UPDATE 10/22/2020: Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) recently promulgated EO 2020-161 by issuing a series of emergency rules. The emergency rules mirror the COVID-19 workplace safety requirements MIOSHA enforces under the General Duty clause for employers to provide a workplace that is free from hazards that could cause physical harm or death to an employee.
The emergency rule took effect on October 14, 2020 and will remain in effect for 6 months.
Read the complete emergency rules here.
To help employers re-open businesses safely and protect the safety and health of employees, Lion News staff is reviewing standards for COVID-19 preparedness, workplace controls, and employee training on a state-by-state basis.
To learn more, view our list of states with COVID-19 programs in place.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an executive order to require all businesses to provide COVID-19 training for employees who must leave their homes to perform their job duties.
In Executive Order 2020-161, the State amends a previously published set a workplace standards to include all businesses and add additional standards for certain industries. This requires all businesses to develop a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan, designate at least one worksite supervisor to implement the plan, and provide training to employees.
What Training is Required?
At a minimum, employers must train their workers on
- Workplace infection-control practices (such as social distancing, proper mask etiquette, cleaning and disinfecting the workplace, etc.);
- Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE);
- How to notify the business of symptoms of illness or a suspected or confirmed diagnoses of COVID-19; and
- How to report unsafe working conditions.
Employers will also be required to document training in the event of an inspection.
For a full list of provisions Michigan businesses must follow,
read the entire executive order here.
Now Available: COVID-19 Safety Awareness Online Training
This week, Lion launched the
COVID-19 Employee Safety Awareness Online Course to help US workplaces re-open safely. As facilities nationwide begin to re-open, it is crucial that employees know how to protect themselves and their co-workers from exposure to COVID-19.
The course prepares employees to:
- Recognize signs, symptoms, and risk factors for COVID-19
- Describe how the COVID-19 disease is transmitted
- Follow recommended hygiene and work protocols to prevent exposure
- Properly use and care for PPE and face coverings, when required
The course is designed to help employers nationwide satisfy COVID-19 employee awareness and training requirements now in place in many states, including Michigan.