The Web Sling & Tie Down Association is headed to Sanibel Island, Florida May 16 - 20 for its 2011 Spring Meeting. This meeting provides educational and networking opportunities, as well as opportunities to participate in committee meetings that shape the future of the industry. DETAILS

Sponsorships Still Available for Annual Meeting in Ft. Myers

Increase your exposure at WSTDA’s Annual Meeting in Ft. Myers and help to support WSTDA’s programs and activities by becoming a Sponsor. Click here for details on sponsorship opportunities.

LEGAL CORNER

Company Absolved in Death of Contractor Because Plaintiff's Experts Failed to Prove Causality

National-Oilweil Varco, L.P. (NOV) provided products and services for the oil and gas industry. On October 17, 2006, NOV was in the process of manufacturing a mobile oil and gas drilling and workover rig. As part of the process, NOV hired Stoehr Wire Rope of Texas to spool wire rope onto the rig's sand drum. Stoehr sent its employee, branch manager Michael Blaine, to perform this task.

That same day, at about 11:00 a.m., the spooling of the wire rope from Blaine's truck to the rig began. Neal Lee, an NOV employee, operated the sand drum's throttle to make the drum rotate which, in turn, spooled the rope. After the first layer and most of the second layer were complete, Blaine complained that something might be wrong with the sand line and ordered that the spooling operation stop. After an NOV employee went to the top of the derrick to confirm that the sand line was feeding properly from Blaine's truck, the spooling resumed. Blaine subsequently leaned over and reached into the drum. According to uncontroverted testimony, the wire rope subsequently caught Blaine at the wrist and pulled him into the drum, killing him. Mr. Blaine’s widow sued for wrongful death. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of NOV and the Court of Appeals of Texas (Houston Division) affirmed in Blaine v. National-Oilwell, L.P. 2010 WL 4951779. DETAILS

Newly-Developed Load Binders Used with Chain Tie Downs Standard Completed

We are pleased to announce that the newly-developed Recommended Standard Specification for Load Binders Used With Chain Tie Downs (WSTDA-T-6), had been approved by the membership and is being prepared for print. All members should receive a complimentary copy in the mail by the end of March.

The standard applies to load binders designed to accommodate chain tie downs for the purpose of securing cargo. This standard recommends construction as well as identification and marking of these load binders. In addition, it gives important practical advice on use, maintenance and inspection of these binders.

Many thanks to WSTDA’s Load Securement Committee and T-6 Task Force for the countless hours spent on developing this publication.

WSTDA Welcomes New Members

WSTDA welcomed six new members since we published the last issue of Uplifting News. DETAILS