AEM recently hosted more than 40 officials from the OSHA Region 5 office for a demonstration of equipment focused on above-ground worker safety.
The event was held at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 Apprenticeship and Skills Improvement Program in Willmington, Illinois.
AEM member companies Elliott Equipment, Liebherr, Link-Belt,Manitou, and Tadano, along with industry partners International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and United Rental, were on-site to highlight the safety features engineered into cranes, telehandlers, and mobile-elevating work platforms, as well as the scope of current industry standards.
“Safety is a priority, and it’s everyone’s responsibility,” said AEM senior director of construction Sara Feuling. “It’s critically important for our industry to highlight all the ways it supports the safe operation of equipment. Because safety is more than do’s and don’ts. It’s a value we all live by, and events like our AEM-OSHA Above-Ground Worker Safety Demonstration Day underscore that fact.” '
These construction safety demonstration days are a priority for an alliance program between AEM and OSHA. Established a year ago, the alliance seeks tofurther foster safety and health practices, as well as programs to improve American workplaces and job sites.
“We think it’s really important we work hand in hand with OSHA,” said Elliot Equipment President CEO Jim Glazer. “Not just in our factory, but with the equipment onsite. The equipment our industry makes is dangerous if used improperly. The more OSHA can understand and familiarize itself with what these machines are and engage with us manufacturers to ask questions we think that’s good for the industry, as well as our users and customers.”
Source: AEM
