[Michlib-l] MIOSHA launches a State Emphasis Program on Worker Protections in Offices, Remote Work Policies

Thu Nov 12 17:19:43 EST 2020

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As COVID-19 cases rise, State emphasizes worker protections in offices, remote work policies...

[LEO COVID-19 Announcement]

As COVID-19 cases rise, State emphasizes worker protections in offices, remote work policies

MIOSHA focuses efforts on protecting workers in traditional office settings

To further protect workers from the increased spread of COVID-19, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) launched a State Emphasis Program (SEP) focused on office settings that addresses the need for increased vigilance, education and enforcement on remote work policies.

Workplaces continue to be a significant source of spread and outbreaks as Michigan battles COVID-19 throughout the state. On November 5, the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported 18 new outbreaks from the previous week tied to office settings and is continuing to track 21 outbreaks tied to offices previously reported. It is imperative that employers implement the mitigation strategies and promote remote work to alleviate potential outbreaks.

"Workplace outbreaks are increasing along with the state's community numbers," said Director of COVID-19 Workplace Safety Sean Egan. "While employers are working hard to mitigate the spread, congregation of individuals whether at the workplace or a social gathering can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in our communities."

In MIOSHA's COVID-19 Emergency Rules,<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDExMTIuMzAzNjgxODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5taWNoaWdhbi5nb3YvZG9jdW1lbnRzL2xlby9GaW5hbF9NSU9TSEFfUnVsZXNfNzA1MTY0XzcucGRmP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.5pcUbA0Y7hB-i0tCqscU4n2U1WxsjBJGfCAciL1tAQY%2Fs%2F1182990176%2Fbr%2F88666558438-l&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7Cb87bb48ffe9f4915011508d88756bd2d%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C1%7C637408153899153827%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=zX5mHCiqMDzoK9PcKf%2BneSQEPgQgoJimVDBq2EPQyoo%3D&reserved=0> employers are required to create a policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely. Under statute, MIOSHA can cite employers, require abatement, and fine them up to $7,000 for failing to produce a remote work policy or if the employer's preparedness and response plan is non-compliant.

The focus of this SEP is to educate and seek compliance with guidelines and rules that will protect workers in office locations where community spread of COVID-19 is a risk. Under the Emergency Rules, employers must prohibit in-person work to the extent feasible to minimize the presence of individuals congregating in work settings where COVID-19 may spread. MDHHS also issued guidance<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDExMTIuMzAzNjgxODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5taWNoaWdhbi5nb3YvZG9jdW1lbnRzL2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMjExMDVfR3VpZGFuY2VfZm9yX2VtcGxveWVyc183MDcwODNfNy5wZGY_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.fiHA-dj4Q9WOCX5p_BwT37RJkoynvCJxLdx3--5K3e0%2Fs%2F1182990176%2Fbr%2F88666558438-l&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7Cb87bb48ffe9f4915011508d88756bd2d%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C1%7C637408153899153827%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=ORS6f%2FZ6zpgF4HJKJ9gzEZwvTWVY5Z3HLrGiKvv5TNc%3D&reserved=0> last week including recommendations for remote work in office settings.

"Employers must prohibit in-person work when an employee's duties can feasibly be completed away from the office. Remote work for office employees is a crucial mitigation strategy to contain the spread of COVID-19," said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman. "Some workplaces, including offices, seem to be lax on requiring certain protocols. As our numbers rise, all workplaces in Michigan must promote and continue remote work to the absolute maximum. Congregating in any setting leads to potential spread and remote work helps mitigate some degree of congregation."

Read the full press release<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDExMTIuMzAzNjgxODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5taWNoaWdhbi5nb3YvbGVvLzAsNTg2Myw3LTMzNi03Njc0MS01NDQ5MjItLSwwMC5odG1sP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.guK2NO76vpzIyJUsXFDfix-CpekUU1DET35LDOXDa7g%2Fs%2F1182990176%2Fbr%2F88666558438-l&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7Cb87bb48ffe9f4915011508d88756bd2d%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C1%7C637408153899163793%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=jxT5JvK6almyy%2FpfYHMf1amrN%2BAv7MRYtigBq116KQI%3D&reserved=0>.
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Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health may contact MIOSHA using the new hotline at 855-SAFE-C19 (855-723-3219).

To report health and safety concerns in the workplace, go to Michigan.gov/MIOSHAcomplaint<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDExMTIuMzAzNjgxODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5taWNoaWdhbi5nb3YvbGVvLzAsNTg2Myw3LTMzNi05NDQyMl8xMTQwN18xNTMzMy05MzgzNS0tLDAwLmh0bWw_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.qj5-YhOH_95Ew0o_cg4Mu5PReokNwpwC8pbGock9TjA%2Fs%2F1182990176%2Fbr%2F88666558438-l&data=04%7C01%7Cwhites29%40michigan.gov%7Cb87bb48ffe9f4915011508d88756bd2d%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C1%7C637408153899163793%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=ahBaseSQKut92GVorXcJAyiR6t18cdcoO%2BzlmJQsmP4%3D&reserved=0>.

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