assembly contact bar and the brackets on the contact base”.

 2018-5 GAL Warning – Dangerous replacement parts

Fraternally,
IUEC Safety Committee

Message from the IUEC Safety Committee

March 9, 2018

Brothers and Sisters,

Below is a Safety Alert regarding KONE TM 110 Escalators-Travel Master 110 Escalators

 2018-3 KONE TM 110 Escalator

Fraternally,

IUEC Safety Committee

Message from the IUEC Safety Committee

February 7, 2018

Brothers and Sisters,

On behalf of the Safety Directors, please review and pass on to your members the attached information regarding the recall of MSA Gravity® Welder Harness. If members are found to be using the MSA Gravity Welders Harness, make sure that they remove them from use immediately and that they follow up with their supervisor for replacement.

Upon investigation of the field report, MSA determined that the leg strap and chest strap used in select MSA Gravity Welder Harnesses are incompatible. Although the harness can be donned, in the event of a fall, the shoulder straps may extend and affect the protection offered by the harness.

The following is the link for the MSA Safety Product Bulletin Page. http://us.msasafety.com/productSafety. Additional information on other Safety Product Bulletins can be found there as well.

Fraternally,

IUEC Safety Committee

2017 Addendum to the 2013 Schindler / IUEC Safety Discipline Agreement

October 10, 2017

In the interests of ensuring even greater safety to Elevator Constructor employees and the public, and preventing serious accidents and fatalities in the industry, Schindler and the IUEC have met and agreed to this Addendum to the 2013 Schindler/IUEC Safety Discipline Agreement.

A pdf of the Addendum is available at the link below:

2017 Schindler-Addendum to 2013 Safety Discipline Agreement

 

Message from the IUEC Safety Director

March 16, 2017

Brothers and Sisters,

We have been informed of two on the job accident involving our members in Local 1 New York, NY and in Local 71 Miami, FL. The following is a brief description of each accident:

Local 1 New York, NY

March 3, 2017

36 year old mechanic Thomas Guinto and 47 year old mechanic Angelo Demarco along with another mechanic and apprentice working for Schindler Elevator shortening ropes on an elevator which serves more than 50 stories in Manhattan. While shortening the ropes and making a run down the hoistway, a shackle spun out and the rope with shackle attached came down the hoistway striking Brothers Guinto and Demarco who were on the car top. The other brothers were in the car.

Brother Demarco suffered a broken femur of his left leg and a broken right ankle. Brother Guinto suffered lacerations to his head and neck which required multiple staples. Both have been released from the hospital and remain out of work. No one else was injured.

Local 71 Miami, FL

March 14, 2017

41 year old mechanic Joshua Butler working for KONE Elevator was re-roping an elevator which serves 50 stories with three other members in Hollywood FL. While re-roping the elevator, slack from one of the cables wrapped around Joshua’s right leg. His foot was picked up and was caught under the mid rail of the car top hand rail system and broke his shin bone. He has had an operation to install pins in his leg and will have another operation once the swelling has gone down. He will remain in the hospital until that time.

Thank you and Work Safe.

Michael Langer

IUEC Safety Director

-SAFETY-SOLIDARITY-SKILL-

 

Message from the IUEC Safety Committee

December 5, 2016

Brothers and Sisters,

The IUEC Safety Committee has been  informed of two accidents involving IUEC Members in Local 139 Orlando, FL and Local 49 Jacksonville, FL

On Monday November 28, a Local 139, 58-year old TKE mechanic, was severely injured while he was working in a machine room with two other members. No one was in eye sight of the mechanic when the accident occurred. The mechanic doesn’t remember exactly what happened. His left hand went through the sheave of an Otis 131 gearless machine. He was thrown across the room onto his face. He received two lacerations on his forehead area, had multiple teeth knocked out and suffered severe damage to his left hand. Surgeons told him his pinkie and ring fingers were completely removed, His middle finger was saved at the first knuckle but they questioned the tendon and might have to completely remove it if the tendon doesn’t recover. The pointer finger was about half saved and his thumb is fine. The Brother was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon.

