New NATE Program Takes Tower Safety to New Heights

WATERTOWN, S.D., Feb. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) today launched its NATE STAR Initiative, a program designed to improve tower safety practices while recognizing industry leaders in safety and professionalism.

More than 80 NATE members applied for inclusion in the inaugural year of the program.  These NATE STAR Initiative participants will reinforce their commitment to a culture of safety for the tower industry by focusing on Safety, Training, Accountability and Reliability through requisite levels of training, site safety audits and safety programs while adhering to industry best practices.  Members will be provided with detailed information about the program at the 16th annual NATE conference and exposition in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and will be encouraged to apply in June 2011.  

"NATE STAR Initiative members pledge to always put safety first," said Jim Coleman, Chairman of the NATE Board of Directors. "Safety should never be confused with priorities.  Priorities change based on deadlines and budgets.  Work must be conducted safely regardless of any other circumstances.  The STAR Initiative provides NATE members with one more method to demonstrate they have taken safety to a new level.  These companies follow strict guidelines for safety and over the years, NATE has found that companies who spend the time and money to operate safely are detail oriented which leads to quality workmanship and reliability."

The NATE STAR Initiative was developed for tower erection, service and maintenance companies as well as their customers -- carriers, broadcasters and tower owner/operators.  NATE believes the investment by a company in safety programs such as STAR demonstrates a commitment to excellence in both safety and quality work. If a company bypasses safety to improve their bottom line, it begs the question; "what else are they overlooking while working on your network or tower site?"

The NATE STAR Initiative is designed to help companies operate safely while recognizing tower erectors who adhere to best practices.  Participating members must complete specified levels of training, have implemented a safety and health program, require the presence of a competent person on a work site at all times and conduct site safety audits. STAR members must also adhere to the applicable requirements found in the NATE Telecommunications and Broadcast Tower Inspection Checklist and provide tower climber training that meets or exceeds the NATE Tower Climber Fall Protection Training Standard (NATE CTS).

"The health and safety of our crews is important to me on a personal and professional basis. The integrity of that relationship is central to both the success of our company and the performance of the technology we install," said Jim Tracy, President of Legacy Telecommunications, Inc.  "The STAR Initiative will emphasize the practices necessary to highlight our professionalism while helping to send our crews home safely at the end of every job."

For more information about the NATE STAR Initiative or other tower-safety resources, please visit www.natehome.com.

About The National Association of Tower Erectors

The National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) is a non-profit trade association providing a unified voice for the tower erection, service and maintenance industry. NATE is headquartered in Watertown, South Dakota with a dedicated staff of professional administrators. As a member driven association, NATE is led by its Board of Directors and committees. Today the Association boasts over 550 member companies located throughout the United States, Bahamas, Canada, Jamaica, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sweden and Trinidad and continues to grow.

SOURCE National Association of Tower Erectors