Health & Safety Plan
Your health and safety is Anderson Ranch’s top priority. Anderson Ranch prioritizes safety by having up-to-date protocols, and safety orientations that follow all relevant guidelines and best practices.
The Ranch campus is made up of historic buildings with unique architectural character. As program participants navigate the art studios and facilities, it’s important to note the presence of uneven surfaces, stairs, gravel walkways, and other distinctive features. Please be aware that not all buildings may be ADA accessible. Should you require accommodations or have concerns regarding accessibility, please reach out to Registration in advance. We are committed to fostering inclusivity and will make every effort to accommodate your needs within given limitations.
We will strive to make the most informed, carefully considered decisions we can regarding health and safety policies at the Ranch. We rely on you to follow guidelines listed below and those provided to you by staff carefully and responsibly. Anderson Ranch staff will assist you with your health and safety needs to the best of our ability, however we are not responsible for medical costs or costs associated with changes to accommodations or travel plans.
Anderson Ranch reserves the right to revise health and safety protocols at any time. Please review all Anderson Ranch communications for updates that may impact your visit.
Requirements for Program Participants
Studio program participants are required to complete the Pre-Arrival Form ten days before arrival at Anderson Ranch. The form collects key information and asks participants to certify their agreement to follow Anderson Ranch policies and procedures while on campus. It also includes a waiver that participants or their guardians (if the participant is under 18) are required to review and sign prior to arriving on campus.
Once on campus, studio participants are required to:
- Attend a general orientation
- Participate in a studio safety orientation(s)
- Follow all protocols and guidelines listed below and provided to you by staff carefully and responsibly.
For your own safety as well as the safety of our community, we highly encourage all program participants to:
- Be up to date with all recommended CDC vaccinations
- Carry health and travel insurance.
- Bring appropriate footwear to navigate gravel walkways, historic buildings, and various weather conditions.
- Bring any safety or medical supplies you may need while on campus, including personal protective equipment and any preferred studio safety equipment.
Program participants are responsible for all medical costs incurred and associated with their time at Anderson Ranch.
Safety Policy
Anderson Ranch has a zero-tolerance policy for physical violence. Individuals who engage in any form of violence at Anderson Ranch, or who threaten violence on campus can face disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
“Violence” includes but is not limited to physically harming another individual, shoving, pushing, kicking, harassing, intimidating or coercing behavior, physical “horseplay” (regardless of intent), brandishing a weapon (or anything that could be used as one), etc. Threats of violence include, but are not limited to, threatening, intimidating or coercive language or talking or engaging in those activities defined as “violence” or other conduct that is perceived as potentially harmful. Joking about violence will not be tolerated.
It is the intent of this policy to ensure that individuals never feel threatened by another individual’s actions or conduct. Individuals also have a right not to be exposed to violent, intimidating, or threatening behavior from other’s families, other providers, vendors, consultants, or other visitors.
All actual or threatened violence, both direct and indirect, including threats should be reported as soon as possible to the individual’s immediate supervisor or any other member of management.
The Ranch specifically prohibits the possession of weapons by any person while on Ranch property, or maintaining a weapon in a vehicle in any Ranch parking area, whether public or private.
Health & Safety Precautions
Anderson Ranch provides the following:
- Safety signage in all buildings and studios
- Essential studio safety gear
- Cleaning and sanitization measures in common areas, studios, and housing accommodations
- Hand sanitizer and disinfection wipes in each building
- Fire Extinguishers and First Aid kits are available in each studio
Other relevant information:
- CPR-trained staff are available, and the campus is equipped with Automatic External Defibrillators.
- Emergency Contacts listed in each building
- Participants are strictly prohibited to enter the studio premises under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The use of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination, and overall cognitive function, posing significant safety risks to oneself and others.
- Frequent review of operational plans for meeting health and safety standards
Fundamental Precautions for Program Participants:
Given the community nature of the Ranch as well as the wide range of facilities and equipment in our studios, it is imperative program participants:
- Be informed and follow all Anderson Ranch safety protocols, including those that are specific to in each studio
- Stay vigilant in studio settings.