On Wednesday November 30, a Local 49, 34-year-old Otis mechanic, was severely injured while he was working in a machine room alone on an Otis Spec 60 geared machine, cleaning grease and debris from around the drive sheave and cables with a small scraper in his right hand while the elevator was running. At some point the scraper and his fingers on his right hand were pulled under the cables on the drive sheave then released. At which time the mechanic wrapped his hand in a rag and headed to the Hospital. He had his middle finger severed and received lacerations to his hand and fingers. The Brother was moved to another hospital in order to see a hand surgeon for possible re-attachment of his middle finger. He remains in the hospital.

Fraternally,

IUEC Safety Committee

EIWPF LOTO Safety Folder

Message from the IUEC Safety Committee

November 23, 2016

3M Fall Protection (formerly Capital Safety) has identified a limited number of Lad-Saf X2/X3 sleeves with the locking lever not working properly. This condition can allow the sleeve to disengage from the cable during use. The assembly error is believed to affect only a limited number of units and has been corrected. There have been no accidents or injuries related to this issue.

If you have been issued this equipment, please immediately conduct an inspection of all X2 (#6160030) and X3 (#6160054) sleeves as described in the Inspection Notice. Please report defective equipment to your supervisor and Local Union Representative.

 2016-11-23 3M Lad-Saf X2 & X3 Inspection Notice

Fraternally,

IUEC Safety Committee

Message from the IUEC Safety Committee

November 21, 2016

Brothers and Sisters,

Potential safety issue on limited KONE elevators

 To all field technicians in the U.S. and Canada, and Americas Senior Leaders,

 Potential, limited elevator safety issue noted

·         Under certain conditions, a very remote possibility exists where a limited number of KONE elevators could slightly move with the elevator doors open.

·         This potential issue may impact KONE elevators that use KONE LCE controllers with software versions 8.5.11 and 8.5.11.10.

·         The particular circumstance may only happen after a complicated passenger scenario, and upon rare instance in those cases; nonetheless, as safety is our top priority, we have instituted a software upgrade to prevent the remote issue from occurring.

·        What may happen? In this very rare instance, the elevator car may move approximately 6″ from its current floor.

·         We will continue to implement the software upgrade solution until all affected units are complete.

·         A safety alert detailing this potential issue has been issued by the IUEC. As stated, we are aware of the potential issue and we are systematically resolving with all potentially impacted units.

 

Questions or concerns may be directed first to your branch management, or directly to Divya Mehta.

 

IUEC Safety Committee

It is the mission of the IUEC Safety Committee to improve the Elevator Constructor’s

sense of awareness to daily hazards present in the workplace.

Message from the IUEC Safety Committee

November 18, 2016

Brothers and Sisters,

Two Brothers had near miss accidents in Local 34 Indianapolis, IN today. Business Representative Joe Albertson has informed us of the following:

Local 34 Mechanic Ed Melde was working on a ladder when he fell and landed on an energized 208V grid. An electrician working nearby was able to denergize the grid and get medical attention for Brother Melde. Brother Melde was not breathing and did not have a pulse. The electrician gave him CPR until the EMTs arrived. The EMTs were able to bring him back with a defibrillator. He is now in burn unit at the hospital with  burns to his chest and arms.. He is talking and his family is with him.

Local 34 Mechanic Ken Preston was welding a jack joint in the pit when there was an explosion. He believes a spark may have ignited the PVC glue used on the jack liner. Brother Preston is being check out at the hospital.

Please keep Brothers Melde and Preston and their families in your thoughts and prayers and please recommit to working safely.

Fraternally,

IUEC Safety Committee

Safety Alert KONE KCM831 Resolve 20 Controller

November 16, 2016

Brothers and Sisters,

Message from the IUEC Safety Committee

September 9, 2016

Brothers and Sisters,

It has come to our attention that Wurtec has issued a Quality Bulletin concerning 11-288 & 11-289, T – Rail Lifters . Under certain circumstances, the new T – Rail Lifter design may allow the back rod to be manually worked over the top of the fish plate and fish plate fasteners. As this product is used to hoist rail section, clearance anomalies between the lifter and fishplate hardware may present a potentially unsafe situation. Please review the attached bulletin from WURTEC.

