In late August, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) issued a round of COVID-19 “general duty” citations, citing six different businesses with serious violations for failing to uphold safe and healthy practices, potentially putting workers in harm’s way.
“We’re focused on education first so employers know what they must do to safely reopen. But a failure to follow guidelines puts everyone at risk. While these citations are necessary to prevent potential serious illness, they are not a reflection of the tremendous cooperation we have seen from employers and their workers across the state,” Michigan COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director Sean Egan said in a statement. “A vast majority of businesses are doing their part to keep our economy open by following the proper guidance.”
The MIOSHA “general duty” clause requires an employer to provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm to the employee. A general duty clause citation carries a fine of up to $7,000.
On-site inspections conducted by MIOSHA’s general industry and construction industry enforcement divisions determined six companies allegedly committed serious violations by failing to implement necessary precautions to protect employees from contracting COVID-19. Deficiencies included a lack of health screenings, face coverings, employee training, cleaning measures and overall preparedness plans.
The cited companies had 15 working days from receipt of the MIOSHA citations to contest the violations and penalties. The citations include suggestions to fix the hazards to protect employees. Employers must provide proof to MIOSHA that abatement has been completed.
The first group of MIOSHA COVID-19 general duty citations were issued to the following companies in Michigan:
- United Shore Financial Services LLC based in Pontiac
- UPS distribution facility based in Livonia
- Speedway LLC, gas station and convenience store location based in Waterford
- Coop’s Iron Works, a fitness center based in Saginaw
- Dan Freed, a residential contractor based in Eaton Rapids
- Hills Roofing LLC based in Niles
To get open and stay open, MIOSHA urges every employer to familiarize themselves with the information at Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety.
Source: MIOSHA
Topics Commercial Lines Business Insurance Michigan COVID-19
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