Montana labor news., 1933-09-07
WHEELER FLAYS BANKERS IN LABOR DAY TALK
State Federation Notes

The committee on safety devices and
practices from the Special Convention
Of the Montana Federation of Labor
met with Mr.. j. Burke Clements,
chairman of the Industrial Accident
Board and among other matters took
up the question of building construc-
ton. Mr.. Clements read us the law
relative to the powers Of the Indus
trial Accident Board in governing the
conditions under which workmen are
asked to labor. He said that they have
the power to make any conditions
safe for the workmen but that he nor
his assistants and inspectors are not
building tradesmen and as a result
they are able to order corrections in
safety provisions which are apparent
to the layman. The committee used
as IN illustration of what was wanted,
the building of scaffolding for the use
of workmen during construction and
repair work. They pointed out that
there should always be a boxing or
kick board built up from the runway
and at the very least a railing for the
protection of the workers.
Mr.. Clements said that the point
brought out in the illustration was
apparent and that any other safety
provisions which were as self evident
as the one used could be taken care
Of by an order from the board; and
further that if the building trades
would join in making a request for
such an order, stating the provisions
they wanted covered, that the Indus
trial Accident Board would issue it.
The committee recommended then
to the convention that the building
trades unions and councils get togeth-
er and draw up lists Of safety devices
and specifications for the guidance
of the Industrial Accident Board, and
with a request that they be made the
object of an order by the Board to the
end that hazardous and unsafe prac-
tees in Building construction shall be
either be done away with entirely or
those contractors who do not conform
can be dealt with summarily by the
Industrial Accident Board in the man.
ner befitting a public nuisance and
hazard.
1t is to be hoped that the building
trades unions and councils throughout
the state will Immediately get an ex-
change Of ideas among themselves
along these lines and join as a unit in
asking for one definite plan of action
by the Industrial Accident Board.
The committee also took up the
matter that was presented by the cleo
trical workers at the Missoula con-
vention, and Mr.. Clements looked up
the law pertaining to that industry
which states that it is the duty of the
Industrial Accident Board to prescribe
safety and protective devices for the
men working in that trade.
Nh. Clements said again that he anC
his force were not wire-twisters and
so did not know what was needed, but
that on the recommendation of those
working in the trade affected he would
issue the necessary order covering
their desires. 1t has been reported
that the electrical workers have start
d the action necessary, through then
State Council which will give Mr.
Clements this information.
The committee also recommended
to the convention that the electrical
workers institute proceedings relative
to the enforcement of the present
state law governing electrical con.
struction by the Railroad and Public
Service Commission.