Accidental “Controlling Contractors”: Managing Sub-Tiers & Second-Tier

Event Overview

Hiring and overseeing second-tier subcontractors is a normal part of getting work done. But certain contract terms, field oversight practices, and safety supervision activities can give your company more responsibility for another contractor’s safety than you ever intended.

Your company could become a “Controlling Contractor” without realizing it.

Join ASAM for our Quarterly Safety Meeting as we examine how subcontractors can unintentionally assume controlling-contractor responsibilities over their second-tier trades.

Featuring Zachariah Tozer, Safety Director for Sobie Company and Architectural Glass & Metals, this session will explore the contractual and day-to-day decisions that create liability exposure, along with practical strategies for maintaining safety standards without taking on responsibilities that aren’t yours.

Key Takeaways

Attendees will walk away with actionable insights, including:

• Identifying Controlling Contractor Triggers: Recognize the contract clauses and everyday field practices that can elevate your company to controlling-contractor status.
• Understanding the Limits of Oversight: Learn how to enforce sub-tier safety expectations without unintentionally assuming direct supervisory responsibility.
• Managing Second-Tier Safety: Explore practical approaches to prequalification, site walks, documentation, and safety oversight that help protect your company from additional MIOSHA citation risks.

About the Speaker

Zachariah Tozer | Safety Director, Sobie Company & Architectural Glass & Metals

As Safety Director for Sobie Company and Architectural Glass & Metals, Zachariah brings a trade contractor’s perspective to the challenges of managing jobsite safety, coordinating with other trades, and navigating regulatory responsibilities.

Lunch will be provided. This event is free and only open to ASAM members.

Location: TBD. Registered attendees will receive an email when the location is finalized.