The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is reporting 28 documented COVID-19 outbreaks in office-setting workplaces around the state. Office settings make up 5% of all documented outbreaks, and 7% of new outbreaks identified in the last week.
In a press conference last week, Governor Whitmer said that MIOSHA would be, “increasing its scrutiny on the remote work policies established by the Michigan business community and, primarily, those policies that revolve around offices.”
This week MIOSHA is expected to announce a new state emphasis program for office work which will reinforce rules enacted by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity on October 14th.
Whitmer said, “Under statutes, 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 noncompliant.”
Employers must create a policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely.
MDHHS is also reporting 8.3% of current outbreaks are in manufacturing and construction workplaces.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
