From the onset of the global pandemic the governor of Connecticut deemed the construction industry as essential and the industry continued a large portion of its work amidst numerous COVID-19 shutdowns and disruptions.
A.P. Construction President & CEO Andy Ashforth immediately addressed all of the clients that had projects in progress personally with a company letter emphasizing safety first. “We have an obligation to keep our employees and project sites safe as well as a social obligation to implement measures to mitigate the spread of the virus in the communities where we live and work,” said Andy Ashforth.
The Company adjusted its policies and guidelines as the situation required and changed over the past three months. Numerous safety measures were implemented throughout its operations and continue to be in place for the foreseeable future including:
- Following the CDC guidelines at all times.
- Implementing social distancing on our projects, jobsite trailers, and in our main office.
- Encouraging employees to work remotely when possible.
- Reminding employees and craft labor to stay home when they are sick.
- Limiting the size of gatherings or meetings to less than 10 people.
- Running meetings via conference call to the extent possible.
- Conducting meetings in spaces that allow for social distancing.
- Staggering and separating craft labor crews in the work environment.
- Staggering the time of lunch and breaks between trades.
- Suspending all non-essential business travel outside of the local area.
- Implementing more thorough cleaning practices to the degree possible on our construction sites, jobsite trailers, and at our main office.
- Continuously reminding employees and craft labor partners to be vigilant, practice good hygiene, and avoid close contact with others.
Safety is A.P. Construction’s highest priority. The company operates with an official comprehensive corporate health and safety program and a safety-first philosophy that is embedded in its culture.
One of A.P. Construction’s major projects completed during the pandemic was a $19 million, multi-phase renovation of the County Club of New Canaan. The second phase of the project completed in June comprised of a major renovation, reconfiguration and expansion of the existing club house including a new front entrance, banquet facilities, casual dining area, bar, kitchen, living room, and locker rooms. This first phase of this project included the addition of a new pool complex including pool, wading pool, changing facilities, full-service kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining area, camp building, and play area.
“We are grateful that we are able to continue our work for our clients while still operating with necessary restrictions to keep everyone safe,” said Ashforth.
