[TowerTalk] NATE Criticizes NBC Program on Tower Safety (7/22/08)

[Eric Rosenberg]

Thought this might be of interest to all of you...
 
Eric W3DQ
Washington, DC 
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NATE Criticizes NBC Program on Tower Safety (7/22/08)
 
Following a July 21 episode of NBC's "Dateline" that covered the risky
job of tower workers, National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE)
officials said the program didn't present an accurate view of the
professionalism and work habits of most tower crews. However, NATE
officials said they hopes the program "will draw attention to the men
and women who face difficult job conditions each day to make cellular,
broadcast and radio communications possible."
 
NATE officials said the "Dateline" piece inadvertently highlighted
some of the most critical issues that must be addressed by the tower
industry, including:
 
* The impact that unrealistic timelines and budgets have on safety;
 
* The importance of hiring qualified contractors with the proper
equipment and skills to safely accomplish the task at hand; and
 
* The need for adequate training of all members of a crew.
 
Although Kevin Hayden, board member and founding member of NATE, was
interviewed as part of the special, the story edited out many of his
comments stressing the importance of creating a dedication to safety
and the efforts that this industry is taking to improve, NATE
officials said.
 
"We believe that the only way the industry can conquer its challenges
is by creating a continuous dedication to safety," a NATE statement
said. "The dangers of this industry are not going to vanish, but must
be addressed by an ongoing concentrated effort by everyone involved." 
 
http://www.missioncriticalmag.com/newsArticle.cfm?news_id=3205