Occupational Health and Safety in the Steel Industry - Essay Example

            The article first highlights the fact that occupational health and safety is an important issue in the steel industry. Effectively, major incidents are expected to cause over 35 fatalities and cause over 2,300 people to suffer workday injuries. Implementing a new set of guidelines it will be the case that new rules as devised between the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, industry leaders and unions will save the lives of over 30 people as well as provide savings of over $40 million (Which would presumably be a result of lost work hours and payouts to injured workers). In essence, the adjustments to the current regulations will not only save lives but will also have a positive effect on the steel industry's bottom line.

            In terms of the construction safety aspects of the OS&H topic, it is the case that this safety standard is the first of its kind developed under the negotiated rule-making act of 1990. As such it was developed by all agents affected by the standard. In this sense, the article highlighted that some key hazards are associated with workplace injuries and fatalities which are hoisting, landing, and placing decking; column stability; double connections; landing and placing steel joints; and falls to lower levels. One specific example which is connected to decking fatalities is that people working as deckers that operate at a height between 15 and 30 feet must wear fall protection equipment and all agents involved in steel erection activities above 15 feet must also wear this fall prevention equipment.

            In regards to an analysis of the key points of the article, it could be argued that the article format is fairly basic. First, the article identifies that there is new legislation that will be imposed that will save lives as well as increase savings for steel companies. Secondly, the article highlights the importance for all agents to work together to develop new life-saving legislation. After this point, it has been highlighted which aspects of steel erection will be affected by the legislation as well as those that are effectively untouched by the changes. Moreover, the article highlighted the timelines for the negotiation process followed by a point that highlights exactly when the rule will come into power ( July 17, 2001).  As a final point, some key points of the legislation were included along with some specific examples of proposed changes such as collapse hazards associated with making double connections at columns.

In terms of conclusions and my own opinions, this article firmly reinforced that there are significant costs associated with poor workplace safety. These costs are not simply financial insofar as there is the potential for the loss of human life. By working together with all necessary agents legislation was developed that will save lives and save money. In essence, all people will benefit from these changes. It is my opinion that any sort of safety legislation that saves lives is definitely worth investing in. If it is the case that these changes will save money as well, this would be an added benefit. In terms of specific changes, it is my belief that if they meet the approval of all involved parties then it is probably in the best interest of all parties.