March 17, 2020
Coworkers, Clients, Family Members and the General Public
Greetings.
I wanted to take a moment and make a statement to all regarding C.J. Hansen Company’s response and plan as it relates to, what is now being called a global pandemic, COVID-19. Our industry, the type of work that we perform, and the age and general health of our workforce puts us at very low risk of contracting and/or spreading the virus. Nonetheless, we understand and identify that our extended Family and Clients encompass the entire broad range of our society and we are taking this situation very seriously, first and foremost to protect the health and safety of our team, and to collaborate with efforts to prevent additional community spread.
What we have done to date and are prepared to implement as necessary:
*We are monitoring and providing notices and information via the CDC, OSHA, Various Medical Providers and State and Local Government to guide our decision-making process and to inform our Team and any others they many come into contact with in the General Public.
*We have sent out numerous communications to our team about proper personal hygiene and disinfecting of high touch areas and items within our office space, our crew vehicles and any shared equipment. Also, we are empowering all our Team Members to make decisions regarding their/our contact with our Clients and the General Public to limit exposure situations
like requesting alternate facility check in processes and streamlined access to Mechanical Areas requiring our expertise. In addition our Team is empowered to postpone any non-essential services to include Testing and Inspections of Fire-Life & Safety Systems in communication with the Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction as we will get through this shortly and these
can be addressed then.
*Included in these communications are instructions about staying home, self-quarantine, if a team member isn’t feeling well or, and maybe more importantly, has been exposed to someone who is showing flue like symptoms. Along with this the Company is promoting and encouraging physical social distancing practices and pursuing meetings via digital formats to mitigate the necessity of face to face meetings where possible.
We are having communications with out Team and providing clarification on the use of PTO and how the company can support those who may not have sufficient PTO to cover their time off.
*We are attempting to provide hand sanitizer throughout our office spaces as well as in each crew vehicle and while we are finding this very difficult to fully accomplish as these items rarely exist in the market these days, we are making our own when possible.
*We are also attempting to provide disinfectant wipes to all crews and requiring them to wipe down surfaces on their truck, equipment, and work sites. Again, this is currently a difficult task to accomplish fully, just try to buy sanitizing hand wipes on Amazon now, but we are endeavoring to fully comply with this internal policy.
*The majority of our office staff has been asked to work remotely. Our phones will still be answered, and to the best of our abilities, we will maintain business as usual.
*All essential in-person meetings have been moved to online meetings or conference calls. Email is the quickest way to communicate, please call the main line 503.362.3643 for the email address or mobile # of the person you need to make contact with.
*We are attempting to keep all projects on schedule.
*We will honor each customer’s requests for personnel and projects in their buildings or campuses unless otherwise directed by local officials.
*We ask that all subcontractors closely monitor their teams and send anyone experiencing any signs of illness home.
Note: The current guidance for Oregon is any locations with more than 25 people should be curtailed, however essential locations like workplaces are exempted. https://www.oregon.gov/newsroom/Pages/NewsDetail.aspx?newsid=36192
Further; According to OSHA guidance, a construction site would be considered ‘low exposure risk’. (See Exposure Classifications – Pg. #18
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf) –
Lower Exposure Risk (Caution)
Lower exposure risk (caution) jobs are those that do not require contact with people known to be, or suspected of being, infected with SARS-CoV-2 nor frequent close contact with (i.e., within 6 feet of) the general public. Workers in this category have minimal occupational contact with the public and other coworkers
In addition to these immediate actions we also have a plan in place should the situation become more severe and restricted as indicated by the Local Authorities. Our goal will be to continue to provide your service in an uninterrupted manner and we ask for your understanding and flexibility should the situation demand a more dramatic response. We will all be suffering from shortages both as a result of lack of Stock and Delays in Shipping as we navigate this unique time in our History. We will do all that we can to accommodate the real and true need of our Clients and Coworkers, which if I may project at this time, is Fear. Our team’s and the community’s health and safety will always be our first priority.
I don’t think any of us could have imagined the situation we all find ourselves in today but at this point taking this threat seriously and working together as a community we are optimistic that we can control the spread of this novel virus.
Take care. Keep Calm and Wash your Hands.
Most Respectfully,
C. Jay Hansen V.P., COO.
C. J. Hansen Co., Inc.