Wurtec Quality Bulletin 11-288 & 11-289, T – Rail Lifters

KONE is removing all of the newer model Wurtec T – Rail Lifter models from their front line operations and replacing them with the older version (includes the positive turn and lock arm or halo). If your employer issues you the Wurtec T – Rail Lifter listed in the bulletin, notify your supervisor and your Local Union office.

Fraternally,

IUEC Safety Committee

Brothers and Sisters,

Message from the IUEC Safety Committee

February 8, 2015

On behalf of the Safety Directors, please follow the link to the Motion Control Engineering Product Bulletin regarding: Potential loss of motor control due to power supply failure, IMC SCR. http://www.mceinc.com/support/bulletins/pdf/bulletin154.pdf

Please follow up with your supervisor as to the proper action to be taken. The link states the corrective measures.

It has been brought to MCE’s attention that if the voltage level of 5 volt power supply feeding the controller computer (swing panel) falls below regulation, it can have adverse effect on the operation of the motor control. In certain situations, the elevator computer may become inoperable and motor field voltage can drop to zero. Having very low or no motor field control can result in the car drifting in the direction of the load due to lack of torque control. This scenario is only applicable to inspection operation. Automatic and passenger operation use additional software monitors and are not affected.

The following is the link for the MCE Product Bulletin Page. http://www.mceinc.com/support/bulletins/index.html

There is additional information on that page as well for O’ Thompson equipment, that members will find helpful.

IUEC Safety Committee

Message from the IUEC Safety Committee

December 14, 2015

Brothers and Sisters,

It is with deep sadness to inform that the IUEC has lost another member in an on the job accident. After an in depth investigation, it was determined that Brother Brian Syddall, Local 38, Salt Lake City, husband and father of four children, was killed in an automobile accident on November 30, 2015 while dispatched to a job location.

Please keep Brother Syddall’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

IUEC Safety Committee

Message from the IUEC Safety Committee

November 16,2015

Brothers and Sisters

Please pass on to your members that new information has been added to The IUEC Safety/Alerts Page.

MSA Workman Self Retracting Lanyard 30ft Safety Notice 11-16-2015

MSA Workman Self Retracting Lanyard 50ft Safety Notice 11-16-2015

The 30 foot and 50 foot Workman® Self-Retracting Lanyard. It has been determined that a small percentage of Workman 50 ft. / 15 m. SRLs manufactured from January through August of 2015 may have an improper brake nut torque setting. This condition is not detectable when performing the normal pre-use inspection procedure. SRLs with this condition may not arrest a user’s fall or may not arrest it within the specified maximum arrest distance. Please follow up with your supervisor as to the proper action to be taken.

The Safety Notice regarding Workman® Self-Retracting Lanyard has been posted on The IUEC website. To view all Safety Alerts, please log in and view them on the Safety Alert Page. If you are not already registered, please register here

IUEC Safety Committee

Message from IUEC Safety Directors

November 9, 2015

Brothers and Sisters,

Please pass on to your members that new information has been added to The IUEC Safety/Alerts Page.

Hollister Whitney’s Quality Manger recommends that every machine with the Optional Brake Release should be checked to prevent accidental engagement. Please follow up with your supervisor as to the proper action to be taken.

Hollister-Whitney Optional Brake Release Notice 11-9-2015

The Information Notice regarding Hollister Whitney’s Optional Brake Release notice has been posted on The IUEC website.

This, as well as additional warnings and Alerts can be found at the IUEC Safety Alert page.

To view all Safety Alerts, please log in and view them on the Safety Alert Page. If you are not already registered, please register here

IUEC Safety Committee

Message from IUEC Safety Directors

October 23, 2015

On behalf of the Safety Directors, please follow the link to the Motion Control Engineering Product Bulletin regarding:

MCE Un-intended Motion Protection 10-19-2015

 

Please follow up with your supervisor as to the proper action to be taken. The link states the corrective measures.

