Saying that Michigan businesses and workers are in need of support during the ongoing challenge of the pandemic, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, or simply LEO, is teaming up with the Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration, MIOSHA, to launch a new ambassador program to support them.
LEO and MIOSHA have established the new MIOSHA Ambassador Program to support Michigan businesses to reopen safely amid the ongoing pandemic. The new program offers education and one-on-one guidance to help businesses understand regulations on workplace safety.
Sean Egan, Michigan COVID-19 Workplace Director, says, “Michigan businesses and workers need support during these challenging times,” and adds, “Education is essential with new guidance and directives regularly changing as we continue to battle with COVID-19. Ambassadors will work with businesses to correct any issues. We want to help employers understand and apply directives so they can comply, stay open and stay safe.”
MIOSHA has been working with Michigan employers to help comply with requirements of the Governor’s Executive Orders, CDC guidance and OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19. This program enhances MIOSHA’s consultative services designed and focused on education. Guidance and resources are posted at this link: http://Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety
Ambassadors will visit businesses statewide to offer education and support, with a focus on workplaces with a higher risk of community transmission, including bars, restaurants, retail stores, gas stations, convenience stores, bowling alleys and gyms. Ambassadors will not propose citations nor will they issue penalties.
MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman says, “Collaboration is key in the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19,” adding, “Throughout the pandemic, we’ve heard from many employers and employees wanting to clarify regulations and determine how they apply to their specific workplace. This ambassador effort will bring that education and support directly to businesses across the state.”
State officials warn that as Michigan continues to reopen the economy, employers must operate in compliance with the current Executive Orders and state and federal guidelines. Ambassadors will work with business owners and managers to best implement safety directives to help ensure a safe workplace for employees and customers. Ambassadors will utilize the Ambassador Assessment to evaluate safety precautions are put in place and will provide a toolkit of resources for additional ongoing support.
Educational materials in the Ambassador toolkit can be found at: http://Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety and include:
- Sample COVID-19 preparedness and response plan
- Re-opening checklist
- Posters
- MIOSHA guidelines
- Factsheets for both the employer and employee
Steve Claywell, President of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, says, “Ensuring the business community creates safe workplaces is key to slow the spread of the virus and protect our workers,” but cautions, “Michigan can only continue to reopen and keep people working if we all act responsibly. If we all do our part, we can maintain the progress we’ve made against the virus as more Michiganders get back to work.”
Gerry Anderson, DTE Energy Executive Chairman and Co-Chair of the Michigan Economic Recovery Council, says, “Helping the business community to create safe workplaces has been key to limiting the spread of the virus,” and adds, “Michigan’s ability to reopen the remaining portions of our economy depends on all of us remaining disciplined and doing our part – both at work and at home.”
Doug Rothwell, President and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan, argues, “Support for people and businesses during this time is critical,” warning, “We have to be vigilant and work together to support a strong economy and limit the spread of the virus. But it all starts with education. Business owners want to do their part, but they need to know exactly what is required of them.”
Meanwhile, Brian Calley, President of Small Business Association of Michigan, says, “Business owners face a fluid set of complex issues regarding COVID-19 that require support to navigate,” and adds, “As guidance from the state continues to evolve, with different rules governing various regions and industries, business owners need to know exactly what they mean and how to apply them. Ongoing education is necessary to keep the economy moving.”
