The new federal steel erection standard we mentioned in our last issue, expected to save an estimated 30 lives, prevent 1,142 injuries per year and save $40 million, has been set aside by the Bush Administration.

In the first action after he took office, President George W. Bush froze regulatory activity and blocked final governmental rules that had not been in effect by the time he took office on Jan. 20.

The long-awaited standard enhances protections provided to iron workers by addressing the hazards that have been identified as the major causes of injuries and fatalities in the steel erection industry. These are hazards associated with working under loads; hoisting, landing and placing decking; column stability; double connections; landing and placing steel joints; and falls to lower levels.

A Bush spokesman said the new president would review all regulations and orders, but no timeline was set.