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Configurable Labels
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Trusted Tools with Tangible Results
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- Cobb Industrial, Inc.
M & P S p e c i a l t y I n s u r a n c e p r o v i d e s
i n s u r a n c e a n d r i s k m a n a g e m e n t
s e r v i c e s f o r h e a v y l i f t i
i n d u s t r i e s .
L i c e n s e d n a t i o n w i d e , M & P S p e c i a l t y I n s u r
I N D U S T R Y
I N D U S T RY
S P E C A LT I E S : E E L E C T O R S
H E AV Y H A U L E R S
R A N E R E N TA L
R I I N G
F A B R I C AT O R S
S P E C I A L T I E S : THE
S T R U C T U R A L M OV E R S
e n i
s u r a n c e p r o d u c t s , c o n t r a c t u a l d e t a i l , a n d r i s k m a n a g e m e n t p r a c t i c e s .
Tracy Bennett
By Mike Larson
By Tracy Bennett
Joining
Macie Murie
Steel Erection Solutions
Experience dependable, uninterrupted power supply with generators and portable power distribution panels. Accompanied by our portfolio of creative power solutions. and lease options o ered by Red-D-Arc enable steel erectors to access specialized welding equipment without the need for large upfront investments, streamlining operations and increasing productivity.
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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, and related service providers. Connector reaches both small and large contractors working in union and open labor markets.
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ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Chris Legnon, Chairman, Cooper Steel
Nick Caratelli, Vice Chairman, Nelson Stud Welding
Terri Bailey, FieldForce Solutions
Nathan Block, SDS2 by Allplan
Tammy Dean, Gardner-Watson Decking
John Hughes, Industrial Training International
Tyler Jones, Cumberland Steel Co.
Geoff Kress, Gardner-Watson Decking
Jerry Morganelli, MAS Building & Bridge
Jackson Nix, Shelby Erectors
Jim Simonson, Steel Service
Katy Williams, Williams Industries
Connector™ is published quarterly by the Steel Erectors Association of America 4948 Martin View Ln, Suite 207 Winston-Salem, NC 27104
Copyright 2025 by the Steel Erectors Association of America. No material may be reprinted without permission from the Executive Director. While the information and
Culture, Commitment and Character
I’ve lost count of how many résumés I’ve reviewed over the years. Credentials, certifications, and work history can make someone look perfect on paper. But here’s the truth I’ve learned: the best hire is not always the person with the longest list of achievements. More often than not, it’s the person whose behavior shows they’ll take responsibility, work well with others, and ensure the job gets done right.
That’s why Adam Rosen’s recent piece, “Stop Hiring Résumés — Start Hiring Behaviors,” struck such a chord with me. Published by the Center for Association Leadership, it captures something that’s easy to miss in an industry like ours, where technical expertise and years of experience may overshadow equally important traits. Yes, skill matters. Yes, experience matters. But behavior is what determines whether someone will strengthen our culture—or derail it.
You Can Teach Skills—But Not Personality
It’s critical that hiring and retention strategies evaluate the behaviors that tell us whether someone is a good fit for the company culture and strengthens the team.
Too often, hiring managers default to checking boxes—years in the field, specific equipment certifications, or past job titles—without considering the human factor. But what ultimately determines success on the jobsite is whether people respect one another, pull their weight, and contribute positively to the group. Culture is fragile; one bad hire can undo months of progress.
Throughout my career, I’ve repeated one phrase so often it might as well be etched in stone: You can teach a skill, but you can’t teach personality.
If someone lacks a certification, you can provide training. If they need more time in the field, you can assign mentors. What you can’t do is teach someone to be accountable, to take initiative, or to care about the quality of their work. That must come from within.
The same is true for teamwork. A strong crew is built on trust and collaboration. No amount of technical knowledge can offset the damage of a bad teammate. But when people are willing to help one another, solve problems together, and prioritize safety, everyone succeeds.
Hire Slow, Fire Fast
Another philosophy I’ve carried with me is simple. Hire slow, fire fast.
This doesn’t mean dragging your feet when it comes to filling open roles. It means being intentional—looking beyond résumés and asking deeper questions. When
you hire carefully, you protect your culture. And when you move quickly to correct a mistake, you protect your people.
Take time to evaluate behaviors during the hiring process. It’s nearly impossible to “fix” a bad hire after the fact. Dragging out the process only hurts the rest of the team. The faster you protect your culture from toxic behaviors, the healthier your company will be.
Foundation of Career Success
When I used to speak with high school students about entering the trades, I broke career success down into three basic behaviors.
1. Have a driver’s license.
2. Pass a drug test.
3. Show up on time every day.
That’s it. Simple as it sounds, these three habits separate those who will keep a job from those who won’t. Except for a driver’s license (the most basic of credentials in our society), the other examples are about reliability, responsibility, and self-discipline.
And really, those are the same behaviors that drive long-term careers. Technical training can and should follow. But if you don’t start with the basics of showing up ready to work, the rest won’t matter.
Connecting This to Our Future
I believe this focus on behavior-first hiring is at the core of organizations that achieve strong cultures and engaged employees. SEAA is preparing to launch a new program that will give visibility to companies that prioritize healthy business operations, competitive benefits, and ongoing investment in training and development. Often the byproduct of those commitments is excellent safety and quality records.
The SEAA board of directors sees this initiative to highlight not just skills and technical paths, but also the importance of personal accountability and cultural fit. It’s one thing to prepare someone for a trade. It’s another way to prepare them to succeed as part of a team and community.
Looking back, the hires I’ve celebrated most over the years weren’t always the most experienced. They were the ones who took ownership, showed up consistently, and cared about both the work and the people around them.
If we want to build stronger companies and a stronger industry, we need to look past the bullet points. Hire for behaviors. Train for skills. And never forget that it’s the people that make the difference. • Pete Gum is Executive Director of SEAA.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Steel Connections
North Carolina
October 16, 2025
Embassy Suites, Raleigh Crabtree
Raleigh, North Carolina
– Board Meeting
– Peer Group
– Meet & Greet
Dave Schulz
Memorial Golf
Tournament
October 17, 2025
Lonnie Poole Golf Club at NC State University Raleigh, North Carolina
Steel Connections
California
January 29, 2026
Embassy Suites, Monterey Bay Seaside
Seaside, California
– Board Meeting
– Peer Group
– Meet & Greet
ASSOCIATION NEWS
■ Now Accepting Nominations for SteelStrong Women in Construction
The association is now accepting nom inations for the SteelStrong Women in Construction initiative, which recognizes women who are advancing the steel construction industry. The program showcases women serving in a variety of capacities, from ironworkers and field supervisors to project managers, executives, and business owners.
“Women are making their mark across every segment of steel construction,” said Tammy Dean, Chief Financial Officer of Gardner-Watson Decking and member of SEAA’s Marketing Committee. “Through the SteelStrong Women in Construction initiative, we have an opportunity to recognize their leadership and highlight the value they bring to both their companies and the industry as a whole.”
Nominations are open to all women in steel construction, regardless of whether their employer is a SEAA member company. SEAA’s Marketing Committee will select seven Legacy Builders from the nominees to be featured on SEAA’s social media channels during Women in Construction Week, March 1–7, 2026.
The Legacy Builders will be selected based on professional accomplishments, examples of leadership or mentorship, and overall impact on the industry. All nominees will be honored at SEAA’s Convention and Trade Show, May 5–8, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.
Nominations are due December 1, 2025.
■ Travel Discounts Now Available to SEAA Members
SEAA has entered into an agreement with Engine, a travel platform for booking flights, hotels, and car rental. Their services include options for booking for large groups and extended stays. “Through this formal agreement, SEAA can now offer its members access to discounts on hotels, averaging 26% savings over booking direct,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA.
