Do COVID Rules in the Michigan Workplace Mean Employees Cannot Return to Personal Work?

LANSING, Mich. – Has it extension of COVID-19 emergency workplace rules in Michigan does all employees have to work remotely for another six months?

It is a common point of confusion among many Michiganders. These rules do not prohibit employees from returning to the workplace, but they do require employers to provide employees with that opportunity, if possible.

Here is the exact wording in the MIOSHA release

“Under contingency rules, employers must continue to implement policies that require remote work for employees where remote work is feasible, to ensure that the transmission of COVID-19 is minimized. While in-person work is allowed when remote work is not feasible, remote work is recommended as a strategy to minimize personal contact and is included in CDC and federal OSHA guidelines for protecting employees in the workplace. “

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Essentially, it means that if someone can do a task remotely, that’s what they should be doing for the next six months.

From now on, this extension is in effect until October 14, 2021. But the rules can be changed or withdrawn at any time, officials said. The original order was due to expire Wednesday (April 14).

Any company that resumes or continues personal work must follow these protocols:

• Keep a written COVID-19 preparedness and response plan.

• Provide thorough training for employees.

• Treat workplace infection control practices.

• Teach employees how to use personal protective equipment.

• Outline the steps for employees to notify the company of COVID-19 symptoms or infections.

• Make sure employees know how to report unsafe working conditions.

“MIOSHA’s emergency rules help keep us all safe by ensuring employers implement safety standards with common sense to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “When employers maintain a safe workplace, it gives employees and consumers the confidence to keep our economy going.”