Steel generations XVI – Building bridges and a safer future

“My name is Ed Breach and I work for ArcelorMittal USA, in our Steelton facility. I am continuing a long family tradition in the steel industry. In fact, I was told by my mother and grandmother that I’m a 13th generation steelworker! I was hired here in June 1971, so this is now my 38th year in the steel mill, working in the MEUIT department and as the Plant Safety Coordinator…

The best way I’ve found to help anyone stay safe is to talk to them, one on one or in small groups. Using for instance the Return on Experience (REX) reports we receive, I like to show them what can happen when we don’t work safe – at work or at home.  Of course when you do a ‘one on one’, they open up more and give you examples of things they’ve done or seen at work or at home, and then tell you they will try to be a safer employee.

I don’t know all the specifics of who and where my other family members have worked. What I do know is that my great-grandfather worked in steel for 45 years, my grandfather for 26 years and my father for 37. My grandfather for instance was a welder, he helped weld parts of the Golden Gate Bridge. I’ve been there myself and have crossed the Golden Gate Bridge a few times! I feel proud of the fact that my grandfather actually helped in the construction of the bridge and that parts of it were built right here in Steelton.

So, as you can see, steel runs in my family and my blood, and hopefully I have many more years here at Steelton and in the steel industry!”