Engine’s travel platform saves businesses time and money through an intuitive travel network that connects to nearly every hotel, airline, and car rental company in the United States. It offers single invoice billing, the flexibility to modify trips at any time, and a unified view of all company travel expenses.
Members who create an account through the SEAA landing page automatically receive platinum status, which allows you to earn up to 4% back in Engine Rewards. Other benefits include access to exclusive travel promotions and access to Engine’s Groups Team for free.
■ Association Management Veteran to Lead Membership and Business Development
SEAA is pleased to announce the appointment of William Hutabarat as Director of Membership and Business Development. Hutabarat brings more than 12 years of experience in association management, having worked with nearly 50 professional and trade associations, including construction-related groups.
Most recently, as Account Executive at Big Red M, he generated more than $2.5 million annually in exhibits, sponsorship, advertising, and membership sales. Prior to that, he served as Manager of Partnership Administration for the American Society of Landscape Architects, where he developed innovative sponsorship programs and media partnerships that created new revenue streams.
Hutabarat will oversee all aspects of member recruitment and retention programs, sponsorship and event sales, and strategies to increase the visibility of SEAA through social media, promotional campaigns, and events. He will also maintain the membership database, providing regular updates on recruitment progress and retention success.
SEAA has announced significant updates to its annual awards programs, giving members new opportunities for recognition in 2026.
For the first time, SEAA’s Project of the Year Award will feature a dedicated category for reinforcing steel projects. This addition ensures that rebar contractors are evaluated alongside their peers for similar types of work. Rebar projects can be submitted in two contract value classes, up to $500,000 and over $500,000, for transportation, building structures, industrial and utility, and specialty work.
SEAA has also expanded its Safety Excellence Award to include a category for Fabricators. The award is designed to recognize SEAA fabricator members that demonstrate outstanding safety
PROJECT OF THE YEAR
NEW! CATEGORY FOR REBAR PROJECTS
performance and best practices. Like the Erector Safety Excellence Award, Fabricator Safety Excellence uses a points-based system evaluating EMR ratings, OSHA logs, citations, safety programs, and training initiatives.
These changes aim to highlight member achievements and the advancement of safety, training, and project excellence in the steel construction industry. Winners will be recognized at SEAA’s 2026 Convention & Trade Show, featured in Connector magazine, and highlighted through national trade media coverage.
Submissions for the Project of the Year Award are due December 15, 2025, while entries for the Safety and Craft Training Excellence Awards are due January 31, 2026. •
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■ Caldwell Custom Lifting Beam Designed to Carry Long Loads
A new custom lifting beam developed by Caldwell and LGH enables forklifts to handle longer loads more efficiently. The Caldwell Telescoping Forklift Beam, available exclusively from LGH, is designed for construction sites, warehouses, and other environments requiring the movement of bulky materials such as rebar bundles and piping. The beam offers a 12- to 20-foot spread range in nine 1 ft. increments, a 10,000 lb. capacity, and a low headroom profile of 14.7 inches. Dual 5-ton swivel hooks, an optional center hook, and easy hitch-pin adjustments provide versatility and safer handling without the need for a crane.
■ FallTech Launches FT-Xpert Training
FallTech introduces FT-Xpert, a comprehensive training program designed to elevate fall protection education. FT-Xpert offers flexible, role-specific instruction ranging from Authorized Person training to Competent Person and Equipment Inspector certifications, aligned with ANSI and OSHA standards. The program also includes a Certified Trainer Program, providing curriculum, trainer guides, and a Learning Management System to support consistent in-house education. Developed to give workers only the knowledge essential to their responsibilities, FT-Xpert helps organizations
■ Lincoln Electric Debuts Velion Fast Charger for EV’s
Lincoln Electric’s new Velion 50kW DC Fast Charger is a compact, mobile unit designed for construction sites, fleet operations, and emergency response. The charger delivers scalable output, 12.5kW, 25kW, or 50kW, and offers flexible deployment options, including wheeled, ground-mounted, or rugged roll cage setups. Built in the U.S. with over 70 percent domestic content, it meets NEVI and BABA requirements. With weather-resistant components, smart diagnostics, and remote monitoring, Velion is engineered for reliable performance in demanding environments, providing a field-ready charging solution for jobsite vehicles and other mobile equipment.
■ MAX USA Introduces Lightweight Mesh Cutter
The WMC80 Cordless Wire Mesh Cutter from MAX USA Corp. has been designed for speed, comfort, and one-handed control. Weighing just 6.3 lbs. with battery, the WMC80 cuts W1.4 (10GA) up to W8 (2/0.5GA) mesh in about 0.7 seconds. Key features include cordless operation, power-save function, safety guards, easy blade changes, and an interchangeable battery compatible with MAX’s TWINTIER line. It is built for precast, foundations, and tilt-up construction applications.
■ United Rentals Workspace Ready Solutions
United Rentals has developed Workspace Ready Solutions accessory packages for mobile and container offices that address the needs of construction projects. The offerings allow project teams to begin using jobsite offices immediately, with options that include desks, chairs, conference tables, whiteboards, and appliances. For container offices, available add-ons include ramps, shelving, locks, and solar lighting to improve storage and organization. Supplying fully outfitted units at delivery reduces setup time for project managers and is a more efficient use of temporary office and storage space on construction sites.
■ JLG Rapid Replaceable Platform
JLG Industries has added a Rapid Replaceable Platform as standard on select boom lift models in North America. The design enables damaged platforms to be removed and installed quickly in the field, minimizing downtime. Key updates include a center storage tray, self-closing gates, dual USB-A/USB-C charging ports, tool clip locations, a relocated manual storage box, and an LED console light. The new platform maintains rated capacity and remains fully compatible with approved JLG accessories. Production began in May 2025, phasing across all platform sizes for applicable models. .
HARD HAT STICKER DESIGN CONTEST
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■
Genie Expands Accessories for Boom and Scissor Lifts
New boom and scissor lift accessories will help users enhance productivity safely. Lift Guard™ Zone Lighting creates a visible border at ground level to illuminate perimeter clearance around GS™ scissor lifts, while Lift Guard Lanyard Alert encourages compliance with lanyard use requirements on boom lifts. Lift Guard™ Zone Lighting features red laser lights that create a visual boundary at ground level about 2 ft / 61 cm from the edge of the chassis. Providing information to the people working on or around scissor lifts helps increase awareness of their surroundings, potentially reducing the risk of collision and entrapment.
Available in two configurations, Lift Guard™ Lanyard Alert and Lanyard Alert Advanced provide visual and audible alarms when the fall system lanyard is not attached to the anchor point inside the platform. The Advanced configuration additionally enables function cut-off, preventing operation until the lanyard is attached. Genie is the only OEM to develop a solution that prevents operation.
■ Versatile Expands Control Center
Versatile has announced significant updates to its recently launched Control Center, the first project dashboard built specifically for steel erection professionals. Control Center consolidates crane activity, sequence progress, and milestone tracking into one view, giving project leaders dependable visibility into jobsite performance. The release also adds weather integration to Explore and Calendar views, enabling teams to connect temperature, wind, and precipitation data with jobsite productivity. Developed with input from project managers and superintendents, Control Center provides progress dashboards, automated reporting, and risk visibility.
According to Robert Allen, Senior Onsite Project Manager with Cooper Steel, Control Center helps his crew “track progress, stay ahead of delays, and make quicker adjustments. It keeps us efficient and aligned with the GC.” •
MANAGEMENT By Tracy Bennett
The 2025 Industry Report Card
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention in Construction: Signs of Hope
Five years ago, mental health and suicide prevention in the U.S. construction industry was barely a side note in safety meetings. Today, it’s on the agenda at major industry conferences, it’s baked into toolkits from industry organizations, and more contractors are hanging 988 crisis line posters next to their safety rules.
