It has been almost a year since the COVID-19 outbreak began, and sadly it shows no signs of slowing down. To maintain a good workflow, landscaping companies need to follow safety measurements that are mandatory to help stop the spread of the virus while at work. During this time, clients need to feel comfortable when picking you to do the job they need.
How exactly can you do that?
Below we will provide you a set of resources, tips, and best practices to help stop the spread of the virus while still maintaining a good workflow.
Best Practices
We already know the mandatory safety precautions that are:
- Staying 6ft away from each other
- Minimizing contact with droplets of mucous or saliva
- Washing your hands or disinfecting them with a sanitizer
- Cleaning and disinfecting touch surfaces and objects
This all may sound simple and common knowledge but…
We are human after all and we make mistakes, we forget, we neglect. And we need to be reminded so that we are always aware of the situation, and help prevent the virus from spreading.
Recognizing Hazards and Assessing Risks
Landscapers should always be aware of the people they have contact with, that includes suppliers, customers, and co-workers. A protective mask, suit, gloves, and face shield are necessary to reduce the risk of getting infected and increasing the chances of a client choosing to hire you. Why? Because your clients will feel more comfortable knowing you have done everything possible to stop the spread of the virus.
Your tools, equipment, machinery, and the surfaces within your vehicle should always be disinfected before use. That is to ensure you are not carrying any traces of the virus with you while doing your job and protecting your employees as well.
Controls
Here are a number of options for protecting your employees and clients from COVID-19:
- Train your landscapers on possible COVID-19 transmission points in the workplace, and the steps they need to follow to protect themselves (washing or sanitizing hands and not touching their face)
- Daily temperature checks before their shift starts
- Eliminating non-essential projects or postponing them
- Staying 6ft away from each other during job activities
- Limit the number of people in one workplace (vehicle/worksite)
- Limit the number of employees using lawn care equipment or assign them to use their own piece of equipment
- Employees who cough, sneeze, or have a runny nose must immediately self isolate, notify their employer, and call a doctor
- Employees should not share food, water, or any other personal belongings
- Client interaction should be as minimized as possible
Handle conversations with clients via phone, video, or text. While at the job site, you should encourage the client to stay indoors until the job is finished.
All documents regarding the estimates, invoices, etc. should be handled electronically, where possible. If the client does not have technical education, documents should be left where the interaction between the client and employees is as minimal as possible, such as a mailbox, etc.
In addition to the above-mentioned recommendations, your team should always be equipped with protective gear, and most importantly, wear it correctly.
Additional COVID-19 Resources
The World Health Organization frequently updates the guidance and information related to the pandemic. It also provides the most up-to-date information on:
- Research and development around the virus
- COVID-19 dashboard to track and follow new data
- Emergency measures
- Live updates on the spread
Here is a list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding COVID-19. In case your business has been affected by the pandemic, make sure to update your Google My Business listing, too!