“It has been brought to MCE’s attention that if the voltage level of 5 volt power supply feeding the controller computer (swing panel) falls below regulation, it can have adverse effect on the operation of the motor control. In certain situations, the elevator computer may become inoperable and motor field voltage can drop to zero. Having very low or no motor field control can result in the car drifting in the direction of the load due to lack of torque control. This scenario is only applicable to inspection operation. Automatic and passenger operation use additional software monitors and are not affected”

The following is the link for the MCE Product Bulletin Page. http://www.mceinc.com/support/bulletins/index.html

There is additional information on that page as well, that members will find helpful.

Anita Richards

General Executive Assistant

IUEC Safety Directors Notice – RE:  KONE E-Series 5000 Escalator

October 20, 2015

Brothers and Sisters,

On behalf of the Safety Directors, please see the attached KONE E5000 Product Bulletin and Safety Orders that were issued in North Carolina and Nevada. Additionally, as per Corey Ward (KONE National Safety Director), see the message below that KONE is sending to the ASME regulatory advisory committee and to the Work Preservation Fund teams:

Oct. 19, 2015   KONE E-Series 5000 Escalator   Distribution: KONE’s IUEC contacts   Situation: North Carolina authorities recently issued a safety alert regarding KONE E-Series 5000 escalators due to a potential escalator step track welding issue. KONE E-Series 5000 escalators were part of our U.S. and Canadian product offering from roughly 1995-2000. When made aware of the potential issue, we worked with the state of North Carolina to identify potential impacted units and proposed a solution that included inspection and a remedy for the concern.  The inspections are complete and appropriate retrofits are in progress. In parallel, we began scoping the remaining KONE E-Series 5000 escalators within the U.S. and Canada. For these escalators we will be deploying the same solution. A similar alert was issued by Nevada.  After discussing with authorities and allowing them to inspect several units, that alert has since been rescinded. A communication will be issued to all customers who own a KONE E-Series 5000 escalator within the next several days, providing a summary, appropriate direction or options for the KONE solution. Safety is always KONE’s top priority. We are proactively making the correction in cooperation with our customers. Requests: In discussion with your union members, please feel free to share the above information. Information from state authorities may be public knowledge and may spur further inquiry. We have heard from other state authorities. We are discussing the issue and our proposed resolution with local authorities. If you receive such inquiries, please forward these to Divya Mehta . Questions: Please reach out to Divya Mehta via email or at 630.955.4405 if you have any questions.

Anita Richards

General Executive Assistant

Message from IUEC Safety Directors

May 12, 2015

Brothers and Sisters

Please pass on to your members that new information has been added to The IUEC Safety/Alerts Page regarding Defective Hollister Whitney Governors. This, as well as additional warnings and Alerts, can be found at:  https://www.iuec.org/index.php/safety-alerts-by-topic/.

 

Please check out the You Tube video showing the defective governor at: http://youtu.be/FU8gHrbSnhc

Anita Richards

General Executive Assistant

Stand Tall, Stand Proud and Stand-Down for Fall Safety!

OSHA will host second-annual Construction Fall Safety Stand-Down, May 4-15, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Every day in this country, construction workers fall. One wrong step and they’re tumbling down a steeply pitched roof, sliding or dropping off an unstable ladder, or left hanging from a scaffold. The difference between an unexpected stumble and tragedy is simple: fall protection.

Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, as hundreds of workers die each year and thousands more suffer catastrophic, debilitating injuries. Yet, lack of proper fall protection remains the most frequently cited violation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. To recognize this often fatal hazard, tens of thousands of employers and more than a million workers across the country joined OSHA in 2014 for a weeklong Fall Safety Stand-Down, the largest occupational safety event ever held. OSHA hopes to triple these numbers during this year’s Fall Safety Stand-Down from May 4-15, 2015.

“With the economy on the rebound and housing starts on the rise, now is the time to for all of us to renew our commitment to sending workers home safe every night,” said Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “Last year’s Stand-Down showed us what employers and workers sharing that commitment can accomplish. Responsible employers understand that safety is not a luxury — it is a necessity.”