We’ve seen meaningful progress in awareness and training, and for the first time in years, overall suicide rates among construction workers declined in 2023. But the picture is far from rosy. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in our industry, and a new red flag has emerged. At-work suicides are on the rise, climbing more than 70% between 2022 and 2023.
Safety managers know they have a responsibility to their people and in some cases, these are the people who are struggling in silence. This report card is meant to give you some direction on what to focus on in the future by identifying what’s improving, what isn’t, what trends you need to watch, and which programs are proving to be successful in saving lives.
Overall Suicide Rates – Cautious Improvement
The good news: According to CPWR’s April 2025 Data Bulletin, suicides among construction workers (age 16–64, “usual industry”) fell from 2022 to 2023. This is the first sustained decline in several years, and it’s likely a result of more industry-wide campaigns, improved training, and broader mental health awareness.
The not-so-good news: The rate is still among the highest of any U.S. industry, and the drop, while encouraging, doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods.
Tracy Bennett is Managing Editor of Connector and President of Mighty Mo Media Partners, a public relations firm serving construction, industrial, and related markets.
At-Work Suicides – Worsening Risk
Here’s the part that should set off alarms in every jobsite trailer. At-work suicides rose from 22 in 2022 to 38 in 2023, a 72.7% increase. While the total numbers are smaller than “overall” suicides (which count workers regardless of where the incident happens), the trend suggests that acute crises are still happening on the job.
That means prevention isn’t just about general awareness, it’s about equipping foremen, supervisors, and crew members with the skills and confidence to spot warning signs and act in real time.
Overdose Deaths – Declining, but Intertwined with Suicide
Overdose deaths among construction workers also fell in 2023, particularly those involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This could be attributed to opi- oid antagonist meds, like Naloxone, becoming more readily available. That’s progress, but the link between substance use and suicide is still strong. Many fatal- ities aren’t clearly one or the other. They are part of a web of pain, injury, mental distress, and isolation. Contractors who treat “overdose prevention” and “suicide prevention” as separate issues, risk missing the bigger picture.
Industry Awareness – From Silence to Conversation
Five years ago, it was rare to hear “mental health” discussed outside of a crisis. Today, Construction Suicide Prevention Week is anannual, coordinated event, with free toolkits, toolbox talks, and posters. CIASP, CPWR, OSHA, and NIOSH have developed targeted safety talks and fact sheets to address opioids and suicide together. The gap? Not every company participates. And among those that do, there is still much work to be done to achieve a sustained culture change.
The Power of Storytelling in Mental Health Awareness
By Christian Santiago
Christian Santiago, CHST, is a Safety Director at Evolution Safety Resources with over 10 years of safety experience. As a former crane operator and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he brings practical knowledge and a disciplined approach to safety training and management.
When combined with classroom or on-the-job training, storytelling can be a powerful tool for ensuring that workers both retain information and understand the real-world implications. Storytelling allows for a deeper connection than citing facts and statistics. It conveys a different message. It’s not that something could happen— it’s that something did happen to you or someone you know. Storytelling helps to put a human face to statistics which may otherwise seem impersonal or remote from the everyday lives of workers. When it comes to storytelling in training, there are few areas where it is more impactful than in suicide prevention.
In a session on mental health during SEAA’s 2025 Convention, trainers from Evolution Safety Resources used story telling techniques to address the topic of mental health in the construction industry. This helmet belonged to a co-worker who they lost to suicide.
Traditionally, the culture of the construction industry is one that discourages workers from talking about—or even admitting to themselves—mental health struggles. Storytelling can help to normalize those discussions and show those who are suffering in silence that they are not alone.
One reason storytelling is successful is because it is authentic. Authenticity builds trust and makes people more receptive and more likely to open up about their own experiences. Workers can spot canned messages a mile away, but when we speak from real world experiences, it comes across as genuine care and concern, not just compliance or obligation.
The key to preventing suicides is breaking the taboo that so often surrounds the topics of mental health and suicide. Hearing a peer’s story (especially someone who is respected in the trade) shows vulnerability and helps open doors for others to talk. When one person steps forward and shares their story, it creates space for others to do the same.
Storytelling is a great tool for making training memorable and impactful, but, just as importantly, it can be a way to show others that they are not alone.
Training & Intervention – Promising, But Patchy
Programs like MATES in Construction (adapted from Australia) and short-format gatekeeper trainings designed specifically for construction are showing measurable improvements in suicide prevention literacy and willingness to help. However, access is inconsistent. Large contractors with strong safety departments are more likely to use them, while small and mid-sized contractors often don’t have the bandwidth or budget to roll out formal training.
Addressing Root Causes – Still the Weak Link
Job insecurity, long hours, injury-related chronic pain, and hostile jobsite culture continue to be major drivers of mental distress and suicidal ideation. Research from Sweden, Ireland, and the U.S. shows that these factors haven’t improved much, even as awareness grows. Until contractors address these underlying psychosocial risks, progress will be limited.
The Bottom Line for Business Owners
The last five years have seen important gains in awareness and some encouraging declines in overall suicide and overdose deaths among construction workers. But the steep rise in at-work suicides is a warning we can’t ignore.
As a business owner or safety manager, you are in a unique position to shape the culture, systems, and training that determine whether your crews feel safe speaking up, as well as whether someone in crisis gets help in time.
This isn’t just a compliance issue. It’s a human and business imperative. Strong mental health and suicide prevention strategies reduce turnover, improve productivity, and save lives.
Making a Difference
Companies leading efforts in awareness, education, and intervention are setting the standard for what safety means in the construction industry in the years ahead. Here are a few strategies to consider putting in place on your jobsites in 2026.
1. Track Your Own Trends. Don’t wait for national data. Look at your company’s incident reports, EAP usage, and worker’s
comp claims to spot early warning signs.
2. Embed Mental Health Into Safety Systems. Treat mental health like fall protection, something that is required, measurable, and reinforced daily. Incorporate it into orientations, safety meetings, and leadership training.
3. Integrate Overdose & Suicide Prevention. Combine Naloxone training, overdose awareness, and suicide prevention into a single approach.
4. Train Key People on Every Crew. Make sure every site has at least one trained “connector” or gatekeeper who is equipped to listen, spot trouble, and connect workers with help before a crisis escalates.
5. Link to Community Resources. Partner with local crisis centers or mental health providers to create clear, fast referral pathways.
6. Find Technology-Supported Interventions. Find a training program that pairs face-to-face workshops with mobile apps. This follow-up model has proven effective in recent Australian trials.
7. Address Psychosocial Risks. Look at scheduling, workload, and safety climate. Reducing chronic pain and stress isn’t just good for morale, it’s suicide prevention. •
Resources
Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP)
Offers free industry-specific resources, from leadership pledge templates to foreman scripts. Their “Stand Up for Suicide Prevention” materials make it easier to build a consistent message across job sites. Note that SEAA took the pledge to STAND Up for suicide prevention and is an association stakeholder of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention.
CPWR & OSHA Joint Toolkits
Updated regularly, these include toolbox talks, posters, and fact sheets in English and Spanish. They integrate suicide and overdose prevention with broader safety messages, reinforcing that mental health is part of jobsite safety—not separate from it.
Gatekeeper Training for Construction
Short, site-friendly courses teach crew members how to ask direct questions, listen without judgment, and connect someone in crisis to help. Post-training evaluations show improved knowledge and confidence among participants.
MATES in Construction (Australia ➔ U.S. Adaptations)
A peer-based model that trains workers to recognize distress, connect co-workers to help, and reduce stigma. The program’s mix of on-site sessions and mobile follow-up has been shown to increase help-seeking intentions and suicide prevention literacy.
