January 26, 2016
Local snow removal contractor awarded “certified” status by the Accredited Snow Contractors Association, is proficient in established industry standards.
Southfield, MI – Robert Furgerson, Director of Exterior Service, Continuum Services has successfully completed the necessary educational requirements and has proven knowledgeable of established industry standards to earn “ASCA Certified” status by the Accredited Snow Contractors Association.
“I believe strongly in abiding by established industry standards for snow and ice management,” Furgerson says. “Earning ‘ASCA Certified’ status lets others know that I practice and provide a superior level of customer service and professionalism in snow removal and ice mitigation, which is important in keeping my clients’ employees and customers safe throughout the winter months, as well as reducing their exposure to slip-and-fall litigation.”
The association’s “ASCA Certified” program is the result of establishing the first “industry standards” for the professional snow and ice management industry. The ASCA’s overall goal of establishing standards and a certification process is to lower instances of frivolous slip-and-fall claims and to control insurance premiums.
“Anyone who engages in snow and ice management, or contracts for this essential winter service, understands how baseless slip-and-fall personal injury claims have gotten out of control, caused liability insurance rates to skyrocket, and has had a negative impact on many small businesses’ bottom-lines during these fiscally challenging times,” says ASCA Executive Director Kevin Gilbride. “It is our belief that the ‘ASCA Certified’ designation will serve as a strong deterrent to plaintiff’s attorneys pursuing these frivolous claims, and will help snow contractors work with their clients – property owners and managers – to provide the safest conditions possible during winter weather events.”
ASCA members receive the certification status after completing 10 hours of one-hour, ASCA-approved online educational classes. After each session, a test is issued and must be passed (80% is a passing grade) to receive credit. Once the required class work is completed ASCA certification is issued to the contractor. This is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Contractors are required to take 10 hours of online continuing education through the ASCA in order to update their certification status.
About the ASCA
The Accredited Snow Contractors Association is a trade association with the purpose of advancing the professional snow and ice management industry and to promote its role in performing high-risk services to society. Check out ascaonline.org for more details, or contact ASCA Executive Director Kevin Gilbride directly at 330-523-5368 or via email at kgilbride@gie.net.
