COVID-19 EXPOSURE PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS, AND RESPONSE PLAN FOR PROJECTS AND NURSERY OPERATIONS

Margolis Nursery and Companies take the health and safety of our employees and clients, very seriously.  With the spread of the coronavirus or “COVID-19”, a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, we all must remain vigilant in mitigating the outbreak.

This Plan is based on currently available information from the CDC, and OSHA, and is subject to change based on further information provided by the CDC, OSHA, and other public officials.  Margolis Companies may also amend this Plan based on operational needs. 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL EMPLOYEES: 

As set forth below, Margolis has instituted various housekeeping, social distancing, and other best practices for our company.  All employees must be familiar with the Plan and be ready to implement the practices. 

If you have questions, ask your crew leader or supervisor,  any questions that you need answered.  We need to insure and encourage compliance from all employees.

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19:

  • Coughing

  • Fever

  • Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and 

  • Early symptoms such as chills, body aches, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and runny nose.

If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, DO NOT COME  TO WORK  and call your healthcare provider right away and notify your supervisor or our office immediately. 

If anyone exhibits COVID-19 symptoms while on the job, they must leave the job and not return until he or she is symptom free for 72 hours (3 full days), without the use of fever reducing or other symptom altering medicines.

Any person that tests positive for COVID-19, will be directed to self quarantine away from the job until they are symptom free and at least 7 days have passed since the date of his or her first positive test and have not had a subsequent illness.  Anyone that tests positive and are directed to care for themselves at home, may return to work when, at least 72 hours have passed since recovery; and at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.  Anyone that tests positive and has been hospitalized may return to work when directed to do so by their medical care provider. 

Likewise, if you come into close contact with someone showing these symptoms, distance yourself from others and call your healthcare provider right away. 

OFFICE, SHOP, YARD, AND JOBSITE PROTECTIVE MEASURES:

  • OFFICE: Restricted to ONLY Margolis Office Staff and Customers.

  • SHOP: Restricted to ONLY Margolis Mechanical employees.

  • SHOP RESTROOM: Restricted to 1 Margolis Employee at a time, inside Shop area.

  • PORTABLE TOILET:  A porta john will be available by the Blue Shop. We are also installing a hand-washing basin with Hot Water and  a soap dispenser outside near the Porta John.

  • YARD:  Follow Safe Social Distancing ( 6 feet apart) at ALL TIMES.  Face masks and gloves should be worn.

  • JOB SITE:  Follow Safe Social Distancing (6 feet apart) at ALL TIMES. Face masks and gloves should be worn. Job site is Limited to only those necessary for job site work; no visitors allowed.

TRUCKS:

Restricted to 2 (two) Margolis Employees only.  

SKID LOADERS, MOWERS, WHEEL LOADERS, MINI EXCAVATORS, BULLDOZERS, AND TRACTORS:

Restricted to 1 (one)    Margolis Operator only.  Do not change operators without sanitizing entire machine. 

HAND TOOLS, WEED WHIPS, BACKPACK BLOWERS, AND OTHER SMALL TOOLS/ EQUIPMENT:

Restricted to 1 (one) Margolis Employee only.  Sanitize immediately when switching tools.

Vehicles and equipment/tools should be cleaned at least once per day and before change in operator or rider.  Disinfect shared surfaces on a regular basis throughout the day!

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE):

Each employee will receive face masks, safety eye protection, ear plugs,  and gloves.  Hard hats will be given out, per job site requirements.  

Hand Sanitizer will be issued to each crew and should be kept in company vehicle for employee use.   

Face masks will be worn in all areas occupied by others.  

Gloves should be worn at all times while working. Everyone should avoid sharing masks and gloves!!!!!!

Eye protection should be worn at ALL TIMES while working. 

Masks should be washed at home regularly.  

Margolis Companies understands that due to the nature of our work, access to running water for hand washing may be impractical.  In these situations, Margolis will provide, if available, alcohol based  hand sanitizer. 

Hand washing is mandatory and crucial for everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and often.

Use hand sanitizer when washing is not available. 

GENERAL SAFETY POLICIES:

Margolis Employees must avoid physical contact with others and direct workers to increase personal space to at least 6 feet where possible. 

All in- person meetings will be limited. To the extent possible, meetings shall be conducted by telephone, email, and text. 

OSHA RECORDKEEPING:

If a confirmed case of employee COVID-19 is reported, Margolis Companies will determine if it meets the criteria for record-ability and report-ability under OSHA’s record keeping rule.