Advocacy News – May 13, 2021
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) is working to make Michigan’s COVID-19 Workplace Safety Rules permanent. That’s right — permanent.
The proposed rules are wide-reaching and would impact businesses of all sizes and types across all industries. Businesses would have to create and promote remote work policies; conduct health screenings of employees; require social distancing and masks of customers and staff; ensure enhanced cleaning protocols; and more. These requirements could continue, even if the science evolves and/or the Center for Disease Control (CDC) changes its guidance. The requirement could also continue well beyond the expected expiration of the state’s current Epidemic Orders from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Given Governor Whitmer’s recent announcement that Michigan is working to ease restrictions as more and more people get vaccinated through the “Vacc to Normal” plan, we are confused and frustrated with the mixed messaging and that the Administration continues to push forward with these permanent rules. No other state in the nation has COVID-19 workplace mandates of this type or scope. Michigan shouldn’t either.
To fight back against these rules, we need your help. Join other job providers from across the state in speaking out against this nonsensical power grab. Sample talking points can be found HERE:
Share your story and voice concerns about these unhelpful rules in advance of MIOSHA’s public hearing on May 26.
Comments on the proposed rules may be made by email or postal mail until 5 p.m. on May 26 to MIOSHA, attention Toscha Klopp. Email: kloppt@michigan.gov or mail: Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity – MIOSHA, Technical Services Division, Standards and FOIA Section – 530 West Allegan Street – P.O. Box 30643 – Lansing MI 48909-8143.
Participate in MIOSHA’s virtual public hearing on May 26 at 9 a.m. via phone, web or Microsoft Teams and speak out in opposition to these rules. If you plan to speak you should email MIOSHA, attention Toscha Klopp, at kloppt@michigan.gov with your name and who you will be representing in your remarks. To join the meeting:
Web: Visit http://www.michigan.gov/mioshastandards and scroll down to “Committees and Public Hearings” and click on the “Advisory Committees and Public Hearings” link. A new page will open, and you will scroll down to the box titled “Public Hearings” and click on the “Join Microsoft Teams Meeting” link there.
Phone: Call (248) 509-0316 and enter Password/Conference Code: 107 137 372#
Contact Wendy Block at 517-371-7678 or wblock@michamber.com to learn more about how you can aid in the Chamber’s fight to ensure that job providers are not permanently handcuffed by these uncompetitive regulations.