By Tracy Bennett
Finding the Right Fit
Planning, research, and field testing are essential to integratin Type II helmets with welding gear
The benefits of Type II safety helmets are clear. They provide impact protection not only for the top but also the sides and rear of the head, while chin straps ensure they stay secured during falls or lateral impacts.
Propose Solutions
GCs are frequently requiring them for all trades on jobsites, but that has left ironworkers who weld in a gap. This specific demographic is small in the overall construction population and has unique fit and integration needs.
For steel erectors, the decision involves far more than simply choosing a Type II helmet. It requires finding solutions that allow the helmets, halos or adapters, and welding shields to work seamlessly together.
Most manufacturers have not focused on the needs of this niche group, and those that do have products don’t necessarily make universal fit accessories. This trial-and-error reality has forced many
contractors to take the lead in finding workable solutions for their crews. For Perry & Perry Builders, Rockdale, Texas, the challenge shifted from theoretical to urgent priority when a GC mandated Type II helmets on an energy center project in the Dallas-Fort Worth area at the start of 2023.
Nearly all the company’s 200+ field personnel are both ironworkers and welders. At the time of the GC’s request, Vince Ortega, North Texas Safety Manager, could not find an option that worked for welders. They were allowed to stick with Type I hard hats for that project but that prompted Ortega to begin actively looking for a solution.
Meanwhile, Ortega’s account manager at Columbia Safety & Supply, Brian Vance, had been researching the issue. He had been ordering samples of helmets, halos, and welding hoods, trying out different combinations. “It’s a bit like being a redneck scientist,” said Vance. “You have to mix and match until you find what works.” Individual preferences for comfort, aesthetics, the need for uniformity among the crew,
and budget, add to the complexity of the selection process.
“The situation is similar to the struggle female construction workers had with finding PPE that fit properly. Small demographics aren’t big revenue drivers for the manufacturers, and they can be slow to respond,” said Vance. The good news is that in recent months several accessory adapters have come on the market that seem to be solving some of the challenges.
“Brian started pairing various combinations and sending us samples to try in the field. Without his research and proactive communication with the manufacturers I would still be trying to find a solution,” said Ortega.
Education, Planning, Practical Steps
Making the switch to Type II helmets is no longer a matter of “if” but “when.”
A 2025 Job-Site Safety Institute study, conducted by NC State University and George Mason University, confirms that education is key to adoption. Researchers found that intervention programs were
Tracy Bennett is Editor of Connector and President of Mighty Mo Media Partners.
For steel erectors, choosing a Type II helmet requires finding solutions that allow it to work seamlessly with halos or adapters and welding shields.
highly effective in increasing familiarity, confidence, and willingness to transition to Type II helmets. After the intervention, more than 75% of participants expressed a willingness to adopt them.
Despite clear benefits, practical challenges remain. Workers cited barriers such as limited influence over purchasing decisions and entrenched cultural norms. Employers are faced with addressing the cost of implementation, as well as ensuring supplier solutions meet the needs of ironworker welders.
Both Ortega and Vance emphasize the importance of preparation. “If you wait until the last minute, you may end up buying something that doesn’t work well for your crews, and then you must switch to something else. Allow time for testing samples in the field before placing an order,” advised Vance.
Ortega added: “Making the switch must include some education. You’ve got to get your field crew on board—doing so starts with explaining why Type II helmets offer more protection,” said Ortega. He also agreed that gathering feedback from crews before making a purchase are essential.
Tips for Smoother Transition
Vance and Ortega recommend the following steps to simplify the buying process and to ensure workforce acceptance.
• Explain the differences between Type II and Type I helmets, especially regarding protection benefits.
• Use consistent terminology by shifting
Patent-pending Securis Adapter for Welding Shields
from “hard hat” to “safety helmet” and ensure crews understand the vernacular.
• Account for company culture. If helmet color or style distinguishes roles, such as for foremen or leadmen, consider this when selecting products.
• Make a full list of accessories. Gather comprehensive information on all accessories your crews use, such as visors, face shields (clear, shaded, IR filtered, etc.), welding hoods (traditional or auto darkening), ear protection, etc.
• Consider customization and features. Identify if specific colors, ability to customize with your company logo, or features such as ventilation are important.
• Test in the field. Obtain samples, involve workers, and gather input on fit, comfort, and task performance.
What started as research to meet
Securis welding hood adapters are designed to function on the company’s Micro Brim, Front Brim, and Full Brim helmets. It is compatible with most major welding protection brands.
“Before the availability of Type 2 helmets, no manufacturer promoted welding hoods on any full brim hard hats, so getting welding hoods on full brim helmets is a first of its kind—at least as far as I know,” said Brian Vance. It features a 3-point lateral adjustment for optical depth optimization. Its most unique feature is that it allows the shield to be raised and lowered. An 8-point adjustability with 90 degrees of range enables the shield to be fully raised and fully lowered.
The adaptable bracketing system mounts and releases seamlessly with one-time assembly. It includes insert washers for use with Miller, Jackson, Lincoln and Fiber-Metal shields.
Securis Mounting Adapter for Welding Shields (Part Number SEC-A-53), is available through Columbia Safety or your safety supplier.
The ability to customize helmets was one of the criteria that was important to Perry & Perry Builders.
What started as research to meet project-by-project requirements is now a company-wide shift to Type IIs for Perry & Perry Builders.
The Magic Combo
Ultimately, Perry & Perry Builders settled on two options for their field crews who weld: Studson SHK-1 helmets (no brim) with Securis’s patent-pending mounting adapter for welding shields and Studson SHK-1 helmets (no brim) with Honeywell Speedy Loops.
Branding was important to Perry & Perry Builders, so all the helmets for their ironworkers are navy blue with their logo. “In order to differentiate our foremen and leadmen, who aren’t welding, the company chose traditional brown helmets with no brim, while supervisors wear the brown with full brim style,” said Ortega.
Of the hundreds of combinations Vance tried, these are the solutions he thinks work best for ironworker welders.
• Securis helmets (micro brim, front brim, full brim) with the Securis adapters.
• Studson SHK-1 helmets (no brim) with Securis adapters.
• Studson SHK-1 helmets (no brim) with Honeywell Speedy Loops.
• Studson SHK-1 helmets (no brim) with Miller Halo adapters 222003.
• Milwaukee helmets (no brim) with Honeywell Speedy Loops.
• Milwaukee helmets (no brim) with the Miller 259637 slotted adapters.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. When mixing brands of safety equipment it is the safety professionals’ responsibility to ensure the safety and compatibility of all mixed components on their job sites. This can void warranties and safety certifications. By using equipment from different brands, you assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries, or damages that may occur. Neither Columbia Safety or manufacturers are liable.
Perry & Perry Builders chose to stick with different helmet colors to distinguish the different roles—ironworker, foreman, leadman—which jives with their existing culture and processes.
project-by-project requirements is now a company-wide shift to Type IIs for Perry & Perry Builders, with the full support of Lin Perry, General Manager.
“Change is inevitable, so why fight it? We take these situations as opportunities to improve safety culture and overall employee wellbeing. Creative thinking on how to overcome the obstacles that come along with change is what sets people apart,” said Perry.
The path Perry & Perry Builders took illustrates the importance of partnering with a safety supplier that is proactive. “Beyond helmets, anytime I need to buy safety equipment or PPE, Brian asks about the application to help me find the right product,” said Ortega. “Good customer service and competitive pricing is essential,” he said.
