Working to be as proactive as possible in preparation for additional sectors of the Michigan economy to re-open in the coming days and weeks, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration — MIOSHA — within the Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has launched a new online COVID-19 Workplace Safety site – Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety – which provides guidance and a toolkit of resources to keep workplaces safe as various sectors reopen.
With the continued risk spreading the virus, MIOSHA says everyone in the workplace must take necessary precautions. The site includes MIOSHA issued guidelines, posters for employees and customers, factsheets, educational videos and a reopening checklist – all of which will help businesses safely reopening their doors.
LEO Director Jeff Donofrio says, “As we reengage our economy and begin the long road back to our normal routines, it’s critical that we do so safely.” adding, “The new portal is designed to make the process of reopening safely easier and equip businesses and their staff with the resources necessary to protect themselves from the spread of COVID-19.”
In addition to the general workplace guidelines for employer and employees, MIOSHA provided further clarification on necessary steps several other sectors must take when reopening. You can see specific guidelines by business sector by clicking the link for each sector. Those sectors include:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Offices
- Research Laboratories
- Restaurants and Bars
- Retail
- Outpatient Healthcare
The site also provides guidance on how employers create and make available to employees and customers, a written exposure control plan which includes exposure determination and outlines measures that will be taken to prevent employee exposure to COVID-19, including as appropriate:
- Engineering controls
- Administrative controls
- Hand hygiene and environmental surface disinfection
- Personal protective equipment
- Health surveillance
- Training
- Incorporating the latest guidance for COVID-19 from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Governor’s Executive Orders
MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman says, “Our first priority is to protect workers from the spread of COVID-19,” and adds, “Employers, employees, and customers who follow these guidelines will help ensure that everyone returns home safe at the end of the day.”
The best practices that employees should follow to be vigilant in protecting themselves from exposure to COVID-19 include:
- Wash hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water,
- Limit contact with others by remaining six feet apart,
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and tools routinely,
- Stay home if you or someone in your household is sick,
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and
- Practice self-screenings to check for any abnormal/new symptoms.
Those with questions regarding workplace safety and health may contact MIOSHA using the new hotline at 855-SAFEC19 (855-723-3219).
To report health and safety concerns in the workplace, go to michigan.gov/MIOSHAcomplaint.
