AISTech 2011 Meeting Focuses on Steel Industry Safety

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--As the last full day of the AISTech 2011 steel industry conference and exposition opened yesterday, the question on most minds was how the experts would address the chosen topic for this year's Town Hall Forum: "Moving Past the Recession...on the Road to Sustainability."

Jon Delano, political analyst and adjunct professor at Carnegie Mellon University acted as moderator for the second year in a row. Panelists included George Babcoke, senior vice president for European & Global Operations Services at U.S. Steel (NYSE:X); Keith Busse, chairman and CEO of Steel Dynamics Incorporated (NASDAQ:STLD); James R. Darsey, executive vice president for bar products at Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE); Theodore Lyon, the managing director for Hatch Associates Consultants (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania); Louis L. Schorsch, president and CEO of Flat Carbon Americas and executive vice president for ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT).

Safety in the steel sector was one of the main topics of discussion.

In 2008, the industry saw 37 fatalities. This dropped to 17 in 2009. In 2010, the number of fatalities climbed to 23, of which 13 were related to off-site visitors. Fatalities number 10 so far this year. So ran the preamble to the first round of discussion.

Keith Busse says the industry must work harder to prevent injuries on the job. A large percentage of the injuries can be attributed to falls and the misuse of heavy equipment. Steel Dynamics will continue to implement better safety standards. Louis Schorsch stated ArcelorMittal has the "Journey to Zero" (as in zero injuries) program in place.

George Babcoke of U.S. Steel said that the European culture has healthier habits as a whole: "They walk more; they don't have fast food restaurants on every corner," he said. Babcoke feels that these habits have a direct impact on safety in the workplace. "A healthier lifestyle can lead to a healthier work environment," he said. Adapting some of these healthier lifestyles could help improve overall safety.

Theodore Lyon of Hatch Associates expects more contractors and subcontractors to meet the demand to demonstrate their safety on the job. The entire panel stated that they have seen contractors removed for safety violations.

James R. Darsey of Nucor spoke about the role of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), saying that "Regulations can be both a help and a hindrance." Once OHSA comes in for one stated reason, (i.e. excessive noise), its scope and reasoning for being there can change, which is not seen as a good thing for the industry.

One of the main points that the entire panel concurred on is that all individuals must take responsibility for their own actions. In the workplace, safety must start at the top and be practiced at all levels, from the top down.

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