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Safety

ASA Midwest Council is a construction trade association of specialty contractors and suppliers serving the construction industry and the community. Our purpose is to improve the construction process through education, advocacy, and collaboration.

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  • MAY 2025 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Anchorage Points

    After a Fall

    Holding a Fall Prevention Safety Stand-Down

    Scaffolding and Fall Protection

    APRIL 2025 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Driving Safely

    Hands Free Law

    Lockout Tagout Programs

    Walking and Working Surfaces

     

    MARCH 2025 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Ergonomics and Tools

    Lockout Tagout Programs

    Respirators

    Use Caution Around Powerlines

    FEBRUARY 2025 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Distractions

    Live Circuits can Kill You

    Warmup and Break Schedules

    What is a Defensive Driver

     

    E-News Safety Articles

    How to Effectively Use Safety Data Sheets in Emergency Situations-click here to download

    Prevent Falls in Construction-click here to download

    Gravity Always Wins-click here to download

    Tornado Preparedness and Response–click here to download

    OSHA Logs Article 3.27.25.-click here to download

    Preventing Workplace Motor Vehicle Incidents-click here to download

    daylight saving time article march 2025–click here to download

    Five often overlooked winter hazards–click here to download

    OSHA Issues New Arc Flash Guidance-click here to download

    Is Termination Ever Appropriate-click here to download

    Recordable vs Reportable–click here to download

    Troubleshooting 4 Common Gas Detection Issues-click here to download

    Stuff That Can Kill You Article 11.21.24.click here to download

    Workplace Safety for Women-click here to download

    OSHA’s 2024 HazCom Final Rule –click here to download

    Measuring the Safety Climate of Your Organization–click here to download

    Emergency Shower and Eyewash Testing–click here to download

    Best practices for walkway protection under scaffolding–click here to download

    How does the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard apply in an office-click here to download

    Distracted Driving Article–click here to download

    How to Improve Safety and Organizational Culture–click here to download

    Suicide Prevention Awareness Mental Health versus Mental Illness -click here to download

    Annual fall protection inspection requirements Article Aug 2024–click here to download

    JANUARY 2025 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Carbon Monoxide

    Frostbite and Hypothermia Symptoms

    Ice and Snow

    Portable Heaters at the Worksite

    DECEMBER 2024 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Cold Awareness Layering Systems

    Protect Yourself From the Cold

    Training for Cold Weather

    Weathering Wind Hazards

    NOVEMBER 2024 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Hard Hats What do all the Markings Mean

    Lifts and Platforms

    Storm Watch

    You are the Sharpest Tool in the Box

    OCTOBER 2024 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Autumn – a Season of Hazards

    Avoid Slips Trips Falls

    Foot Leg Protection

    Near Misses

    SEPTEMBER  2024 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    September is National Suicide Prevention Month!  See resources below that may help you or someone you know!

    Suicide Prevention Awareness Mental Health versus Mental Illness

    Suicide Prevention Reducing the Stigma

    Suicide Prevention Self Awareness Self Care

    Suicide Prevention Warning Signs

     

    AUGUST 2024 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Heat Illness First Aid

    Heat Related Illness Symptoms

    Monitoring Workers at Risk for Heat-Related Illnesses

    Work Rest Schedule

     

    JULY 2024 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Emergency Preparedness for Weather

    Excavation and Trench Considerations

    Soil Sloping and Benching

    Trench Protective System Requirements

    JUNE 2024 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Working Alone

    When a Trench or Excavation Collapses

    Safety Culture

    Heart Attack Angina and Stroke

     

    May 2024 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Concrete Hazards

    Don’t Let Gravity Take You Down

    Excavations and Trenching Considerations

    Health Hazards of Solvents

     

    April 2024 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Ladder Safety

    OSHAs First Aid Standard

    Slips Trips and Falls

    Unexpected Driving Situations

     

    March  2024 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Ladder Safety Guidelines

    Maintaining Your OSHA 300 Log

    New Hire Training

    Proper Lifting for Back Safety

     

    February  2024 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Computer Eye Strain

    Preparing for Winter Hazards

    Staying Warm When Working Outside

    Winter Weather Hazards 

     

    January 2024 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Frostbite and Hypothermia

    Layering Systems

    Substance Abuse

    Winter Weather Advisories

     

    December 2023 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Handling Propane Tanks

    Housekeeping at the Worksite

    Portable Heaters

    Training for Cold Weather

    October 2023 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Autumn

    Asbestos Controls

    Compressed Gas Cylinders

    Think Like a Safety Inspector

    September 2023 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Heat Illness First Aid

    Interrupting Electricity

    Preventing Office Falls

    Safety That Fits Like a Glove

  • August 2023 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Carbon Monoxide

