The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and its impact on our clients, staff members, and communities is unprecedented and changing rapidly. The health, safety and well-being of our employees and local communities we serve has always been our top priority, but we want to share the extra precautions we have taken to mitigate the risks we all currently face.
We have taken steps in response to COVID-19 to maintain daily business operations as close to normal as possible while delivering on our promise to our customers.
HVAC and plumbing services have been deemed an essential service by the federal government, and the States of New Hampshire and Vermont. As New Hampshire and Vermont open for business with guidelines, we have prepared and are ready. These are the steps we have taken to navigate this situation in the most responsible way possible.
External Management Risk
We are confident in our ability to continue providing a high level of service while still practicing proper social distancing. We have implemented new policies, including a COVID-19 Exposure Prevention, Preparedness, and Response plan, that will remain in effect until further notice, and they are as follows:
Certified Resource Safety Officers (CRSOs): We have trained designated staff members as CRSOs, who will be the responsible person each jobsite to manage our response to the virus.
Jobsite Staffing: Indoor construction/installations will take place with micro-crews of two people per location or jobsite. For outdoor work and unoccupied structures, the crew may contain up to 5 people.
Handwashing Stations & PPE: We’ve assembled handwashing stations for our crews to use before, during and after construction/repair jobs. All staff interacting with others will wear face masks and gloves.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS): We’re adding SDS for hand sanitizers and cleansers to our existing online library.
No Shared Pens: Often during a service visit, our technicians will ask clients to sign the work order. To minimize person-to-person contact, we’re asking our service techs to sign work orders on behalf of the client while they watch.
Equipment Deliveries: Most, if not all, of our suppliers have implemented door-to-door delivery and are calling ahead to be sure that someone will be available to accept the hands-free delivery.
Visitors: Weare limiting visitors to all our offices to include only deliveries for office supplies, uniforms, and overnight deliveries. Signs are posted at the entrances of our offices detailing who can and cannot enter. All visitors must wash their hands as soon as they enter the building and prior to exiting.
Estimates: We’re offering to ‘virtually’ tour customers’ homes in order to provide estimates for those who are staying home. For those who prefer an actual site visit, our estimators wear face masks and gloves as necessary.
Internal Risk Management
Our daily routines have changed dramatically. We have implemented new processes for both personal and office space cleanliness. If an employee exhibits respiratory illness symptoms with a fever, they’re asked to stay home.
Office Sanitation: Our staff has added sanitizing doorknobs, shared copiers and printers, and desks to their daily tasks. Our offices are also professionally cleaned weekly.
Working Remotely: Some of our team members may work from home, however the use of industry-specific software and needed server access doesn’t make this practical for everyone. And we have yet to find a way to remotely repair a leaking water heater.
We thank ARC Mechanical Contractors’ staff and clients for your understanding and support as we work through this situation. Now more than ever, we must support our customers, our team members, and our communities during this challenging time. We must not forget that we are in this together.
