Michigan: Updates MIOSHA’s COVID-19 Rules

APPLIES TO

All Employers with MI Employees

EFFECTIVE

May 24, 2021

QUESTIONS?

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(888) 378-2456

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) recently updated its COVID-19 rules to remove the remote working requirement and most masking and social distancing requirements for fully vaccinated employees.

Additionally, the emergency rules changed some definitions to align with the CDC’s most recent rules, including the definition of “fully vaccinated persons.” In order to show that employees are fully vaccinated and thus exempt from the mask and social distancing requirements, the rules suggest that employers may retain documentation of employees’ vaccination status. Employers are allowed to determine how best to manage the mask and social distancing requirements for unvaccinated employees in their workplace.

Basic infection prevention measures were simplified to: handwashing, workplace exclusion if symptomatic, and proper workplace cleaning and disinfection. Temperature taking is no longer required. The requirement to notify the local public health department of COVID-19 cases was eliminated. The COVID-19 safety coordinator is not required to remain onsite at all times. The rules also eliminated industry-specific requirements, except for healthcare providers.

MIOSHA also withdrew its draft permanent COVID-19 work rules, which means the MIOSHA emergency COVID-19 work rules are in effect until October 14, 2021.

Action Items

  1. Review the newest MIOSHA rules here.
  2. Update written COVID-19 prevention plan and corresponding procedures.
  3. Determine how to manage employee vaccine confirmation.
  4. Train employees on the updated requirements.
  5. Subscribers can call our HR On-Call Hotline at (888) 378-2456 for further assistance.

Disclaimer: This document is designed to provide general information and guidance concerning employment-related issues. It is presented with the understanding that ManagEase is not engaged in rendering any legal opinions. If a legal opinion is needed, please contact the services of your own legal adviser.

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