Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association

As the economy continues to heat up and businesses continue to grow, an unwanted risk emerges in lockstep with the growing economy—an increase in safety-related incidents.

The Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT) acknowledged the workers, all Local 80 members, for keeping Kevin Koslowski alive until help came. Koslowski had suffered a massive heart attack on the shop floor.

Safety violations in photos and videos distract from the contractor’s message. As leaders in the industry, SMACNA members need to ensure that their personnel in company promotional videos and photos are not unintentionally propagating safety hazards.

SMACNA and SMART are partnering to help local parties effectively respond to Davis-Bacon Surveys that are being conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

How many “near misses” do workers encounter on the job? According to the National Safety Council (NSC) a near miss incident is defined as “an unplanned event that doesn’t result in injury or death, but could have.”

The annual Safety Champions Conference is a continuing effort to help create an improved safety culture in the sheet metal industry.

This year, SMACNA won several legislative victories that were significant for industry contractors such as tax incentive measures and combined heat and power initiatives—but more top-priority legislation remains unfinished for the rest of the summer and the upcoming lame duck session.

Dave Skelly, director of sales for JM’s Performance Materials and Industrial Insulation Group (IIG), leads the field sales and account management organization responsible for mechanical, HVAC and industrial insulation products in North America.

Members can roll up their sleeves, hold out their arms, and learn more about their health at SMOHIT’s free Health Fair and Wellness Screening during SMACNA’s 75th Annual Convention, Sunday, Oct. 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sheet metal and HVAC contractors have a number of strategies and tools at their disposal to assist employees who are at risk of suicide and struggling with mental health issues.

The Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT) is committed to minimizing injuries on the job with safety programs like “Safe Me” that drive awareness of exercise, physical fitness, and how to manage stress and minimize fatigue, with the ultimate goal of maximizing health, minimizing injury, and being safer.

U.S. Congressional candidate Young Kim recently toured the shop of SMACNA member Applied Air Conditioning, Fullerton, California, and learned how the facility functions, about the industry, and met with company’s workforce.

Members will learn how safety professionals identify “at-risk” behaviors, reduce injuries, and refine their safety programs into company-wide safety cultures during Elevating Your Safety Program to a Safety Culture, Wednesday, Oct. 17, at SMACNA’s Annual Convention in San Diego.

SMACNA’s Women in Construction Leadership Council held their first summit this June in Boston, Massachusetts.

“I believe these tours are invaluable as it helps educators better understand and describe what the sheet metal industry is about,” said Bernie Brill of SMACNA Mid-Atlantic. “The attendees had little first-hand experience about our industry and this opportunity gave them an insight and a better appreciation for the work our contractors perform. It also tied together education, training, and the other characteristics needed for one to succeed in this business.”