Do Michigan Workplace COVID rules mean employees can’t go back to work in person?

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

It is a common point of confusion for many Michiganders. These rules do not prohibit employees from returning to the workplace, but require employers to give this option to workers, whenever possible.

Here is the exact wording in the MIOSHA version:

“According to emergency regulations, employers must continue to implement policies that require remote work for employees when remote work is possible, to help ensure that the transmission of COVID-19 is mitigated as much as possible. allows in-person work when remote work is not feasible, remote work is recommended as a strategy to minimize in-person contact, and included in the CDC and federal OSHA guide to protect employees in the workplace “.

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It basically means that if someone can do a job remotely, that’s what they should be doing for the next six months.

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 But the rules can be adjusted or withdrawn at any time, officials said.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

Any company that resumes or continues working in person must follow these protocols:

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

• Provide comprehensive training to employees.

• Cover workplace infection control practices.

• Teach employees how to use personal protective equipment.

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

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

“MIOSHA’s emergency regulations help keep us all safe by ensuring that employers apply common sense safety rules to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.” Governor Gretchen Whitmer dit. “When employers keep a secure job, it gives workers and consumers the confidence to keep our economy moving.”