In conjunction with NATE Unite 2015, the leadership of the Wireless Industry Safety Task Force announced the formation of the National Wireless Safety Alliance.
The purpose of the assessment certification program is to provide thorough, independent assessments of knowledge and skills to enhance tower safety, as well as reduce workplace risk, encourage training and recognize the skilled professionals who work on towers.
The task force that established the alliance consists of the five largest carriers in the United States, the three largest vertical realtors and all the prominent general contractors and OEMs, as well as the National Association of Tower Erectors and tower climbers.
NATE Executive Director Todd Schlekeway said, “What it will do is standardize the different work categories in the industry through assessment and certification and make it uniform.”
The National Wireless Safety Alliance model will be based on free-market principles. Industry companies and workers will be encouraged to continue utilizing the training pathways of their choice, only now, the NWSA will serve as the official national assessment and certification arm after industry workers receive their training.
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Greg Corbitt, construction manager for Bechtel’s communications business says, “We’re keen to see this become commonplace in the industry, which is why we’ve been helping to develop the National Wireless Skills-Based Training Standard. We look forward to continuing our involvement and bringing the NWSA assessment and certification offerings to market.”
Currently, NWSA is in the process of developing written and practical assessments for various levels of worker categories outlined in the National Wireless Skills-Based Training Standard. A board of governors representing a broad cross-section of industry stakeholders will be appointed in the near future to provide oversight for the organization.
Members of the Wireless Industry Safety Task Force have pledged to provide transparent, timely updates as key benchmarks are achieved.
Participating members of the Wireless Industry Safety Task Force include:
Alcatel-Lucent; American Tower; AT&T; Bechtel; Black & Veatch; BlueStream Professional Services; Crown Castle; Ericsson; General Dynamics; Goodman Networks; Jacobs; MasTec Network Solutions; Motorola Solutions; Members of NATE; Nexius; Nokia Networks; SAI Communications; Samsung; SBA Communications; Sprint; T-Mobile US; Velocitel; and Verizon Wireless.