March 18, 2020

Re: COVID-19 Safety Measures

In lieu of the recent global event involving the coronavirus or COVID-19, it is of utmost importance that the safety of our employees, contractors, clients and service providers is our highest priority. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, but risk ranked contracting the virus as low. However, with the virus’s rapidly changing situation and the worldwide risk rising, we strongly encourage everyone’s active participation to mitigate its overall impact.

To help protect against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses alike, consider the following:

• Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, up to the wrist, and for a minimum of 20 seconds;
• Covering your mouth, using a tissue or your elbow when coughing;
• Regularly cleaning/disinfecting common surfaces and devices you touch or hold;
• Social distancing; and
• Staying at home and away from others if you are feeling ill

In addition, we are recommending restricting voluntary travel and closely monitoring the Government of Canada guidelines and travel advisories. If an employee, contractor, client or service provider has traveled to locations identified in the travel advisories; been in contact with persons travelling from those locations; or is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 (tiredness, difficulties breathing, fever, cough and/or sore throat), they are required to notify a Hamm supervisor via phone call, remove themselves from site (if required), and self-isolate at home unless medical assistance is required. A medical clearance may be requested prior to returning to work.

Based on the most recent government advisories, any employee returning from international travel is required to self-isolate for 14 days upon return. A medical clearance may be requested prior to returning to work.

While the Public Health Agency of Canada continues to assess the public health risk of COVID-19, we are also encouraging people to take their mental health and wellness into account. Please consider the following coping methods:

• Stick to the facts communicated by public-health agencies or medical professionals;
• Keep things in perspective;
• Follow prevention tips to stay healthy;
• Practice stress and anxiety management; and
• If you qualify, seek help from the Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

In the case that the situation evolves, and the risk assessment changes, so will our precautionary measures. At this time, we will continue to monitor the situation and our core operations will continue without disruption. Although uncertain, if our position changes, we will provide updates to protect the health and well-being of the company and its employees.

Sincerely,

 

Bob Hamm

President