A Message from AOLP on COVID-19
The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals leadership and staff urges all members and industry professionals to make sure you and your team are following the guidance set by public health and safety officials to protect workers, customers and communities from the spread of the coronavirus.
Wherever possible, AOLP supports our members right to work. Our industry is already tuned into safety protocols related to outdoor lighting. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, your workers and the general public are relying on you to continue that commitment to safety.
AOLP encourages its members and all industry professionals to take preventative and follow-up measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Educate
Stay-up-to-date and comply with local, national and international officials’ directives related to the crisis to keep you, your employees and contractors, clients, families and communities safe.
- CDC
- World Health Organization
- U.S. Department of State – Country Specific Travel Information
- Visit the website and social media pages of the governor’s office of your state.
Be Diligent
Take steps that anyone working within your businesses is following social distancing protocols. (maintaining a safe distance of at least six (6) feet from others) as much as practical.
Require sick employees to stay at home; and establish a procedure to follow up.
- Just as you would investigate a workplace injury, investigate suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19, and document your investigation.
- Communicate with both affected and non-affected employees on the status of the suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case, but do not communicate the name of affected individuals or specific medical diagnoses. Where there is a confirmed case of COVID-19, notify affected employees and encourage them to seek medical attention. If a suspected case tests negative, notify affected employees and encourage them to return to work.
Monitor your job sites for best practices of COVID-19 prevention. Clean and sanitize work area(s) and/or tools (hand and power), as well as reinforce the guidelines for prevention outlined by CDC with others in the workplace and on the jobsite often.
Consider new ways to conduct business.
- Meet virtually. For meetings, utilize easy to use (and access) tools like Facetime, Google Duo, Google Hangouts, Skype, Zoom, and What’s App Video. Employ affordable, and sometimes free, file share platforms, like WeTransfer, Dropbox, Google Drive and others.
- Co-design with your clients. It’s likely now that your customers are spending more time at home, they will be using their outdoor living space more. Ask clients to do a virtual tour and give their vision for their outdoor space.
- Communicate with your past and current clients.
- Reach out virtually, and let them know the extent you are working.
- Utilize your email marketing and social media campaigns for your community to get to know you better.
- Share outdoor lighting and living photos and stories that inspire your clients
- Highlight new trends, cool projects and collaborative efforts
- Talk to customers about the health benefits of their outdoor space
- Connect with your community. Tell stories and share information about good work that people and businesses in your community are doing during this trying time
- Educate your community about your experience, certifications, affiliations (like, AOLP) and everything that is special about you and your company
Financial Help for Small Businesses
- The Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering designated states low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Small business owners in all U.S. states and territories are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now.
- SBA Disaster Assistance Resources
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans
- SBA Coronavirus Disaster Loans
- U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program
AOLP is a Community that Cares
Connect with AOLP members through our social media platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn
AOLP leadership and staff are here to serve you. We will provide information as it is available.