Questions arise about face covering requirements for outdoor work in hot weather Email
Tuesday, May 26, 2020 03:00 AM

Dust maskRecently, a member posed a question to ALCC regarding state mandates regarding face coverings. While one statement says that masks are to be worn indoors but not necessarily outdoors, the public health order states elsewhere that all essential businesses are to wear masks--with no specification regarding indoors vs. outdoors. The landscape company that approached ALCC noted that "wearing a mask in 90-degree weather is becoming hazardous to their health" and asked for help in getting clarification regarding essential workers who work outdoors. 

In speaking with GreenCO lobbyists, who are closely following health orders and executive orders and related regulations, AlCCreceived the following guidance:

Here are a few lines that would relate to the public health order for landscaping. If outside and six feet apart, masks are not required. Only when dealing directly with customers or interactions with others inside six feet and for safety reasons.
  • Maintain six-foot distancing from other employees and customers
  • Adhere to all general rules or guidance on social gathering limitations when working in the field, including in someone’s business or personal home
  • Require gloves and face coverings or masks for any in-person interactions or work being done in third-party homes or office spaces
  • Require service providers to stay home if showing any symptoms or signs of sickness or if they have had contact with a known positive case
  • Provide estimates, invoices, and other documentation electronically (no paper)
  • Seek contactless payment options (whenever possible)

 Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW:
Gross Reservoir expansion will help meet growing water demand
Anne Campbell is an emerging leader in Colorado's landscape industry

Online certification exam assesses skills remotely

OSHA updates audit policies in light of COVID-19