Worker killed in Tower Crane Accident

[CraneTaker77]

I wasn't basing on how dangerous they are, by whether or not they are union. I was saying that Clark is always on the same jobs as miller and long, and the only difference between the two is that clark is predominantly union as to were miller and long isn't. The only advantage where non-union vs. union in safety is that unions have apprenticeships. These apprenticeships especially mine force you to have all the saftey traning, and sit through the boring a*s classes. I wasn't hating on the non-union, some people just don't meet the requirements, or aren't able to pass the tests, or just don't want any dang part of it, but those people end up being some of the best operators/tradesman. Clark is wishy/washy with unions too, I know that.Clark Sub's all they're work out to non-union companies, that fact pisses me off to no relief. I wish I was with another company,but works slow and you gotta take work where you can get it. If I had my way I'd be working for Crane Service, or a pipeline company like Sheehan.

And for Miller and Long's workforce, a majority of it is hispanic workers, who can't speak english. You got non-english speaking people down on the ground directing you where to go. They've even got the decals now with "spanish crane signals".

[ironintestines]

In today's market, safety training is a necessity, if ya want your liability/workman's comp insurance to be at some what of a tolerable level, to stay in competition w/ the competition... I couldn't imagine a company the size of M&L not having mandated safety training, pre-screening.

Your right about people not meeting general requirements. Some can't even pee in a cup to pass a drug test..LOL..

I dislike the animosity between union & non-union tradesmen. I've seen this scuffle for 20 years & it has gotten old & pointless.. It's like gang affiliation.

There is no place for a communication gap when working w/ heavy equipment. I've seen the bi-lingual crane signal charts. Even though the hand gestures are the same, I'm not down w/ someone who I can't "speak" to/with. Especially if your running blind & operating on radio..

[CraneTaker77]

your exactly right about the drug testing. When I went for my drug test up in P.G. County, there was a guy there who was doing it also, he walked by me and smelled like straight up reefer. I worked at my union's apprenticeship for three months, and i got to help out with the interview/tests. I graded them too. you see some of these people come in and your just like what in the heck are you thinking, half of the people who came in didn't even know what a operator was, let alone a crane or bull dozer.

and as for the spanish, i agree 100%. i consider it a very unsafe practice when you have people on the jobsite who cant even speak any english, it's bad enough when they can but they're accent is so heavy.

I guess as for the animosity between non-union and union is always going to exist. My dad has been a union carpenter for 40 years, just retired in fact, so I guess I've just been raised in a pro-union household. The whole reason I like the union isn't for the money or perks at all. I like it because It makes me feel that I'm apart of something, a common bond. Everyone is entitled to there opinions, heck thats what this forum is all about, but whether union or not union, this country would be nothing without the tradesman who are out there everyday building and rejuvenating this country.

[clevalley]

Originally Posted by itsbob

WHEW.. at least he wasn't killed by a Pit Bull.. then he'd be REALLY dead!!

If he had an iPhone that would have reversed the accident AND stop any PB attacks.