The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently issued an “Epidemic Order” to last three weeks starting 12:01 am Wednesday November 18, 2020 that would limit the amount of people that could gather and also prohibit inside dining at restaurants and bars. In addition, the order also prohibits in person education for high schools and limits work within the workplace and requires working remoting where possible.
MITA staff has read through the order and feels that the order does not affect field operations for MITA members. Within an infographic that Governor Whitmer presented it lists “manufacturing, construction and other work that is impossible to do remotely can continue.” Construction work on critical infrastructure projects continues to be allowed.
Regarding remote work, a previous Emergency Rule was sited, which states “employer shall create a policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely.” Under a Frequently Asked Questions MIOSHA states “MIOSHA recognizes that employers must determine who may work remotely, as well as those that must report to work. It is essential that businesses have a thoughtful, reasoned policy for why work that is completed in person cannot feasibly be completed remotely.”
The order itself can be found by clicking here, as well as some additional information.
MIOSHA and the Michigan Labor and Economic Opportunity Department will be hosting a virtual event today, Monday, November 16, from 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., regarding the new rules. Sean Egan, Michigan Director of COVID-19 Workplace Safety will be answering questions related to the remote work policies, state expectations and worker’s health and safety requirements. MITA members can join the virtual event by visiting this link.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Mike Nystrom, Executive Vice President at mikenystrom@thinkmita.org, Lance Binoniemi, Vice President of Government Affairs at lancebinoniemi@thinkmita.org, Rob Coppersmith, Vice President of Membership Services at robcoppersmith@thinkmita.org, or Greg Brooks, Director of Safety and Compliance at gregbrooks@thinkmita.org.
