Navajo crew finishes frame By LENORE RUTHERFORD, Union Democrat, CA
About 80 Navajo ironworkers are among the 180 employees of Top Flite Construction of Tempe, Ariz., and they travel all over the Southwest erecting the iron framework for large buildings.
Their work includes all kinds of projects, but the company has been in demand to work on a lot of Native American casinos lately, said Project Manager Bobby Smith.
Smith said ironworkers have the fifth most dangerous job in the United States, so special care is taken to prevent accidents.
Workers are constantly being trained in safety procedures. They have at least two ropes attached to them at all times. And Smith and Foreman Victor Gomez watch closely to be sure workers are using safety precautions all the time.
"We have been on this job since December," said Smith, "and we haven't even needed a Band-Aid."