Concerned about safe conditions for them when state employees return to their workplaces in the coming weeks and months, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a new Executive Directive (2020-11) she says is designed to protect the nearly 50,000 state employees and their workplaces from the spread of COVID-19.
That new directive from the governor requires state departments and autonomous agencies to develop policies and procedures to protect state employees when they return to work.
Whitmer says, “Our state employees’ tireless efforts on our behalf have saved lives and protected our most vulnerable communities, and we must ensure that when they return to work, they can feel safe from the spread of COVID-19.” She adds, “This executive directive will ensure that every state workplace implements strict safety measures to protect our state employees, their families, and Michiganders everywhere from this virus. I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to protect the people of Michigan from the spread of COVID-19. Remember: mask up, practice safe physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, and get your flu vaccine.”
The governor’s order requires that each state department director and autonomous agency head develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with guidance, regulations, and orders from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and other agencies with authority to regulate the safety of state workplaces.
Return-to-work policies must address, at a minimum, personal protection equipment, social distancing, cleaning, employee screening, procedures for returning employees to work areas, and communication to employees on policies.
To view Executive Directive 2020-11, click the link below:
