Michigan’s 6-month office ban extension ‘another defeating blow,’ business groups say
Updated 11:44 AM;
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Michigan’s COVID-19 workplace precautions have been extended through Oct. 14, upsetting business groups that hoped workers could soon return to offices.
A coalition of business groups called Reopen Michigan Safely describes the move as “bad news for our economy.”
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which ultimately answers to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, makes the rules.
“Gov. Whitmer’s inability to find ways to work with job creators to restart our economy is a complete leadership failure that will cause economic pain for Michigan workers for years to come,” said Rich Studley, president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, which is part of Reopen Michigan Safely.
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a certificate of need authorizing an extension of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“MIOSHA”) COVID-19 Emergency Rules (the “Emergency Rules”). The Emergency Rules were originally set to expire on April 14, however, the Administrative Procedures Act allows for one six-month extension. The Emergency Rules may now remain in place through October 14, 2021.
Under the MIOSHA Emergency Rules – issued to replace portions of executive orders deemed unconstitutional by the Michigan Supreme Court – employers are required to put in place a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan. Critically, as part of the response plan, employers must adopt a policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely. The Emergency Rules also dictate that employers must conduct exposure determination
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On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a certificate of need authorizing an extension of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“MIOSHA”) COVID-19 Emergency Rules (the “Emergency Rules”). The Emergency Rules were originally set to expire on April 14, however, the Administrative Procedures Act allows for one six-month extension. The Emergency Rules may now remain in place through October 14, 2021.
Under the MIOSHA Emergency Rules – issued to replace portions of executive orders deemed unconstitutional by the Michigan Supreme Court – employers are required to put in place a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan. Critically, as part of the response plan, employers must adopt a policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely. The Emergency Rules also dictate that employers must condu
Share April 13, 2021, 7:29 AM Remote work continues this spring and perhaps into summer for thousands of Michigan office employees and other indoor wage-earners. A ban on in-person workplaces for jobs that can be done off-site, in effect since Oct. 14, will be extended six months, the governor says. The Covid emergency rule from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration was set to expire Wednesday. The move, which irritates some employers, doesn t necessarily mean indoor work will be prohibited for the full half-year. Slinging jargon worthy of a corporate consultant, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says her administration is working with businesses, labor and public health experts to promulgate what that back-to-work cadence looks like, The Detroit News relays.
Michigan extends COVID business, office rules through Oct. 14
The state of Michigan on Tuesday officially extended its COVID-19 emergency rules for businesses amid a seven-week increase in coronavirus cases in the state.
The new rules, which are largely similar to those currently in place, will be extended through Oct. 14, although state officials emphasized the standards could be adjusted within the six months based on case incidence, vaccination and feedback.
“We want employers to create a safe work environment for their employees, which is why we will continue to work with employees and businesses to help them understand how to safely stay open, said COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director Sean Egan.