Bridgeport, CT Viking Construction has received its 12^th Excellence in Construction (EIC) Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Connecticut (ABC CT) along with its first Best of The Best Safety Contractor award for 2021. The EIC award recognizes Viking’s work as general contractor on the $45 million renovation and new construction project for the new Strawberry Hill School (an extension of the Rogers International Magnet School) in Stamford, Conn. The Best of the Best Safety Contractor award recognizes Viking’s ongoing dedication to job safety, health awareness, and emergency preparedness on job sites.

For the new Strawberry Hill School, Viking oversaw the extensive, multi-year project which included new construction of a 129,232 s/f school building connected to the original 1925 brick school building and an adjacent 1964 structure. The company completed highly specialized renovations to the 1925 building which included repair and cleaning of original travertine tile, oak paneling, custom plaster, copper vents, and other craftsmen elements throughout the building.

As Viking performed much of the work while school was in session, they were extra cautious with safety protocols – and were mindful to minimize noise and disruptions. Viking also made the project a learning experience for the children by hosting hard-hat fieldtrips during the final stages of construction.

For the Best of the Best Safety Contractor award, Viking was recognized for instituting a voluntary Strategic Partnership Program (OSPP) with OSHA designed to increase job safety knowledge and health awareness. The company had extremely low total recordable incident rates, fully trained team members on first aid for accident preparedness, and more than 100,000 man-hours with no lost-time accidents.

“We always view our team as a top priority, which is why we take safety so seriously and why this award is so important to us,” said Anthony Gaglio, Sr., president of Viking Construction. “Additionally, we are excited to now have a dozen Excellence in Construction awards from ABC of Connecticut. Both of these awards recognize the work of everyone on our team and our high standards as a construction company. We are truly honored.”

CT-ABC’s annual competition is judged by an independent panel of architects, engineers and university professionals who evaluate the quality and client satisfaction of each project. Judges also pay particular attention to the rigorous safety standards of each contractor.