While the industry still faces gaps in product design—particularly for welders— their example shows that with persistence, collaboration, and worker input, solutions are within reach. For companies like Perry & Perry, the switch is no longer just about compliance—it’s about building a safer, stronger culture for the workforce. •
COVER STORY By Mike Larson
Ironing Out the Details
Project of the Year winners succeed on single-access sites
Acontractor’s ability to create an effective, detailed plan that solves the unique challenges of a tight, single-access job site can be the key to success on a complex project.
Two of the five Project of the Year award recipients did exactly that.
GMF Steel Group and Alliance Riggers & Contractors each overcame the challenges of working on an active, single-access site. One site sat along a river in Florida and the other was located on the campus of an in-session high school in New Mexico. Detailed sequencing and planning were key to success for both jobs.
The winner in Structural Class III ($1.0 million to $2.5 million) was the expansion of the Tampa Convention Center in Florida. It featured GMF Steel Group, which acted as both erector and fabricator. The project site was fenced on three sides, and the fourth side, where the addition was being built, sat right at the river’s edge, accessible only from the water.
The Project of the Year Award winner in Structural Class IV (Over $2.5 million) was construction of the Carlsbad Performing Arts Center in New Mexico. Alliance Riggers & Constructors planned and performed an intricate mix of tilting up concrete wall panels while also installing structural steel. As an extra challenge, the work was done while school was in session.
“These two projects are excellent examples of contractors coming up with creative, wellplanned solutions to site challenges,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA. (See the Summer 2025 edition of Connector for info about the other three winning projects.)
The Project of the Year award competition is open to SEAA members. To learn how to enter the 2026 Project of the Year competition, visit seaa.net/project-of-the-year.
Mike Larson is a journalist with more than 45 years of experience writing about equipment, engineering, and construction. He is editor emeritus of Crane Hot Line magazine.
IN THIS ISSUE
Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, Fla.
Structural Class III ($1 Million to $2.5 Million)
Erector: GMF Steel Group
Fabricator: GMF Steel Group
Detailer: Ovation Services LLC
Structural Engineer: Walter P. Moore
Architect: Baker Barrios
Construction Mgr./GC: Skanska USA
Contract Value: $1.7 Million
Tons of Steel: 303
Carlsbad Performing Arts Center, Carlsbad, N.M.
Structural Class IV (Over $2.5 Million)
Erector: Alliance Riggers & Constructors
Fabricator: W&W | AFCO Steel LLC
Detailer: W&W | AFCO Steel LLC
Structural Engineer: HKN Engineers
Architect: NPSR Architects
Construction Mgr./GC: Jaynes Corporation
Contract Value: $3.7 Million
Tons of Steel: 738
The team from Alliance Riggers & Constructors on the site of the performing arts center.
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Waterfront Winner
The expansion of the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla., added 23,500 square feet of new meeting rooms and brought the building’s total flexible space to 600,000 square feet.
When GMF won the bid to fabricate and erect steel for the expansion, it faced a number of significant challenges.
First, the convention center sits along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, and the expansion added a new outer row of rooms to the second and third stories on the side that is right on the riverbank. That meant the only feasible way to do the work was from barges – something new for GMF.
Second, GMF had to finish its work in 55 days while not disrupting any of the convention center’s events.
Third, the project design called for GMF to prepare the convention center’s existing structural steel so the addition’s steel could tie in seamlessly. Part of that challenge was figuring out how to install the addition’s 32 roof beams through a concrete façade without affecting the existing roofline.
Creative Solutions
To work successfully and safely from the river, GMF contracted Beyel Brothers Crane & Rigging Inc. to provide a 220-ton capacity lattice-boom crawler crane, three large barges, tugboat services, and bargeuse advice.
“Barges were clearly the most effective solution for this job,” said GMF’s Field Operations Manager. “Other options would have disrupted convention center operations and posed unnecessary safety concerns.”
Working together, GMF and Beyel Bros. calculated that using one barge to support the crane and rotating the other two as floating laydown yards for steel would deliver the best cost and efficiency.
Each steel-carrying barge was 120 feet long, 45 feet wide, and had ample buoyant capacity to handle everything GMF needed to put on it. The barge supporting the crane was even longer.
“Based on the heights, weights, and radii of the planned lifts, GMF and Beyel Bros. chose a 220-ton capacity Manitowoc 14000 Series-2 crane with 174 feet of boom,” explained the Field Operations Manager.
The two “floating laydown yard” barges
GMF used digital technology to meticulously plan in 3D how steel would be placed for each barge load.
The Tampa Convention Center’s waterfront location dictated that GMF use barges both for crane support and as floating laydown yards.
also had more than enough capacity for the steel loads. The vital part was making sure the steel in each barge load was layered onboard in the reverse order that it would be erected. That way the crane could pick each piece in sequence without having to move any others.
In all, GMF fabricated and erected 303 tons of structural steel, including 733 main pieces, along with 37,000 square feet of steel decking for the addition.
Precise Planning
According to GMF, both 3D Lift Plan and Synchro 4D scheduling software played key roles in improving efficiency, safety, and coordination on the project. Beyel Bros. used 3D Lift Plan and GMF-supplied information to develop detailed crane positioning and lifting plans that ensured each lift was safe and efficient. GMF’s use of Synchro 4D drove and coordinated the whole project, enabling the company to schedule fabrication, barge loading, and steel erection piece by piece, with a stepby-step visual sequence that it could share with the client and communicate clearly to field crews.
As one example, GMF used the program to plan each barge load digitally in 3D to make sure every piece of steel went on in the right order and fit on the barge as expected.
This comprehensive planning helped it avoid problems and prepare responses for anything that might go wrong. “We put so much forethought into the planning that everyone knew exactly what to do if a hiccup happened,” said the Field Operations Manager.
During its preconstruction planning, GMF held coordination meetings involving the Preconstruction, Detailing, Fabrication, Construction, Safety & Quality, and Project Management departments bi-weekly, weekly, and daily.
As the actual work progressed, GMF used a digital-twin model to coordinate steel erection. A digital twin is a real-time digital representation of field conditions. It updated continuously to reflect design changes, construction progress, and other on-site developments for an accurate digital snapshot of the project. According to GMF, this allowed their team to monitor progress, identify challenges early, and make informed decisions quickly.
Excellent Execution
The first step in GMF’s erection work was reinforcing the convention center’s columns where the addition would tie into the existing building.
After another subcontractor had demolished the convention center’s outer wall, GMF connected a short sister column to either side of each existing column. The sister columns would reinforce the original columns and support the addition. They also reinforced a former interior wall that was left in place temporarily to keep the building weathertight until the addition covered it.
The most complex pieces of steel to set were 32 Z-beams that tied the addition to the existing building at the top of the third floor. Each Z-beam was originally designed as three sections to be set individually and then field welded into a single piece. Seeing an opportunity to improve both efficiency and quality, GMF got the engineer of record’s approval to fabricate and install each Z-beam as a single piece.
The shape of the Z-beams and the tight workspace increased the installation
complexity. Earlier in the project, the demolition crew cut a tight slot through the building’s concrete façade for each Z-beam to slide through. Those slots were barely wider than the beam, requiring precise alignment during installation.
Each Z-beam measured about 20 feet long at roof level, then had a 5-foot drop followed by 10 more feet of length. Its shape allowed it to fit under the existing cantilevered roof and tie back to the convention center’s structural columns.
With a Z-beam suspended from the crane, GMF ironworkers inserted the first 10 feet of the beam through the slot, and then tilted the leading end down to accommodate the 5-foot drop before tilting the beam back to level so its last 20 feet could go in. During the process, two ironworkers with taglines and one with a come along carefully controlled the beam.
Though installing the Z-beams that way took skill and precision, it saved many hours of field welding.
After a Z-beam had been installed a GMF crew attached it to the convention center’s existing frame. To minimize disruption to convention center operations, the tie-in work took place at night.
