COVID-19: Important Updates for Industry Members For more comprehensive information, including links and the most up-todate news, visit our website at www.landscape-alberta.com and click on the “COVID-19 Industry Updates” button. We update this page regularly as new information comes available. As of March 18, 2020 COVID-19 Special Member Briefing
This special bulletin is intended to assist members in dealing with issues related to COVID-19. As you may know the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this a pandemic emergency. Given that our industry is gearing up towards the start of the season and welcoming back many employees, it is crucial to be well informed. COVID-19 protocols are rapidly changing, and we will endeavour to keep you informed as things change. In the spirit of every challenge being an opportunity, the restrictions on international travel are like attitudes post 9/11. In the year following that event there was a strong trend to staycation and people invested heavily in their outdoor living spaces instead of travel. What a great time to garden or enjoy your backyard.
How to manage in the workplace
• Ensure you have hand washing protocols in place • Ensure employees understand their responsibility to report if they are feeling ill or of any activities that put them at risk of COVID-19. • Communicate with your employees about HR policies around sick leave (if any). • Ensure employees understand why they may need to self-isolate, support them in this decision and make sure they understand they will be sent home from work if they present with symptoms.
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• Share the AHS Self-assessment tool with employees https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/ topics/Page16944.aspx • If an employee has to self-isolate, employees and employers should work together to explore alternate working arrangements: • Working from home or remotely • Doing work that requires limited contact with other • If an alternate working arrangement is not possible, employees can use paid sick time, if available. (see below for changes to Paid Sick Leave in AB). • The Government of Canada has removed wait times on Employment Insurance which can be used for self-isolation or care leaves. • Limit or restrict visitors to the business operation (not customers) • Consider restrictions on business and personal travel • Continue to follow recommendations provided around maintaining biosecurity and food safety standards. • Businesses that provide housing for their workers will need to ensure their risk management