Building on last year’s widespread participation, OSHA has made this year’s Stand-Down, a two-week event. From May 4-15, employers and workers will pause during their workday for topic talks, demonstrations and training on how to use safety harnesses, guard rails and other means to protect workers from falls. Underscoring the importance of this effort, industry and business leaders, including universities, labor organizations, and community and faith-based groups, have already begun scheduling 2015 stand-downs in all 50 states and around the world.

“Fatal falls and injuries impact workers in all kinds of jobs across the country; it’s a broad problem that takes a terrible toll on workers and their families,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “Given the tremendous response we’ve received, it’s clear that this is an important issue to a great number of people across this nation. I know it is, to me and all my colleagues here at the department, which is why we are so pleased to work towards preventing these tragedies through innovative and collaborative efforts like the Stand-Down.”

The National Fall Safety Stand-Down is part of OSHA’s fall prevention campaign, launched three years ago with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH’s National Occupational Research Agenda and The Center for Construction Research and Training. Additional partners for this year’s event include: American Society for Safety Engineers, National Safety Council, National Construction Safety Executives, the United States Air Force, OSHA-approved state plans, state consultation programs, and OSHA Training Institute Education Centers.

“No child should lose a parent, no wife should lose a husband and no worker should lose their life in a preventable fall,” said NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard. “The Stand-Down serves as an important opportunity for worksites to recognize the hazards that cause them, train employers and workers how to avoid them so that these senseless tragedies can be prevented once and for all.”

OSHA and partners would like to encourage all workers and employers that face fall hazards on the job to participate in this year’s Stand-Down. The newly launched National Safety Stand-Down 2015 Web site provides details on: how to conduct a Stand-Down; receive a certificate of participation; and access free education and training resources, fact sheets and other outreach materials in English and Spanish. It will also include a list of stand-down events free and open to the public, as soon as they become available.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance.

Message from the IUEC Safety Committee

April 13, 2015

Brothers and Sisters,

A new Safety Alert has been posted on the Safety Alert Page concerning KONE E-5000 escalators. Please take the time to review it.

2015-4-13 KONE E-5000 Escalator Bulletin

IUEC Safety Committee

Message from  IUEC Safety Committee

October 6, 2014

Brothers and Sisters

Please pass on to your members that new information has been added to The IUEC Safety/Alerts Page. Product Bulletins regarding KONE Escalators, Moving Walks, Car Door By-Pass Operation and Electrical Shock Hazard Potential have been posted. These, as well as additional warnings and Alerts can be found at:  https://www.iuec.org/index.php/safety-alerts-by-topic/

IUEC Safety Committee

General President Christensen Safety Video

August 11, 2014

Message from IUEC Safety Review Committee

June 6, 2014

Brothers and Sisters,

As the AFL-CIO’s National Stand Down Week, Preventing Falls in Construction, comes to an end today, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of New Hire Thomas J Patone and the Brothers and Sisters of Local One. Brother Patone lost his life yesterday in an on the job accident and a mechanic was injured and is recovering.

The purpose for the National Fall Prevention Stand-Down was to raise awareness of preventing fall hazards in construction. Fatalities caused by falls from elevations continue to be a leading cause of death for construction workers, accounting for 269 of the 775 construction fatalities recorded in 2012. Those deaths were preventable. Fall prevention safety standards were among the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA standards, during fiscal year 2012. Shortly, OSHA will have the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA standards, during fiscal year 2013 and the fall prevention safety standard citations issued, are to again be in the top 10.

Please keep in mind the points that were brought up in the previous e-mails and remind our members that although the employer is responsible to provide us with the proper safety equipment and training, ultimately, safety is up to us.

Injuries and fatalities due to improper use and non-use of Fall Protection count for many injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. By adhering to the six points below, those injuries and fatalities will be reduced.