    Computer Ergonomics

    Health Effects of Heat

    Hydration Is Key

     

  • July 2023 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Dehydration – Urine Trouble

    Eat for the Heat

    Heat Related Illness Symptoms

    Monitoring workers for Heat Related Illness

  • June 2023 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Don’t Let Gravity Take You down

    Line of Fire

    You Don’t Have to Fall Far to Get Hurt Bad

    Your Hands are your Most Important Tools

  • | ASA MEMBER SAFETY INFORMATION |

    ~CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2022 SAFETY AWARD WINNERS ~

    We acknowledged ASA members that achieved Safety Excellence in 2022
    at our Emerald City Awards Gala on April 22, 2023 @ the Four Seasons!

    2022 SAFETY CUP AWARD WINNER

     DIV I | MURPHY COMPANY

     DIV II | T.J.WIES CONTRACTING 

     DIV III | BELL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

     DIV IV | HAYDEN WRECKING

     DIV V | SWANSON MASONRY, INC.

     DIV VI | GRANT MASONRY CONTRACTING

     

    May 2023 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Falls

    Five Ways to Fall From Elevation

    Floors and Other Openings  

    Safety Practices for Operating Aerial Lifts 

     

    APRIL 2023 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    High Hazard Work Activities

    Recognized Hazards vs. Unrecognized Hazards

    Silicosis

    Spring Ahead

  • MARCH 2023 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Ladder Safety

    New Hire Training

    OHSA Visit

    Why Do We Need Safety Meetings

     

    FEBRUARY 2023 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Struck-by Toolbox Talk #4 (equip and objects)

    Struck-by Toolbox Talk #6 (head protection)

    Asbestos Exposure

    Concrete Cutting

  • January 2023 Safety Tool Box Talks

    JANUARY 2023 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Respond. Work Practices and Controls – Cold Weather

    Selecting a Hardhat

    Substance Abuse and the Workplace

    Welding Safety

     

  • December 2022 Safety Tool Box Talks

    DECEMBER 2022 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Anger Management

    Cold Awareness – Winter Weather Advisories

    Cold Awareness – Training for Cold Weather

    Wellness in the Workplace

     

  • NOVEMBER 2022 SAFETY TOOL BOX TALKS

    NOVEMBER 2022 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

    Asbestos Awareness

    Autumn – A Season of Hazards

    Moving Materials Around the Worksite

    Trench Safety

     

     

  • OCTOBER 2022 SAFETY TOOL BOX TALKS

     

    October 2022 TOOL BOX TALKS | Provided by the ASA Safety Committee | Click Below to Download

     

    Arc Flash Hazards

    Drywall Carts

    First Aid for Cuts and Bruises

    Maintaining Your OSHA 300 Log

     

     

12Next

The Tom Owen’s Memorial Scholarship

The Tom Owen’s Memorial Scholarship was created to honor long time employee of Charles E. Jarrell Contracting. Tom Owens(10-9-55 to 4-29-08) worked for Jarrell for 20 plus years.  While at Jarrell, Tom served as Jarrell’s CFO, Controller, Safety Director and Office Manager. He was also responsible for managing public relations, and he was the corporate liaison for area unions. He was truly one of a kind, so on his passing C.E. Jarrell and ASA Midwest Council worked together to establish the memorial scholarship in his name, to honor his memory, and assist well deserving young adults with their pursuit of higher education degrees.

The Tom Owens Memorial Scholarship Committee seeks funds to provide scholarships for individuals who are entering a college, university, trade school or post graduate school. The fund is a 501c3 charitable organization and contributions can be made at any time.  All applications must be received before January 31 and all rules and eligibility requirements must be followed.  Scholarships are given on an annual basis and all eligible recipients may receive an award for no more than two years.

Announcements of awards will be publicized before March 1 of the following year. Learn more about the Tom Owens Memorial Scholarship Committee here.

Download Scholarship Application

Whistle-Blower Policy

Adopted by The Board of Directors June 21, 2006

The Midwest Council demands the highest ethical conduct from its volunteers, contractors and paid staff, including compliance with all federal, state and local laws and the Association’s own policies and procedures. If any member, contractor or employee is aware of any such breach or potential breach of such law, policy or procedure with respect to the Midwest Council, he/she should bring such problem to the attention of the Association president. If the problem is not resolved after discussion with the Association president or if he/she feels that discussion with the Association president is inappropriate, he/she is encouraged to approach another officer of the Association, Executive Director or Chapter Attorney. The Midwest Council will not tolerate any form of retaliation against an individual who avails him/herself of this procedure. The procedure should not be construed, however, as preventing, limiting or delaying the Association from taking any disciplinary action against any individual, where the Association deems disciplinary action is appropriate.

