Countdown to Zero in 2013

2013 Commitment to Pursue Zero Fatalities

General President Walter Wise has committed his support and resources to continue the “Zero Fatality” campaign in 2013 to help prevent fatalities and disabling injuries to our members throughout the United States and Canada.  The 2013 campaign is designed to engage our members to “See Something - Say Something,” to help recognize and avoid workplace hazards.  For many decades, common hazards have been the primary causation factors for fatalities and serious incidents. Our focus on the deadly dozen hazardous activities will continue, and a series of new campaign materials will be provided to district councils, local unions, and apprenticeship training facilities, including new hard hat stickers, gang box stickers, and posters emphasizing the importance of recognizing and avoiding workplace hazards in the shop and field.

 

The Safety and Health Department will publish periodic reports and to update our members, contractors, and regulatory agencies on our progress to pursue zero fatalities in 2013 and help our members to “finish strong and finish safe in 2013.” 

Carroll “Star” Wills
February 20, 1956 — May 23, 2013

 

General President Walter Wise is saddened to report the death of Carroll “Star” Wills of Local 5 (Washington, DC). Brother Wills was killed while working on the job on May 23, 2013.

 

Brother Wills had been a member of Local 5 since February 1980. He is survived by his long time love, Yvette; mother, Yvonne Wills; children, Miguel, Carol Ann and Cameron; and a host of other family and friends. Star enjoyed drag racing his fathers car, motorcycles and especially being an ironworker.

 

Star’s life and death should serve to inspire us in our continued commitment to “Zero Fatalities” with safety as our number one priority.  No brother or sister ironworker should die at work. See Something, Say Something. Hazard awareness and intervention is how we can protect ourselves and each other.

 

Brother Wills is the fourth fatality suffered by our union this year. In his memory, let us commit ourselves to preventing another tragedy.

 Michael Kerr

January 28, 1956 — May 16, 2013

 

General President Walter Wise is saddened to report the death of Michael Kerr of Local 1 (Chicago). Brother Kerr was killed while working on the job on May 16, 2013.

 

Brother Kerr had been a member of Local 1 since January 1980. He is survived by his love, Mary Tarne; children, Michael, Pete and Nikki; three grandchildren, Alyssa, William and Stella, sisters; Jacquelyn Rowels, Eileen and Maureen Kerr; brother, Pat Kerr, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. Mike loved being with family and friends. He also loved boating and motorcycling. He was a huge Chicago Blackhawks fan.

 

Michael’s life and death should serve to inspire us in our continued commitment to “Zero Fatalities” with safety as our number one priority. No brother or sister ironworker should die at work. See Something, Say Something. Hazard awareness and intervention is how we can protect ourselves and each other.

 

Brother Kerr is the third fatality suffered by our union this year. In his memory, let us commit ourselves to preventing another tragedy.

 

Antonio Corona

June 13, 1974 — May 13, 2013

General President Wise is saddened to report the death of Antonio Corona of Local 416 (Los Angeles). Brother Corona was killed while working on the job on May 13, 2013.

 

Brother Corona was 39 and a 13-year member of Local 416. He is survived by his wife, Miriam and his five children, Charissa, Stephanie, Anthony, Katherine and Evelyn. Antonio is remembered as a family man who put his family and his work first above everything.

 

Antonio’s life and death should serve to inspire us in our continued commitment to “Zero Fatalities” with safety as our number one priority.  No brother or sister ironworker should die at work. See Something, Say Something. Hazard awareness and intervention is how we can protect ourselves and each other.

 

Brother Corona is the second fatality suffered by our union this year. In his memory, let us commit ourselves to preventing another tragedy.

Wade Walters

October 30, 1988 — March 31, 2013

 

General President Walter Wise is saddened to report the death of Wade Walters of Local 469 (Jackson, Miss.). Brother Walters was killed while working on the job on March 31, 2013.

 

Brother Walters had been a member of Local 469 since December 2011. He is survived by his father, James Keith Walters; mother, Susan Allen and husband, Rusty Allen; sister, Chelsy Walters; stepsister, Brittany Allen; grandparents, Tom Underhill and wife Bonnie, Wade Walters and wife Shirley and Dana Caldwell; the love of his life, Alyssa Alvey; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Wade enjoyed bodybuilding, bow fishing, hunting, shooting, canoeing, playing with his dogs and working hard at his job.

 

Wade’s life and death should serve to inspire us in our continued commitment to “Zero Fatalities” with safety as our number one priority. No brother or sister ironworker should die at work. See Something, Say Something. Hazard awareness and intervention is how we can protect ourselves and each other.

 

Brother Walters is the first fatality suffered by our union this year. In his memory, let us commit ourselves to preventing another tragedy.

 

Region IV

Region X

Region VIII

Region IX

Region I

Region V

Region VI

Region II

Region III

Region XI

Region VII

Deadly Dozen Activities and Hazards

  1. Falls through unprotected or inadequate floor opening covers.
  2. Collapse of unsecured open web steel joists.
  3. Lack of fall protection and inadequate use of fall arrest equipment.
  4. Falls during installation of floor and roof decking.
  5. Material handling injuries during steel erection and reinforcing steel activities.
  6. Column collapse due to anchor bolt failure and/or insufficient concrete strength.
  7. Structural collapse of unsupported reinforcing steel columns, walls, and decks.
  8. Struck-by injuries from falling objects, tools, and materials.
  9. Caught between injuries during hoisting and rigging operations.
  10. Impalement from unprotected reinforcing dowels or other vertical projections.
  11. Electrical hazards and injuries from high-voltage power lines.
  12. Heat illness and toxic exposure to chemicals and air-borne contaminants.

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