• Protect Yourself
• Choosing a Harness
• Training
• Using a Harness
• Inspections
• Maintenance and Storage

Preventing falls from scaffolding can be as easy as following the 6 points below:

• Provide an access ladder
• Only use scaffold grade lumber
• Install guardrails and toe boards on all scaffolding 10 foot or more above the ground
• Make sure the scaffold is able to support four times the maximum intended load (including the weight of the scaffold)
• Make sure the scaffold is level by using screw jacks on base plates and mudsills
• Keep scaffold within 14 inches of the walls

There are five major causes for extension-ladder fall incidents:

• Incorrect ladder setup angle
• Inappropriate ladder selection
• Insufficient ladder inspection
• Improper ladder use
• Lack of access to ladder safety tools and information

The extension ladder safety APP works with Apple and Android devices.

Visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/falls/mobileapp.html or your APP Store to download.

Please visit The IUEC Memorial Page. It can be found at: https://www.iuec.org/index.php/my-iuec/memorial-page/

When visiting jobsites, attending Union meetings and in the course of your normal day, be sure to speak of preventing falls with all our members. Find out from them what we can do as an organization to help prevent these types of accidents from happening.

This month you will see the first addition of The IUEC calendar to The Journal. The calendar lists the names of members who were lost over the years during the month due to an On The Job Fatality. If you know of a Brother/Sister who lost their life on the job and they are not listed, please contact Anita with the information. As always, please share this information with your members.

IUEC Safety Committee

Local 1 Fatality

June 5, 2014

It is with deepest regret to advise you that Thomas J. Patone, a Local 1 Probationary Apprentice, was killed on the job this morning. Another Local 1 member was injured in this tragedy but his injuries were not life threatening.

We do not have the details as yet and the media coverage has been somewhat erroneous and contradictory. We will get further information to you once we have the facts.

Fraternally,
Frank J. Christensen, General President

James K. Bender, Assistant President

Larry J. McGann, General Secretary-Treasurer

Message from IUEC Safety Review Committee

June 5, 2014

Brothers and Sisters,

This week is the AFL-CIO’s National Stand Down Week, Preventing Falls in Construction, Monday June 2^nd thru Friday June 6^th. The attached information should be copied and made available to members at Union meetings and forwarded to them with this e-mail.

Injuries and fatalities due to improper use and non-use of Fall Protection count for many injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. By adhering to the six subjects, those injuries and fatalities will be reduced.

Protect Yourself

Whenever fall protection is needed, make sure you have the right fall-protection system, know how it works, get trained to use it – and use it. Where eliminating the hazard, guardrails, or safety nets won’t work, you need personal protective equipment (PPE) – fall-restraint systems, personal fall-arrest systems, or work positioning systems (on rebar). Restraint systems keep you from falling. Fall-arrest systems stop falls. You will need a full-body harness if you use one of these systems and when required by your company Safety Policy. A full-body harness has straps worn around your trunk and thighs, with one or more D-rings in back to attach the harness to other parts of the system. If you fall, a properly fitted harness spreads the stopping force over your thighs, pelvis, chest, and shoulders.

Choosing a Harness

Learn about the types of fall hazards on your job. Choose the right type of fall protection for each type of fall hazard. Never use a body belt, seat only harness, or chest-only harness for fall protection. Use a full-body harness instead as required by your company Safety Policy.

Training

The employer must fit and train each worker for the equipment to be used. A competent person must train workers at risk of falling about types of fall hazards, how to protect yourself, and other hazards and limitations in using fall protection.

Using a Harness

Follow manufacturers’ instructions for wearing harnesses. Your employer must keep these instructions so you can see them when you ask.

Inspections

Inspect your equipment before each use. A competent person should inspect it at least once each year. Follow all manufacturer instructions about inspecting, caring for, and storing the equipment.

Maintenance and Storage

To help keep you safe, fall-protection equipment must be stored the right way. The employer should maintain and store the equipment, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Store equipment away from heat, light, dampness, oil, chemicals, or other damaging conditions. Hang each harness by the back D-ring to help keep the shape when not in use. Take special questions, which may arise because of job conditions, to the employer.

