The National Association of Construction Boilermaker Employers is 49 years old, but it continues to evolve by identifying and solving safety concerns. NACBE Executive Director Ron Traxler detailed programs offered by the organization, which was began as the result of tripartite discussions to address issues.

“We’re like a three-legged stool,” Traxler began. “NACBE remains committed to our partnership. We do have a partnership with the IBB. We are stronger together. We all know that there have been some changes, but that’s what we do, we maximize on our strengths. We are stronger together and we must continue to work together.”

He noted that combined, 417 years of experiences sits on the NACBE Board of Directors, and he stressed the importance of being involved in the organization and its programs.

Among the programs Traxler outlined were man-hour projections, safety and Common Arc. NACBE uses participant data to drive the programs.

Man-hour projections are done twice a year and published annually. The projections are important, he said, because the information is used for planning in the pension fund and budgeting.

Regarding safety, NACBE hosts quarterly safety meetings that feature informational speakers. Using data submitted in participants’ safety index reports (which are kept confidential), NACBE looks for safety trends that need to be addressed and common issues. It’s how the need for proper safety eyewear was identified in the 1990s and resulted in the MOST’s eyewear program.

“Safety is paramount, and we collaborate with MOST to educate and develop programs,” Traxler said. “We all need a safe work environment.”

To that end, NACBE created safety awards to incentivize and promote best practices, and project performance awards, which can be awarded to owners—as a chance to present something positive and create goodwill with an employer by recognizing appreciation for a safe jobsite.

Taking a look at the safety index reports from 2023 to the most current stats, Traxler reported that lost time injury rates were higher than they should be. He said it’s the kind of data that will drive examination into what might be lacking in training. He noted that other safety indexes, including compensable injuries and OSHA injury rates were also up.

A big piece of safety that’s ramped up over the past year is mental health.

While mental health has long been a focus for NACBE, it has taken center stage in recent months, and at the 2023 MOST NTA conference, MOST announced a new program to better address mental health and provide resources for lodge leaders and members.

“This is especially important in the construction industry,” Traxler said. “One in five construction workers will commit suicide this year. We are trying to address that, and it’s a very complex problem we all have to face.

“I can’t say it enough: This is an initiative we all need to grab ahold of. We’ve put more emphasis on it, and we will do more to address it. It’s a serious issue.”

Traxler also gave a brief overview of Common Arc, which was started in 1988 after tripartite discussions. He stressed that the program is paid for through MOST contributions; there is no additional cost to the contractors.

Finally, he discussed NACBE’s role in the joint referral rules and apprenticeship programs, stressing that NACBE is instrumental and that recruitment and building up apprentices is vital.

“We need more apprentices. There’s no question about that. We need to recruit, and we need more apprentices to man our work,” he said. “Recruiting is for all of us. I’m a recruiter. You’re a recruiter. Every one of us in this room is a recruiter.

“Make sure you talk about what Boilermakers can do and what’s out there—because it’s a pretty good doggone living. Man-hours are crucial and we need more of them.”