Conflict of Interest Policies for Board of Directors

Adopted by The Board of Directors August 17, 2005

There exists between the Board of Directors and members of ASA a fiduciary relationship that carries with it a strict and unbending duty of loyalty. Directors are responsible for administering the Association’s affairs honestly and economically, and exercising their best care, skill and judgment for the sole benefit of the Association. The giving of this service, because of the varied interests and backgrounds of the Directors, may result in situations involving a dual interest that might be interpreted as a conflict of interest. However, this service should not be rendered impossible solely by reason of possible conflict of interest.

Potential conflicting interests exist between the Association and any organization or firm with which the Association does business, and between the Association and any organization or firm providing services similar to those services offered by the Association to its chapters, individual members, nonmembers, and other organizations and firms. It is, of course, impossible to list every circumstance giving rise to a possible conflict of interest; however, they may include:

A position of material financial interest in an outside concern from which ASA secures services, goods, or which provides services competitive with ASA;
Any services of a consultative, managerial or directive nature provided to any outside concern that does business with or provides services competitive with ASA;
Any gifts, excessive or unusual entertainment or other favors received from any outside concern that does, is seeking to do business with ASA, or is a competitor of ASA.

If a Director becomes aware that he/she has a possible conflict of interest or that another Director has a possible conflict of interest, he/she should immediately notify the President and the Executive Director. The President and the Executive Director shall review the situation and inform the Board of Directors of a potential conflict of interest situation. The Board of Directors shall obtain an opinion from an outside independent counsel with respect to real or potential conflicts of interest in order to prevent a conflict that could operate to the detriment of the Association.

If the Board of Directors determines that a conflict exists, the Director with the conflicting interest will not be prevented from participating fully in discussions related to the issue or from answering pertinent questions of other Directors. However, the Board of Directors may request the interested Director to abstain from voting on matters related to the conflicting activity or Association. Such vote shall be duly recorded.

This policy will be reviewed annually for the information and guidance of Directors at an annual orientation or at the first Board of Directors’ meeting of the fiscal year. New Directors will be advised of the policy upon election.

Dues and Collections Policy

Fiscal Year is July 1 to June 30.

New Members:

  • All potential members applying for membership shall meet the requirements per by-laws.
  • All members applying for membership must present membership application and check. An applicant is not a member until payment has been received.
  • If a member checks “yes” to the following question, the application must be presented to the board for approval: “Is applicant owned or controlled in whole or in part by a General Contractor, A/E Firm, Construction Manager, Construction Owner or by any individual(s) who are owners or directors of same?
  • All new members will pay one full year of dues up front and receive a pro-rated invoice the second year.
  • A Change in Membership Form must be sent to National.
  • Report the new member on the Dues Summary Report and submit payment before the 15th of the following month.

Renewing Members:

  • All renewing members shall receive an invoice for the next fiscal year by May 31.
  • Pro-rated invoices for members who joined during the fiscal year will be mailed by May 31.
  • Dues invoices will be mailed with a letter from the president.
  • All dues invoices and applications must have the amount that is non-deductible due to legislative lobbying activities. This amount shall be given to the ED by the chapter Treasurer.
  • When payment is received, ED shall enter the payment in QuickBooks and deposit check.
  • A spreadsheet will be kept of all dues collected with their reporting dues summary month.

Collection Policy:

  • All invoices must be paid by July 1.
  • A past due letter is sent on July 31. Another past due letter is sent on August 31. All members are dropped after September 15 if dues have not been received.
  • At the July, August and September board meetings, all unpaid dues are distributed to the board and membership committee. A call list is devised by board members and committee members.

Antitrust Policy

Adopted by The Board of Directors June 21, 2006

A free exchange of ideas on matters of mutual interest to subcontractors, specialty trade contractors, suppliers, general contractors, construction managers, design professionals, and construction owners is necessary for the success of The Midwest Council meetings and activities. However, in carrying on our Association activities and meetings we must be mindful of the antitrust laws. We are a group of competitors. The antitrust laws require that competition be open and unrestricted.

The antitrust laws forbid agreements or joint actions which by intention, or by their effect whatever the intention, restrain trade.

Agreements or joint actions which can restrain trade, and thus must be avoided, include:

  • Anything regarding price, or any terms of sale.
  • Restrictions regarding production, territories, markets, customers, contract terms or products.
  • Refusals to deal with competitors or others in any part of the industry.
  • Limitations on access to the industry and the market and its mechanisms.