The efficiency of GMF’s meticulously planned and flawlessly executed steel erection process helped accelerate the whole project.
In addition to the time saved by installing the Z-beams as single pieces, GMF found that its smooth efficiency enabled
it to consistently hang iron faster than the plan expected. “We were able to tell that to the general contractor, who was then able to move up the schedules for the project’s other trades,” said the Field Operations Manager. As a result, GMF helped accelerate the project’s entire schedule by about one and a half months.
Experience Pays Ongoing Dividends
Lessons learned on this project continue to pay dividends for the company and its customers. This project provided valuable lessons in advanced planning and early team engagement.
By bringing field crews in for detailed training and briefings well before mobilization, everyone was prepared to hit the ground running, which minimized inefficiencies during the start of the project.
The barges, initially seen as a potential challenge, showcased the benefits of a controlled and predictable laydown area. Clear communication with the client about space requirements for unloading and staging steel proved critical.
Using the digital model, GMF tested multiple barge-loading scenarios to determine the most efficient approach, ensuring materials were staged safely, accessible for the crane, and aligned with the overall project schedule.
According to the Field Operations Manager, the lessons learned from the intensive planning “changed the way we do business.”
Setting steel at roof level.
Virtuoso Performance Virtuoso Performance
Alliance Riggers & Constructors Ltd.
welcomed a few big challenges when it won the bid to erect 738 tons of steel and 61 precast-concrete panels needed to build the new Carlsbad Performing Arts Center in Carlsbad, N.M.
Its first challenge was logistical.
To complete its part of the project, the Alliance crew of 25 would be working about 170 miles from home for about six months. Also, Alliance would have to transport about 65 truckloads of cranes, forklifts, service trucks, and other equipment from its El Paso, Texas, headquarters to the jobsite.
The second challenge was that the construction would take place on a highschool campus during the school year. That meant work had to stop when the students moved from class to class during the day, heavy lifts would be made when nearby
classrooms were empty, and steel would be hung during off hours when possible.
The third would be working on an extremely tight site to tilt up cast-on-site concrete panels that stood up to 79 feet tall, measured 8 to 22 feet wide, were 8 inches thick, and weighed up to 225,000 pounds with rigging. This was further complicated by the need to immediately install structural steel that tied each concrete panel in shortly after it was erected, particularly the tallest ones.
Alliance Riggers’ final challenge was doing it all using a single access point, since the new performing arts center sits between three other buildings, one of which is just 15 feet away.
Owned by Carlsbad Municipal Schools, the facility covers 79,000 square feet, seats 1,100 guests, and is a venue for all of the Carlsbad community’s performing arts.
Vital Planning and Communication
A major key to the project’s success was meticulous planning and frequent, clear communication between Alliance, general contractor Jaynes Corporation (which also cast the concrete panels), the project’s owner, the architect, the engineer of record, and the steel fabricator.
Alliance began by using AutoCad and 3D Lift Plan as it bid the job in 2022, more than a year before the physical work started. “You can’t even bid a job this complex without a solid plan,” said Alliance co-owner and CEO Phil Cordova.
As Alliance developed the panel- and steel-erection layouts in AutoCad and 3D Lift Plan, the information could be transferred into Jaynes’ building information management (BIM) system so everyone on the project team stayed on the same page.
During both planning and execution,
Beneath the roof steel and decking, Alliance ironworkers tie-in catwalks.
EMPLOYEE
Alliance used 3D Lift Plan to run though each significant crane lift, including the wall panels, structural steel in the stage area, roof trusses, and grand stair. It used AutoCAD to do all of the panel layouts and placements, including the crane path, and cut sections to show crane clearances.
Cordova said that in addition to the planning, continual clear communication and cooperative relationships between all entities was key to the project’s success. “This cooperation enabled everyone to make the adjustments that are typically needed as a job progresses, whether it was the GC, the engineer of record, or the steel fabricator, everyone worked together smoothly.”
Anthony Ortiz, Alliance Operations Manager, gave one example of how the erector’s strong relationship with steel fabricator W&W | AFCO Steel benefited the job.
“From contract receipt to completion, the team at W&W was always accessible and ready for any change,” said Ortiz. “For example, on short notice we decided to oversize the embeds on the concrete wall panels as redundancy. W&W made the changes just a week before placement.”
In addition, smooth coordination between W&W and Alliance was vital to proper sequencing throughout steel erection. Said Ortiz, “There was no spare space on the jobsite, so we used part of the student parking lot as our laydown area. It was about a quarter mile from the erection site, and students were using it. So W&W could only deliver a load of steel when no students were in the lot, and each load could include only the pieces we would erect in the next few days.”
Using In-House Fleet
Alliance brought a full cast of its own equipment from its El Paso headquarters to the Carlsbad project site.
The big star of the show was an 825-ton capacity Liebherr LR 1750 lattice-boom crawler crane with 253 feet of boom. Its reach and capacity were needed to upright the tallest and heaviest precast concrete panels, to set roof trusses and heavier pieces of structural steel, and to pick and place other cranes and equipment on the site.
Other lifting equipment in the cast included a 110-ton capacity Liebherr LTR 1100 teleboom crawler crane, a 60-ton Grove teleboom crawler crane, a 13,200-pound capacity Magni RTH 6.35 rotating telehandler, and a 26,500-pound capacity Merlo P120.10 fixed-body telehandler.
Alliance also had its Tadano AC 250 all-terrain crane on site long enough to assemble the LTR 1750 crawler crane.
The LTR 1100 primarily set structural steel; the Grove crane set miscellaneous steel including stairs and exterior loose-steel work; the Merlo P120.10 fixed-body telehandler shook out steel at the laydown yard, carried it a quarter mile to the building site, and hung low-level steel, and the Magni RTH 6.35 rotating telehandler set lighter steel and also handled four long temporary braces that supported each precast concrete panel until it was secured in place by structural steel.
Placing Panels and Steel
As each tall panel around the stage was set into place, Alliance connected four temporary braces to hold the panel upright until it was locked permanently into place by structural steel. Each of those extra-long braces connected to the panel at a height of more than 40 feet and weighed 1,000 to 1,600 pounds, far too much to manhandle. So, Alliance lifted each brace into position using the Magni RTH 6.35 rotating telehandler equipped with a winch.
As the LR 1750 placed the building’s concrete wall panels in a carefully planned sequence, the Magni rotating telehandler and the 110-ton capacity LTR 1100 teleboom crawler crane set perimeter structural steel and columns to lock them in place. To ensure safety, Alliance closely coordinated the movement of each piece of equipment, every brace, and each piece of panel reinforcing steel. That included monitoring weather and wind speeds.
When panel placement and perimeter steel erection had been completed on all but the closeout panels, the LR 1750 traveled out of the building and set up on a crane path, from which it reached over the building to set three trusses, each 120 feet long and weighing 35,513 pounds with rigging.
Each truss arrived on site as three pieces, which Alliance spliced together on the ground before the LR 1750 set it in final position.
The truss sections were first bolted together before their top and bottom chords were welded to those of the mating section with full-penetration welds. The splices were made on extremely cold days, so Alliance’s welders preheated all the connections, and each weld was verified by an on-site inspector.
When the trusses were in place, the LTR 1100, the Magni RTH 6.35, the Merlo P120.10, and the 60-ton Grove crane erected the rest of the structural steel, roof decking, four catwalks, and a grand stair. In all, they set 588 tons of structural steel, 85 tons of miscellaneous steel, 50 tons of decking, and about 15 tons of joists. •
The Magni telehandler was used to hang miscellaneous steel.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS, INSPIRING FUTURES
2026 MEMBER AWARDS PROGRAMS
MEMBERS ONLY! Get recognized as an industry leader. Boost your company’s credibility and celebrate your team’s success. Winners are honored at SEAA’s Annual Convention, featured in Connector magazine, and receive industry-wide publicity.
