LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — As Michigan continues to experience a flattening of COVID-19 cases, state leaders are preparing for what re-opened workplaces may look like.
On Monday Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that she has signed a new executive order mandating all businesses reopening for in-person activities to submit a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan.
Those businesses that opt to re-open must submit their plan to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity by June 1st, just four days after the “stay home, stay safe” executive order is set to expire.
Whitmer laid out details of her new workplace restrictions during an afternoon press conference, saying that organizations would have to make their preparedness and response plan publicly available to workers and customers.
Training would also be required for workers and management on how to comply with federal and state health guidelines:
- Training on medically-approved workplace infection control practices
- Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Steps for notifying the employer of possible COVID-19 symptoms and suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19
- Reporting unsafe working conditions
The newly-instated safety restrictions require that workplaces provide access to PPE for employees and that workers remain at least 6 feet apart from others to the maximum extent possible.
“Going to work is going to feel different for a little while, these are big changes and we’re all adapting to them,” said Whitmer. “But they’re absolutely necessary for the continued protection of our families, and they’re crucial as we continue to phase-in sectors of our economy in regions across Michigan.”
In addition to health restrictions for reopened workplaces, Whitmer also announced that beginning Friday she is relaxing restrictions for some businesses in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
That measure includes allowing retail outlets and offices to begin work again, with restaurants and bars able to open up at 50% capacity.
The governor has signed a directive to help coordinate the reopenings and worker safety precautions by creating a Director of COVID-19 workplace safety position in the state’s labor department.
“They’ll work around the clock to make sure that everyone is following the rules. These rules are not optional. They will be enforced,” said Whitmer.
Whitmer says that while the workplace safety mandates must be complied with by employers, she is willing to work with them to develop solutions.
“The Governor’s actions make sure that as we reengage our economy, workplaces are safe for employees and customers,” said Jeff Donofrio, Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “The Director of COVID-19 Workplace Safety will help to coordinate safety guidelines across workplaces and ensure workers and employers know the latest ways to keep us safe.”
