A.P. Construction reported one of their lowest experience modification ratings (EMR) in nine years. EMR is the rating that insurers use to analyze the safety of job sites as well as a construction company’s safety record. The rating compares workers’ compensation claims to other employers of similar size, operating in the same type of business.
Improved safety practices and fewer workplace accidents will tend to decrease an experience modification over time. EMR values fall generally as excellent: 0.40-0.75; good: 0.76-1.00; average to at risk: 1.01-1.25; and at risk to adverse projections: 1.26-2.00. A 1.0 rating is the industry average. In 2007, A.P. Construction reported a rating of 0.93. Since then, the company has consistently lowered their rating annually for a total reduction of nearly 30%. A.P. Construction’s most recent rating of 0.71 and its safety improvement trend is a reflection that safety is a core value of the company.
A.P. Construction attributes its safety success to its diligent and comprehensive pre-construction planning, safety programs, conflict identifications and construction controls. Safety is an integral part and the first priority on all of its jobsites. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), developing a strong safety culture has the single greatest impact on accident reduction. A.P. Construction requires its project management and field personnel to maintain current certification and train in CPR, First Aid and OSHA regulations for the construction industry.
In 2008, the company hired an outside firm to review all of the company’s safety procedures and protocols and in 2009 began implementation of an official comprehensive corporate health and safety program. The program applies to all aspects of on-the-job activities and provides minimum requirements and guidance for safe work practices, accident prevention and response to emergency situations. As part of the program, A.P. Construction has a designated Corporate Safety Officer who is the primary administrator of the program, coordinator of related activities and chairperson for its Health and Safety Committee.
“Safety is A.P. Construction’s highest priority. We are uncompromising in our commitment to the health and safety of our employees, subcontractors, customers and community, and continually improve our processes and promote comprehensive safety,” said Andrew Ashforth, CEO of A.P. Construction and Co-CEO of The Ashforth Company.