NEW! CATEGORY FOR REBAR PROJECTS
NEW! CATEGORY FOR FABRICATOR SAFETY
PROJECT OF THE YEAR
SUBMIT BY DECEMBER 15, 2025
u Structural Steel
u Miscellaneous Metals
u Reinforcing Steel
EXCELLENCE IN SAFETY & CRAFT TRAINING
SUBMIT BY JANUARY 31, 2026
u Erector Craft Training
u Erector Safety
u Fabricator Safety
By Macie Murie
Tap Into the Power of Membership
Joining is easy. Staying involved is where the value is
The Steel Erectors Association of America was made for people who build, and not just steel structures, but businesses, careers, and communities. From the jobsite to the boardroom, SEAA is here to equip crews, managers, and business owners across the country with the training, resources, and relationships to create lasting impact on the steel industry.
Back Office Benefits
Behind every successful project is a business that runs smoothly. SEAA helps members strengthen their operations, from HR and payroll to insurance and travel, so you can spend less time on admin and more time building what matters.
■ Engine Travel & Group Services
• Exclusive access to deeply discounted hotel, air, and rental car rates for jobsite or conference travel
■ BBSI Workers' Comp Insurance Program
• 10% discount on premiums
• Up to 5% rebate based on injury performance
• Reimbursement for AISC certification
• Dedicated team for HR, payroll, risk management, and business strategy
■ More Member-to-Member Discounts:
• Atema – 10% off quality and AISC consulting
• Core Matters – 10% off the Core Fit Hiring System
• Deltek – Software solutions for contractors
• Siteline- Construction billing platform
What sets SEAA apart is the depth of connection you find once you get involved. The true value of membership doesn’t come pre-packaged. It grows through meaningful engagement, shared insight, and a collective drive to move the industry forward.
Safety & Training Resources
Through 18 Accredited Training Units, 2 Authorized Assessment Sites, and over 90 original Ironworker Training Videos (soon to be available in Spanish), SEAA supports companies that are developing the next generation of skilled workers.
■ Spanish-language training videos will be coming to NCCER Craft Training & Assessments for Structural and Reinforcing Ironworkers
• Includes SEAA’s DOL-approved Structural and Reinforcing Ironworker Apprenticeship Programs
• Admin and implementation support provided
■ SteelPros Training Portal + LMS
• 90+ video modules aligned with NCCER curriculum
• One free user license per member
• Add more licenses for $35/year
■ Fabricator Training Program
• Developed in partnership with Cooper Steel
• Curriculum includes shop skills, tools, layout, and rigging
■ More Member-to-Member Discounts:
• Columbia Safety & Supply – Safety gear and equipment
• General Equipment & Supply – Tool rentals and sales
• Safety Plus – Safety program consulting
Macie Murie is the Associate Editor of Connector magazine.
NEW!
NEW!
It’s in the conversations, the follow-ups, and the shared challenges where the real value comes to life. And it’s working. Since July 2021, SEAA has grown its membership by more than 65%, while maintaining a 90% retention rate. A clear signal that members aren’t just joining, they’re sticking around.
Strategic Jobsite Solutions
This is where operations get sharper. SEAA provides members with tangible support to improve jobsite logistics, meet certification requirements, and access trusted partners. These aren’t just perks; they’re practical solutions to everyday challenges in the field.
■ Modern Erector Certification (Coming Soon)
• A new program in development to recognize industry best practices
■ AISC Support for Erector Members
• 50% off an AISC Erector Membership
• Reimbursement support available via BBSI
■ More Member-to-Member Discounts:
• Duramax – Mobile welding and rigging gear
• Full Sail Logistics – 10% off shipping and freight
• ORBIT Industrial – Equipment maintenance and service
• Raken – Field productivity software
• Sunbelt Rentals – Equipment rentals
• Tampa Construction – Jobsite solutions
• Versatile – Jobsite performance and productivity data
So, if you’re wondering how to get the most out of your membership, or if you’re new to SEAA and ready to hit the ground running, consider this your guide. To help you through the process, or to talk through what’s possible, contact SEAA’s Director of Membership and Business Development, William Hutabarat at william@seaa.net. •
Networking & Recognition
If SEAA has a secret weapon, it’s this. SEAA Members don’t just show up, they step up for each other. The SteelStrong Community is built on trust, and that trust translates into answers to your questions, ideas you hadn’t considered, and connections you can count on. Whether you’re exchanging ideas in a Peer Group, submitting for Project of the Year, speaking on a panel, or sharing your company’s expertise in Connector, these opportunities don’t just build your brand, they affirm your team’s commitment to excellence and give others a reason to take notice.
■ Safety Awards for Fabricators
+ New Rebar Project of the Year Category
• Steel Connections Peer Groups
• Small group conversations focused on business challenges
■ SEAA Convention & Trade Show
• Held annually and includes networking, education, and product showcases
■ Quarterly Board Meetings
• Steel Connections Peer Groups and Meet & Greet Receptions are held in conjunction with quarterly board meetings across the country
How to Deal with the Realities of Umbrella Insurance for Subcontractor
The steel erection industry is no stranger to risk. Yet, in recent years, risk management in the form of umbrella insurance has taken on an entirely new level of financial strain for subcontractors. The cost to secure high-limit coverage is climbing sharply, and the market forces driving this increase show no signs of abating.
For steel erectors, understanding the drivers of these increases, recognizing the difference in how companies of different sizes approach coverage, and taking strategic steps to mitigate costs are essential to staying competitive in an increasingly demanding contracting environment.
The Rising Cost & Why It’s Here to Stay
An umbrella (or excess) policy sits over multiple lines of insurance, most commonly, general liability, auto liability, and employers’ liability. It adds an extra layer of protection above the primary policy limits. Historically, most primary commercial liability policies carried a $1 million per-occurrence limit. Umbrella carriers priced the next million and beyond at a steep discount, on the assumption that they were insuring catastrophic, low-frequency events.
That pricing model is rapidly eroding. Over the last five years, the “working layer” for claims in many high-hazard trades has shifted from $1 million to $2 million, and there are three factors fueling this shift.
• Inflation in Claims Costs – The cost to repair damaged property, replace equipment, and provide medical care has risen dramatically. A loss that once settled for under a million can now easily exceed that figure simply due to higher material and labor costs.
• Litigation Funding – Personal injury attorneys increasingly secure venture capital funding to prolong litigation, giving them the resources to push cases deeper and further. This increases the likelihood of settlements at higher values.
• Fear of “Nuclear Verdicts” – Juries awarding multi-million-dollar sums have made carriers wary of taking cases to trial. Settlements are higher and more frequent, even for mid-range claims.
Jason McElrath is President of MP Specialty Insurance, which serves the heavy lift and heavy transport industries in all 50 states. He has served on SEAA’s board of directors since 2022. He currently serves as Chairman of the Finance and Membership committees.
As a result, excess and umbrella carriers are no longer pricing the second million of coverage as “cheap add-on protection.” Because they’re being pulled into everyday claims activity, rates are increasing by 30, 40, even 50 percent in a single year. In addition, each layer of a liability “tower” is priced relative to the layer below, so cost increases compound as limits rise.
The pressure to buy higher limits isn’t going away. This isn’t a blip in the market, it’s the new reality.
Different Approaches to Coverage
Company size plays a significant role in how umbrella coverage decisions are made. For smaller erectors, typically those with annual revenues under $5 million, coverage limits are often dictated by contractual requirements. If a general contractor (GC) requires $5 million in liability coverage for a project, a smaller erector might purchase the additional coverage only for that specific job.
