The decision to continue services is an individual choice that landscape companies must make based on the definition of “essential business” or “critical services” as it applies to each project. Each company must use their best judgment and determine its workload based these definitions of essential services. It’s very important that company owners and leaders talk with employees about why they are an essential service and provide them guidance in this matter.

Those companies that continue to deliver services should be careful to follow proper safety protocols to keep employees, clients, and the public as safe as possible while working. It is also important to maintain proper safety practices in order to demonstrate professionalism and represent the landscape industry well to the public.

Workplace safety includes travel to the worksite; allow crew members to travel to the worksite individually to keep proper distancing. You may opt to complete the voluntary self-certification form provided by the State of Colorado and provide that to your employees. Click here to download the attestation form and instructions. Additionally, the State of Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) has issued guidance on safety and social distancing on construction sites.

Considering that many other businesses have been completely shut down, we are fortunate that we’re in an industry that is not only essential but can be performed outside. This allows workers the ability to practice safe distancing and avoid unnecessary contact.

Outdoor spaces are of great value to all Coloradoans, especially in these challenging times. The landscape industry will continue to be stewards of these outdoor spaces and do our part to contribute to public health and safety.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have offered a number of resources to help employers and employees understand the current guidelines in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• CDC Coronavirus page 
  • Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings, Especially in Areas of Significant Community-Based Transmission (also available in Spanish)  
• OSHA Coronavirus page
• OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 (English and Spanish) 
• OSHA poster Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus (English and Spanish) 
• OSHA Alert: Prevent Worker Exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- also available in Spanish 

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW:
FFCRA: tax credits, paid sick leave, economic injury disaster loans, and more
CARES Act resources for businesses
Landscape companies adapt amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Leading your business through the pandemic