National Demolition Association Cancels 2021 Convention & Expo Due to COVID-19 Safety Concerns

WASHINGTON - Feb. 1, 2021 - PRLog -- Due to safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Demolition Association (NDA) has made the difficult decision to cancel its 2021 Convention and Expo, Demolition New Orleans, originally scheduled to take place March 3-4, 2021.

"Earlier this month, Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards extended his modified Phase 2 order, keeping COVID-19 mitigation measures in place for another 28 days, and strongly recommending against large gatherings," said NDA Executive Director Jeff Lambert. "Due to this uncertainty, the NDA Board of Directors voted unanimously to cancel Demolition New Orleans. While we are incredibly disappointed, we feel strongly that this is the right decision to protect the health and safety of all attendees, exhibitors, volunteers, staff, and the community at-large."

As the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out and improvements in rapid testing programs continue, NDA is confident in its ability to deliver a successful 2022 Convention and Expo, Demolition San Diego, currently scheduled to take place February 26 - March 1, 2022.

NDA remains dedicated to moving the demolition industry forward and implementing a new strategic plan in 2021. This new strategic plan places special focus on ensuring safety and advanced education across the demolition industry through three key areas:

• Creation of the National Demolition Association Certification Board, which will lay the groundwork for NDA's new certification program and exam, set to launch in Spring 2022.
• Pursue an alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A formal alliance will allow NDA to:
  - Expand existing relationships between the NDA and OSHA's Regional and Area offices to address industry health and safety issues, including the training of Agency staff and providing technical expertise when appropriate;
  - Develop and disseminate materials and effective training aids that align with current regulatory information, interpretations, and enforcement initiatives; and
  - Annually review demolition best practices, NDA hopes to expand to include power plant decommissioning, to determine if any changes are needed, sharing the information with OSHA.
• Explore opportunities for the creation of a pre-apprentice training and workforce development program, including training for frontline workers.

"One worksite injury is unacceptable. We believe these three key elements of our new strategic plan will push the industry forward and help us succeed in meeting net zero, that every worker leaves their jobsite safe and healthy," said NDA President Chris Godek.

NDA's Board of Directors will vote to approve the new strategic plan on March 2, 2021.

To learn more about the National Demolition Association, visit: https://www.demolitionassociation.com