In order to be completely transparent in our COVID-19 practices, as we believe every company should be, we have posted our company's policies regarding safety & health during this epidemic. We, at Horticult, believe it is imperative for everyone (employee or not) to practice the necessary safety precautions when it comes to the prevention of spreading COVID.

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Policy brief & purpose

This company policy includes the measures we are actively taking to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. As a Horticult employee you are kindly requested to follow all these rules diligently, to sustain a healthy and safe workplace in this unique environment. It’s important that we all respond responsibly and transparently to these health precautions. We assure you that we will always treat your private health and personal data with high confidentiality and sensitivity.

 

This coronavirus (COVID-19) company policy is susceptible to changes with the introduction of additional governmental guidelines. If so, we will update you as soon as possible by email.

 

Scope

This coronavirus policy applies to all of our employees who physically work in our office, greenhouse, & shipping location. We strongly recommend to our remote working personnel to read through this action plan as well, to ensure we collectively and uniformly respond to this challenge. We applaud Saul Nurseries, our main plant provider, & their employees for taking exemplary measures.

Policy elements

Here, we outline the required actions employees should take to protect themselves and their co-workers from a potential coronavirus infection.

Sick leave arrangements:

• If you have cold symptoms, such as cough/sneezing/fever, or feel poorly, request sick leave or work from home.

• If you have a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, you can return to the office only after you’ve fully recovered, with a doctor’s note confirming your recovery.

Traveling/commuting measures:

• All events will be cancelled/postponed until further notice.

• In-person meetings should be done virtually where possible, especially with non-company parties (e.g. candidate interviews and partners).

• If you normally commute to the office by public transportation and do not have other alternatives make sure to take the necessary precautions (wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer, staying 6 feet or more away from other passengers).

General hygiene rules:

• ALWAYS WEAR A MASK DURING THE WORK DAY. We understand wearing a mask in the greenhouse can be difficult due to the climate, but we insist you keep your mask on at all times.

• Wash your hands after using the toilet, before eating, and if you cough/sneeze into your hands (follow the 20-second hand-washing rule). You can also use the sanitizers you’ll find around the office, greenhouse, & shipping facility. 

• Be sure to wash hands & apply sanitizer before beginning shipping procedures.

• Cough/sneeze into your sleeve, preferably into your elbow. If you use a tissue, discard it properly and clean/sanitize your hands immediately.

• Avoid touching your face, particularly eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands to prevent from getting infected.

• If you find yourself coughing/sneezing on a regular basis, avoid close physical contact with your coworkers and take extra precautionary measures (such as requesting sick leave).