The Structural Steel Erection Best Practices Manual developed by a committee of Industry, Ironworker and government representatives was published in May 2006.

Download a copy or ask for the 5x7 booklets for your work site by contacting MHSA offices.

The manual provides recommended industry guidelines for the safe erection of steel in Alberta. It is intended to be a practical and easy to read guide for all participants in the steel erection process. While not all inclusive, the manual moves from a broader view of project pre-planning; development of site specific erection plans and health and safety programs to more applied procedures for steel erection, hoisting and rigging and fall protection.

The committee was formed as a result of a court ruling by Justice D.J. Tilley dated May 5, 2004 involving Rampart Steel Limited where one member of Ironworkers Local Union #720 was killed and 2 others were injured while erecting steel. The Crown and Rampart jointly proposed to Justice Tilley that the fine levied against the employer be used to fund the work of a committee to develop and communicate industry recommended practices for the safe erection of structural steel in the construction industry - with a goal of preventing similar accidents like this in the future.

The manual is in commemoration of James Jonathon ("Smitty") Smith, who was fatally injured in the incident.

The MHSA helped facilitate committee administration and financial management and will play a key role in disseminating the manual and other information provided by the committee.