This “buy-as-needed” approach keeps immediate costs down, but it can create financial inefficiencies. Here’s how.
• Purchasing mid-term, outside the annual renewal period, costs more.
• Minimum premiums for umbrella policies make short-term purchases disproportionately expensive.
• Lack of pre-planning can limit bidding opportunities.
Larger erectors, with revenues exceeding $5 million, view umbrella coverage differently. Their decisions are often based on asset protection, not just contractual compliance. With more capital and equipment at risk, they maintain higher limits year-round, regardless of contracts. For smaller companies in growth mode, this creates a challenge. Without higher limits in place, they may have to pass on lucrative work. The opportunity cost of not having the umbrella is real. If you walk away from jobs because you can’t meet the insurance requirement, you’re limiting your growth potential.
The most extreme insurance demands come from GCs reacting to large-scale losses. For example, after a major incident, a GC might require $25 million in coverage from every subcontractor on a project, regardless of trade. While this may ease over time, they reflect a broader trend: GCs passing risk downstream to subcontractors.
This places subcontractors in high-hazard trades under intensified pressure to increase liability limits
Practical Strategies to Manage Costs
While there’s no magic fix for the rising cost of umbrella insurance, there are strategies steel erection contractors can use to lessen the financial impact.
1. Plan at Renewal, Not Mid-Term
The annual policy renewal period is the most cost-effective time to make coverage changes. By anticipating the coming year’s projects, contractors can secure the necessary limits in advance and spread costs across all jobs over 12 months.
2. Consolidate Coverage with One Carrier
In some cases, paying slightly more for the primary $1 million in coverage from a single carrier that can also provide multiple layers of umbrella coverage may reduce the total spend. Bundled vertical arrangements can be more cost-effective than layering policies from multiple carriers.
3. Seek Carriers Offering $2 Million Primary Limits
A small but growing number of carriers now offer $2 million per-occurrence limits on general liability and auto liability policies. Purchasing a higher primary limit can reduce the need to buy the “gap” layer from $1 million to $2 million. While less than 10% of carriers currently offer this, it is likely to become more common.
4. Calculate the True Cost
Sticker shock often comes from looking at the umbrella premium in isolation. Instead, calculate the premium as a percentage of total revenue. A $25,000 premium on $5 million in revenue is just 0.5%. Adjusting bid prices by 1–2% may be enough to fully offset the additional cost without hurting competitiveness.
5. Evaluate Lost Opportunity Costs
Contractors should ask themselves a few key questions. What projects are we declining due to insufficient coverage? And What additional revenue could we earn if we maintained higher limits year-round?
With a big-picture mindset when evaluating the numbers turns the decision from a “cost problem” into a return-on-investment calculation.
6. Engage in Year-Round Broker Conversations
A good broker will understand both the market and the contractor’s business strategy. Regular check-ins (not just at renewal) can uncover new carrier options, identify coverage gaps, and prepare for future bid requirements.
Shifting the Mindset
The biggest shift contractors must make is recognizing that rising umbrella insurance costs are here to stay. Tort reform could help curb extreme verdicts, but inflation in medical and property repair costs, and the broader acceptance of multi-million-dollar settlements, will keep upward pressure on premiums.
The takeaway is clear: adapt early, plan strategically, and incorporate insurance realities into business growth plans. The cost of coverage should no longer be a reactive purchase. Making it a proactive business decision positively impacts competitiveness and profitability. •
Umbrella vs. Excess What’s the Difference?
Umbrella coverage is multi-line protection, providing a wider net. Excess coverage is single-line increase, vertical build. Both are tools to meet contractual requirements or protect assets, but they function differently in scope and flexibility.
Umbrella Coverage is a liability policy that sits over two or more lines of coverage, such as general liability (GL), auto liability, and employers’ liability. The purpose of it is to provide broad, higher-limit protection across multiple types of liability. “Umbrella” refers to the fact that it spans across more than one line of coverage.
Example: A contractor carries $1 million per occurrence on both GL and auto policies. The umbrella attaches above that $1 million, providing, for example, an additional $4 million in coverage across both lines.
Excess Coverage is a liability policy that sits over one specific line of coverage, such as GL only or auto only. It’s used to “stack” higher limits vertically for that one coverage type. “Excess” is more targeted; it does not automatically provide cross-coverage for other liability policies.
Example: A contractor’s GL policy has a $1 million limit, but a project requires $3 million. An excess policy is purchased to add $2 million more, covering only GL, not auto or other lines.
TOPPING OUT
“It’s so much easier to accept help from someone that you already know and trust, so I think if the leaders of small companies can find it within themselves to be vulnerable, they can build a sense of community. That sets them up to really change the whole culture of the company when it comes to both mental health and safety.”
– Jessica Bunting,
director of the Research to Practice initiative at The Center for Construction Research and Training
The Cost of Payment Delays
Siteline's new State of Subcontractor Billing in 2025 report underscores a hard truth: no matter how you spin it, payment delays are costly. This is the time value of money in action—the idea that a dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow because it can be put to work immediately. Research shows that invoices that are 90 days past due are only worth about 70 cents on the dollar.
Imagine two identical $100,000 projects with 15% margins. Project A pays in 30 days, while Project B pays in 90. On paper, both generate $15,000 in profit. In reality, the 60-day lag on Project B forces the contractor to cover payroll, materials, and new jobs. Financing that gap at an 8% annual interest rate costs roughly $1,300, nearly 9% of the project’s profit.
Meet New Members
Check out the Member Directory at SEAA.net
AF Steel Fab, Polk City, Florida, founded in 1984, the company offers a complete structural and miscellaneous steel fabrication and erection package to all our clients, from conception to completion.
Referred by: Michael Mulsow, FM Steel
Dixie Southern Industrial, Inc., Polk City, Florida, delivers expert steel fabrication and erection services since 1989, serving commercial, education, healthcare, and warehouse sectors with craftsmanship, precision, and integrity.
Referred by: Geoff Kress, Gardner-Watson
Kern Erectors, Inc., Bakersfield, California, provides construction services defined by quality craftsmanship, safety-first processes, punctual project delivery, and is committed to exceeding client expectations on every job.
Referred by: Lee Shaw, BZI Steel
Smithbridge Guam Inc., Yigo, Guam, is a multi-discipline contractor with civil, structural and mechanical construction, crane and heavy equipment rental, aggregates, ready mix concrete and pre-cast concrete solutions.
Southern Steel Engineers, Lexington, South Carolina, structural engineering firm specializing in steel design for fabricators, erectors, and detailers.
The Haskell Company, Jacksonville, Florida, delivers design, engineering, construction, and consulting solutions, leveraging global reach, technical excellence, and sustainability to execute complex projects.
Referred by: Tim Eldridge, Education Services Unlimited, and Rick Brown, Southwest Steel Erectors
Woodworks, Oak Ridge, North Carolina, is a non-profit consultant group providing education and technical support on mass timber and light frame systems to the AEC+D industry for new construction projects
Winter Edition: December 2025
Ad Deadline: December 3 Chris.Harrison@seaa.net 660-287-7660
High-performance floor joist systems with flush-frame connections.
Way better, weigh less.
Simple to specify and design, steel floor joists with flush-frame connections provide performance equal to wide-flange beams—using up to 35% less steel. Lower material and installation costs while gaining impressive advantages.
New construction architecture requires special consideration for the inevitability of future upgrades. That’s why modern construction projects need hanging solutions that are built for speed, versatility, and adaptability to ensure quick and seamless renovations.
To help meet that challenge, Vulcraft-Verco has developed the PinTail™ Anchor, an innovative hanging solution that works exclusively with our Next Generation Dovetail Floor Deck, and are specifically designed to futureproof today’s construction projects for tomorrow’s renovations.
