28 March, 2012A group of experts from the United Steelworkers who serve on the ArcelorMittal Joint Global Health Safety Committee (JGHSC) revisited the company's Vinton Steel Works in Texas on February 27 and 28. During an earlier visit in August, 2011 a number of improvements were identified. Checking up on progress, the experts found that although progress has been made efforts need to continue.
USA: Having a corporate goal is all well and good, but turning that into a reality on the ground is the challenge facing management and unions at ArcelorMittal's Vinton Steel Works in El Paso, Texas. Building the relationship between both partners sounds easy but when it comes to the reality it can be a tough challenge.
During the visit on February 27 and 28 the experts found that the main area of focus needs to be on building the relationship between the union and management on safety issues. Despite improvements in this area a consistent and credible joint approach still needed work and further commitment. In particular a priority must be improving the effectiveness of the local joint health and safety committee as set out in the JGHS Agreement. The JGHS Agreement sets out the minimum requirements for all of ArcelorMittal operations but the best practice examples in the company are beyond them. This only happens when both parties full embrace the idea which didn't seem the case for some participants.
In the plant there was a visible improvement in conditions and 18 of the actions out of 30 identified during the last visit had already been carried out. These included improved elevated working platforms, steps being repaired and in good condition, construction of a wellness/facility and introduction of Spanish safety signs. The areas that need further attention included: the developed of an inspection program of burning hoses, gauges and torches, improvement of the eyewash stations in some areas, and a focus on the number of sub contractors used, which represents nearly a quarter of the workforce.
Al Long from USW Local 6787 and one of the experts commented, "We can see that a lot of work has taken place since our visit and we welcome that. The issue of developing a better functioning Joint Safety Committee is frustrating because the potential is here. We just need more buy-in."
The Vinton plant operates a mini mill and has two electric arc furnaces and is the largest steel maker in West Texas and New Mexico. Since the first visit carried out by a small group of experts from the JGHSC in 2011 regular contact has been maintained with the plant to ensure progress. Another visit will take place to continue to monitor and report on the situation.