Preventing falls from scaffolding can be as easy as following the 6 points below:

• Provide an access ladder
• Only use scaffold grade lumber
• Install guardrails and toe boards on all scaffolding 10 foot or more above the ground
• Make sure the scaffold is able to support four times the maximum intended load (including the weight of the scaffold)
• Make sure the scaffold is level by using screw jacks on base plates and mudsills
• Keep scaffold within 14 inches of the walls

There are five major causes for extension-ladder fall incidents:

• Incorrect ladder setup angle
• Inappropriate ladder selection
• Insufficient ladder inspection
• Improper ladder use
• Lack of access to ladder safety tools and information

The extension ladder safety APP works with Apple and Android devices.

Visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/falls/mobileapp.html or your APP Store to download.

Please visit The IUEC Memorial Page. It can be found at: https://www.iuec.org/index.php/my-iuec/memorial-page/

When visiting jobsites, attending Union meetings and in the course of your normal day, be sure to speak of preventing falls with all our members. Find out from them what we can do as an organization to help prevent these types of accidents from happening.

This month you will see the first addition of The IUEC calendar to The Journal. The calendar lists the names of members were lost over the years during the month due to an On The Job Fatality. If you know of a Brother/Sister who lost their life on the job and they are not listed, please contact Anita with the information. As always, please share this information with your members.

IUEC Safety Committee

Message from IUEC Safety Review Committee

June 4, 2014

Brothers and Sisters,

This week is the AFL-CIO’s National Stand Down Week, Preventing Falls in Construction, Monday June 2^nd thru Friday June 6^th. The attached information should be copied and made available to members at Union meetings and forwarded to them with this e-mail.

When scaffolds are not upright or used properly, falls can occur. Protecting workers from scaffold related accidents would prevent many deaths and more than 4,000 injuries each year as reported by The Center to Prevent Workers Rights (CPWR).

Preventing falls from scaffolding can be as easy as following the 6 points below:

• Provide an access ladder
• Only use scaffold grade lumber
• Install guardrails and toe boards on all scaffolding 10 foot or more above the ground
• Make sure the scaffold is able to support four times the maximum intended load (including the weight of the scaffold)
• Make sure the scaffold is level by using screw jacks on base plates and mudsills
• Keep scaffold within 14 inches of the walls

Scaffolds must be erected, moved, or dismantled under the direct supervision of a competent person. They must be plumb, square and adequately braced with proper access. The scaffolding must be erected on stable foundation and the work deck must be fully planked.

Guardrails must be installed on scaffolding over 10’ and scaffolds with a height to base ratio greater than 4:1 must be restrained from tipping by guying, tying, bracing or equivalent means.

Baker-type scaffolds require special scrutiny.

There are five major causes for extension-ladder fall incidents:

Incorrect ladder setup angle

Inappropriate ladder selection

Insufficient ladder inspection

Improper ladder use

Lack of access to ladder safety tools and information

The extension ladder safety APP works with Apple and Android devices.

Visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/falls/mobileapp.html or your APP Store to download.

Please visit The IUEC Memorial Page. It can be found at: https://www.iuec.org/index.php/my-iuec/memorial-page/

When visiting jobsites, attending Union meetings and in the course of your normal day, be sure to speak of preventing falls with all our members. Find out from them what we can do as an organization to help prevent these types of accidents from happening.

This month you will see the first addition of The IUEC calendar to The Journal. The calendar lists the names of members were lost over the years during the month due to an On The Job Fatality. If you know of a Brother/Sister who lost their life on the job and they are not listed, please contact Anita with the information. As always, please share this information with your members.

IUEC Safety Committee

Message from IUEC Safety Review Committee

June 3, 2014

Brothers and Sisters,

This week is the AFL-CIO’s National Stand Down Week, Preventing Falls in Construction, Monday June 2^nd thru Friday June 6^th. Ladder fall injuries are a persistent hazard both in the workplace and at home. There are five major causes for extension-ladder fall incidents:

Incorrect ladder setup angle

The leading cause of ladder-related injuries, in approximately 40% of cases, is a ladder sliding-out at the base due to an incorrect ladder setup angle. Ladder users tend to set extension ladders at shallower angles than the desired optimal angle (75.5 degrees).

Inappropriate ladder selection

Selection of a ladder with the proper duty-rating is also critical to avoid structural failure. However, knowledge on proper ladder selection is lacking among many ladder users, and this important safety step is frequently ignored.

