Training future Ironworkers on how to stay safe on the worksite

As part of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s National Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction week, Rich Danko, Business Manager and Financial Secretary-Treasurer, and Paul Ribarchak, Apprenticeship Training Coordinator, from Ironworkers Local 3 in Pittsburgh, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss what they are doing in their apprenticeship program. 

Danko talked about the new apprentices beginning their journey into Local 3. He said the 42 new apprentices have begun their core training program, which provides them with a base knowledge of what to expect on the worksite before starting on the tools. Danko talked about the large workload in the Local 3 jurisdiction and how this class of apprentices will be entering a job directly out of the program and can expect to stay there for the next few years. 

For safety, the training starts on the first day and continues until retirement day for a member. Ribarchak talked about the initial core training that apprentices must complete before they are allowed on the job site. He discussed why they receive OSHA 10-hour training and how it has helped to improve jobsite safety. Danko shared the changes he’s seen since his apprentice days and what that means for members' future.

Finally, Ribarchak talked about the safety standards for OSHA and what differs between their standards and what Local 3 requires. Unlike OSHA’s rule that doesn’t require workers to be anchored less than 30 feet off the ground, Local 3 requires members to be tied off at all times. He explained that members need two anchor points at all times. By requiring the members to go above and beyond standard safety measures, Local 3 hopes to eliminate the opportunity of losing another Brother or Sister to a fall.

Listen to the show above for more on what Ironworkers Local 3 is doing to help prevent falls on the jobsite.