In formal meetings, informal sessions, and in casual conversations, and in written documents, it is very important to avoid the subjects mentioned above. An “agreement” among trade association members in antitrust terms in a very broad concept – it may be oral or written, formal or informal, expressed or implied. A “gentlemen’s agreement” to “hold the line” on price or contract terms is more than sufficient to evidence of an unlawful conspiracy to fix prices.

It is important to adhere to the prepared written agendas in meetings.

Antitrust compliance is a continuous necessity, and a day to day endeavor. If at any time you have any question from the trade restraint standpoint, please confer with The Midwest Council counsel.

Code of Conduct Policy

Code of Conduct Policy

Adopted by The Board of Directors June 21, 2006

The Midwest Council is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to representing the construction industry through advocacy, leadership, education and networking. The Midwest Council traditionally has demanded and received the highest ethical services from its volunteers and paid staff. In an effort to maintain the high standard of conduct expected of the Midwest Council with respect to the management of its own affairs and to enable the Midwest Council to continue to serve the construction industry, the Midwest Council adopts the following Code of Conduct applicable to all volunteers and paid staff.

  • The Midwest Council volunteers and paid staff shall strive to be continually aware of the Association’s mission, values, and ethical standards and operate in a manner consistent with them.
  • The Midwest Council volunteers and paid staff shall treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity. This includes avoiding unwarranted negative criticism of colleagues.
  • The Midwest Council volunteers and paid staff shall continually strive to increase their professional knowledge and skills and apply them in practice. They should aspire to contribute to the knowledge base of the Association and the construction industry.
  • The Midwest Council volunteers and paid staff should be alert to and avoid conflicts of interest that interfere with impartial judgment. They should inform appropriate leadership (i.e., officer or senior staff) when a real or potential conflict of interest arises and take reasonable steps to resolve the issue.
  • The Midwest Council volunteers and paid staff shall not accept or seek on behalf of any person, any financial advantage or gain of other than nominal value offered as a result of the volunteer or paid staff member’s affiliation with The Midwest Council.
  • The Midwest Council volunteers and paid staff should provide services and represent themselves as competent only within the boundaries of their education, experience, training, or other relevant professional experience.
  • The Midwest Council volunteers and paid staff shall not disclose any confidential Midwest Council information that is available solely as a result of the volunteers or paid staff member’s affiliation with The Midwest Council to any person not authorized to receive such information or use to the disadvantage of The Midwest Council any such confidential information.
  • The Midwest Council volunteers and paid staff shall not authorize the use of or use for the benefit or advantage of any person, the name, logo, endorsement, services or property of The Midwest Council, except in conformance with Association procedures.
  • The Midwest Council volunteers and paid staff should not take unfair advantage of their affiliation with The Midwest Council to further their personal, religious, political or business interests.
  • The Midwest Council volunteers and paid staff shall strive to operate and act in ways that are in the best interests of The Midwest Council and its members.
  • The Midwest Council volunteers and paid staff shall not operate or act in any manner that is contrary to the best interests of The Midwest Council.
  • The Midwest Council volunteers and paid staff shall fully comply with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Association in the locations in which it operates.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Policy

Adopted May 21, 2008

A. Statement of Policy. The Association provides equal employment opportunities to each employee and applicant for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, handicap or disability, unfavorable discharge from military service, status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, or citizenship status in accordance with applicable law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

B. Prohibition Against Unlawful Harassment. The Association expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, handicap or disability, unfavorable discharge from military service, status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, or citizenship status in accordance with applicable law.

C. Specific Policy on Sexual Harassment. With respect to sexual harassment, the Association prohibits:

  1. Unwelcome sexual advances; requests for sexual favors; and all other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or otherwise offensive nature, especially where:
    a. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment,
    b. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for decisions affecting an individual’ s employment, or
    c. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment;
  2. Offensive comments, jokes, innuendos and other sexually oriented statements.

D. Complaint Procedure. An employee who believes she/he has experienced any harassment based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, handicap or disability, unfavorable discharge from military service, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or who believe they have been treated in an unlawful, discriminatory manner, should promptly report the matter to the President of the Association for investigation or if to do so would be in appropriate, to the Vice President of the Association. The Association promptly will conduct a thorough, objective investigation of the complaint and attempt to resolve the situation. If the Association determines that unlawful discrimination has occurred, the Association will take appropriate action. The Association will not tolerate any retaliation against an employee for filing a complaint in good faith.

American Subcontractors Association – Midwest Council

whistle-blower policyconflict of interest policies for board of directors dues and collections policy
antitrust policycode of conduct policyequal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination policy

ASA Midwest Council is a construction trade association of specialty contractors and suppliers serving the construction industry and the community.
Our purpose is to improve the construction process through education, advocacy, and collaboration.

©2025

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