Insufficient ladder inspection

Regular inspection and maintenance are good practices to reduce the likelihood of ladder structural failure, however, quick and easy access to ladder safety checklists is not always available.

Improper ladder use

Inappropriate and unsafe ladder user behavior is associated with many ladder fall incidents. Activities such as overreaching, carrying objects, applying excessive force, slips and missteps are also frequent causes of ladder-related fall injuries.

Lack of access to ladder safety tools and information

Finally, small companies that account for up to 80% of all construction companies, and individual ladder users, such as homeowners, do not typically receive the required training for safe use of extension ladders. Such ladder users are difficult to reach, often do not have access to safety information, and generally lack the resources to develop or follow an effective ladder safety program.

The App in the link below covers all five of the major causes for extension-ladder fall accidents. Get the APP and share the APP. Measure the proper angle for an extension ladder, proper ladder, use, inspection, selection and accessories by using your Smart Phone. The APP works with Apple and Android devices.

Visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/falls/mobileapp.html or your APP Store to download.

When visiting jobsites, attending Union meetings and in the course of your normal day, be sure to speak of preventing falls with all our members. Find out from them what we can do as an organization to help prevent these types of accidents from happening.

This month you will see the first addition of The IUEC calendar to The Journal. The calendar lists the names of members were lost over the years during the month due to an On The Job Fatality. If you know of a Brother/Sister who lost their life on the job and they are not listed, please contact Anita with the information. As always, please share this information with your members.

IUEC Safety Committee

Message from IUEC Safety Review Committee

June 2, 2014

Brothers and Sisters,

This week is the AFL-CIO’s National Stand Down Week, Preventing Falls in Construction, Monday June 2^nd thru Friday June 6^th.

Have you ever set up an extension ladder and wondered if it was at the proper angle for a safe climb? Well, there’s an APP for that! Get the APP and share the APP. Measure the proper angle for an extension ladder by using your Smart Phone. It works with Apple and Android devices.

Visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/falls/mobileapp.html or your APP Store to download.

If you haven’t checked out the “Don’t Fall For It” video yet, please do at: http://youtu.be/5QY8MKxehmQ. This 11-minute, Don’t Fall For It, video features first-person accounts of workers who have fallen from ladders, emotional testimony from the family of a fatal fall victim, and information about how to work safely with ladders.

When visiting jobsites, attending Union meetings and in the course of your normal day, be sure to speak of preventing falls with all our members. Find out from them what we can do as an organization to help prevent these types of accidents from happening.

This month you will see the first addition of The IUEC calendar to The Journal. The calendar lists the names of members were lost over the years during the month due to an On The Job Fatality. If you know of a Brother/Sister who lost their life on the job and they are not listed, please contact Anita with the information. As always, please share this information with your members.

IUEC Safety Committee

It is the mission of the IUEC Safety Committee to improve the Elevator Constructor’s sense of awareness to daily hazards present in the workplace.

Safety Alert

March 13, 2014

Please see this important Safety Alert concerning a possible condition with self retracting lifelines:

GFP self retracting lifelines_2014

Safety Alert

February 5, 2014

Please see these important Safety Alerts concerning a possible condition with certain manufacturer’s snaphooks:

YOKE Hooks Product Notification _2013

GFP swivel snaphook inspection notice_2012

Safety Alert

January 31, 2014

Please see this important Safety Alert concerning a possible condition preventing the Rope Gripper® operation.

Every Rope Gripper® received after October 2010 should be checked!!!!

You will also find a procedure to check the correct location of the screws that operate the Elevator Can Run and the Brake Ready Microswitches.

 Hollister-Whitney Rope Gripper Bulletin

Safety Alert

January 7, 2014

Please see this important Safety Alert concerning Red Wing Shoes recall of Steel Toe safety footwear.

 Red Wing Toe Cap Recall – Final CPSC Press Release

 Red Wing Toe Cap Recall – Style Poster

Safety Alert

February 2013

Please see this important Safety Alert concerning polyester slings manufactured in China.

 Chinese Slings