Businesses now face up to $7,000 in fines for major violations of Gov. Whitmer's COVID-19 executive orders. | Stock photo
Businesses now face up to $7,000 in fines for major violations of Gov. Whitmer's COVID-19 executive orders. | Stock photo
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) is asking Michigan residents to tip them off about any perceived violations of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as they conduct an inspection and enforcement operation dubbed a "State Emphasis Program."
The operation will target "retail, restaurant, bar and service industry establishments," according to a news release from the Michigan Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division's State Emergency Operations Center. Retail establishments are further enumerated to include locations such as grocery stores and gas stations.
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio is quoted in the release as saying that the intent of the operation is to help establishments "educate employees and customers on best practices and assure that all workplaces remain safe for the community."
In addition to conducting inspections "by referral," the release states that MIOSHA will also conduct random inspections as part of the enforcement operation.
"If the inspections determine major deficiencies in the employer’s COVID-19 preparedness and response plans, citations and penalties up to $7,000 may be issued," the release states.
Bart Pickelman, MIOSHA director, said that establishments will also be evaluated on compliance with existing MIOSHA standards, in addition to those related to Whitmer's COVID-19 executive orders.
Some of the areas of compliance listed in the release include daily temperature screenings of all employees, requiring face covering for all employees and customers, and responding to any report of illness in employees or the public with enhanced cleaning protocols.
In addition to providing information and reporting practices that an individual believes are unsafe, the release states that businesses can seek assistance from the MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training Division in ensuring they are in compliance with MIOSHA regulations and COVID-19 restrictions. The division can be contacts at 517-284-7720 or through their toll-free hotline at 800-866-4674.
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