As of June 15, Michigan’s governor has eased some of the “Stay Home. Stay Safe.” restrictions and many employers are re-opening their doors. For months, essential workers have been going to work every day to maintain health care services and provide groceries and other necessities. However, hundreds of thousands of employees are just starting to return to work.
Staying Safe at Work
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) have issued COVID-19 workplace guidelines for both employers and employees. The guidelines are based on current information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and are designed to keep employees and customers safe.
As you return to work, you can expect some changes based on these guidelines, such as:
Health Screenings. You should expect to complete a health questionnaire and possibly have your temperature taken each time you come to work. Employees who exhibit a fever or other COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to work. If you are sick, please stay home.
Social Distancing. Just like standing in line at the grocery story, you should maintain six feet of space between yourself and your coworkers while at work. Your employer should make necessary adjustments for you and your coworkers to do this.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Masks must be work whenever you cannot consistently maintain six-feet of separation, if you are medically able. Other PPE may be required depending on your risk of exposure while at work. Employers must provide the required PPE.
Wash your hands. Employers should provide a place to wash hands or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Know your plan. Employers are required to communicate their COVID-19 plan with staff. If you have not seen your company’s plan, ask to see it as soon as possible to understand how you and your employer can work together to decrease the spread of the coronavirus.
Back to Work Resources
There are many resources available to help you understand your and your employer’s responsibilities as you return to the workplace. Here are a few for employees in Michigan:
- MIOSHA and LEO COVID-19 Workplace Guidelines: https://bit.ly/2YGUbvW
- MI Safe Start Plan: https://bit.ly/2N8pkTC
- State of Michigan Employee Guidance and Resources: https://bit.ly/2zJnfuc
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