- Review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) pertaining to the materials and equipment in studios.
- Be familiar with the appropriate safety measures to mitigate any potential risks or hazards.
- Bring any questions, concerns or clarifications regarding equipment, materials, processes or other matters to a staff member.
- Stay home if you are feeling sick.
- Utilize public health and illness prevention measures (such as hand washing frequently and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze).
Please contact [email protected] or 970-924-5073 if you have any questions or concerns or feel that a health and safety issue on campus needs attention.
Common Ailments
Anderson Ranch is a small community with many shared facilities in close proximity. Program participants should self-screen for any ailments before coming to Anderson Ranch and during your time on campus. At the discretion of Anderson Ranch, program participants experiencing any symptoms of an ailment may be asked to leave the premises or see a medical professional.
Altitude Sickness –
Anderson Ranch Employees will call for a wellness check with local paramedics if you indicate that you are experiencing any symptoms of Altitude Sickness.
- Common Symptoms: Nausea and vomiting, Insomnia, Shortness of breath, Headache, Diarrhea, Constipation, Restlessness, Fast heartbeat, Nasal congestion, Cough, Fatigue, Problems with sleep, Loss of appetite
- Symptoms usually come on within 12 to 24 hours of reaching a higher elevation and then get better within a day or two as your body adjusts to the change in altitude.
- How to minimize your symptoms:
- Take it easy for the first day or so. Physical exertion will affect your response to altitude.
- Eat lightly, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid alcohol. Alcohol aggravates high altitude symptoms. Because you are prone to dehydration and constipation at altitude, drink lots of water and don’t overeat.
- Get plenty of sleep. Overexertion and lack of sleep can result in more severe and persistent altitude symptoms.
- Listen to your body. The symptoms noted above are a warning to decrease your activity and protect yourself. If your symptoms persist or worry you, seek medical care.
Covid-19 –
- Common Symptoms: Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea
- Stay home until your symptoms improve and you have been fever-free (without medication) for 24 hours before returning to your normal activities. Five days of isolation is no longer required. When you go back to your normal activities, take added precautions over the next five days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. See CDPHE COVID-19 guidance for more information.
Seasonal Allergies –
- Common Symptoms: Stuffiness or congestion, Coughing, Runny nose, Itchy, watery eyes, Sneezing, Post nasal drip, Fatigue
- How to minimize your symptoms:
- Over the counter medications
- Close windows and doors to prevent pollen from floating into the house
- Pay attention to daily pollen levels and avoid outdoor activities when levels are high
- Start taking medications before the onset of allergy season
- Rinse off after spending time outside to avoid tracking pollen into bed and onto your pillow
- Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated
Stomach Illness –
- Common Symptoms: Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Stomach cramps and pain, Occasional muscle aches or headache, Low-grade fever
- Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis or food poisoning symptoms may appear within 1-3 days after contact and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may last up to 14 days.
Cold/Flu –
- Common Symptoms: Congestion, Sinus pressure, Runny or stuffy nose, Sneezing, Watery eyes, Headache, Sore throat, Cough, Swollen lymph nodes, Fatigue or general tiredness, Chills, Body aches, Low grade fever below 102°F (38.9°C), Chest discomfort
- Symptoms of a cold typically last for 7 to 10 days. Symptoms tend to peak around day 5 and gradually improve.
Contact Information
For all major medical emergencies, please call 911.
The Anderson Ranch staff wants you to have an excellent experience. For issues or concerns related to the Health and Safety Plan, please email [email protected] or call 970-924-5073.
Community Services Contact Information
- Fire Department: 970-923-2212
- Police Department: 970-923-5330
- Animal Control Services: 970-923-5330
- Aspen Valley Hospital: 970-925-1120
- Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
- Aspen Hope Center: 970-925-5858 (24/7 Crisis Line)
- Mind Springs Health: 844-493-8255 (Crisis Line or text TALK to 38255)
- Snowmass Clinic: (970) 544-1518
- Basalt After Hours Clinic: (970) 544-1250
