We certainly have entered unique times as they relate to world, national and local health. Even though we have less than 10 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the entire state of Montana at this time, I feel it necessary to reach out to you to let you know how we are proactively preparing to service you with your health and safety and the health and safety of our team members in mind.
Here at Blanchford Landscape Group, we continue to believe in the physical and mental health of being outdoors and interacting with nature. Even more so during these times of “social distancing” we find the importance of creating and maintaining these healthy outdoor spaces within your own home/property, contributing to your sense of well-being. While many of us begin to self quarantine it helps to do so in an environment that is our own private sanctuary, relieving you of current stresses of the world.
Let me be clear. Your health and the health of our team members is our highest priority. Period.
While we normally work in small groups and in the great outdoors where exposure is limited, we will be taking precautions to mitigate this risk even further.
The Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has made available dozens of resources to help us follow best practices when it comes to cleaning, supporting sick employees, and policies to put in place to support workers who are sick or caring for ill family members. Additionally, we plan to expand our health and safety training this season to educate our team members on best health practices to contain the spread of disease:
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Emphasize the importance of frequent hand washing thoroughly and often for at least 20 seconds using soap and water
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Educate on how best to cough or sneeze to limit airborne contamination.
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Frequent reminders to avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Blanchford Landscape Group has instituted a procedure to self-police within our organization when team members become sick. Management will INSIST that any team member feeling ill will stay home until they are symptom free for 24 hours. Please understand that this may cause some minor delays in job progress at times.
In addition to these basic steps, we will also be taking additional measures recommended by Public Health Officials:
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Crew trucks and hand tools will all be wiped down with disinfectant cleaning products at the end of each day.
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While crews are on site they will limit any contact with surfaces you may come in contact with (doos, gates, etc.).
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Gloves will be worn at all times, should it become necessary to touch any common surfaces.
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Similar precautions will be taken throughout our offices and other indoor spaces.
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We are moving group meetings to emails and phone calls to limit gatherings of more than five people.
We want you to know that we are not turning a careless eye to this health challenge. We take your health even more seriously than that of your gardens. Blanchford Landscape Group has a proactive plan for your health and safety and for the health and safety of our team members. We feel that combating this virus threat is a responsibility we ALL must take upon ourselves as community members. These are the initial steps we have taken to do our part. As additional actions are recommended by Public Health Officials, we will implement them as well.
Please visit the Montana Department of Health and Human Services’ COVID-19 website to find resources and daily updates related to the virus.