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State issues guidelines for employers & employees to mitigate spread of COVID-19

Posted at 1:09 PM, May 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-15 14:57:05-04

(WXYZ) — The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) announced new workplace guidelines for employers and employees as people begin going back to work amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

MIOSHA also created a new hotline to answer questions – 855-SAFEC19 (855-723-3219).

“We have to be smart about protecting our workforce and issuing these guidelines helps us ensure businesses reopen safely,” LEO Director Jeff Donofrio said. “And when employers have the proper guidance to protect their employees and customers, we can all do our part to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and continue to save lives.”

Exposure determination to COVID-19 scales from low to very high and is the leading factor to the level of precaution and employer should take to protect their employees. It also can vary within the same facility.

Employers must create a written control plan which includes exposure determination and outlines measures to be taken to prevent employee exposure to COVID-19 which includes:

  • Engineering controls
  • Administrative controls
  • Hand hygiene and environmental surface disinfection
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Health surveillance
  • Training

“As the governor follows the science and data to re-engage our economy, our first priority is to protect workers from the spread of COVID-19,” MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman said. “If employers follow the workplace guidelines, we can ensure Michiganders can return home healthy and safe.”

Best practices that employees need to followto be vigilant in protecting themselves from exposure to COVID-19:

  • Wash hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water,
  • Limit contact with others by remaining six feet apart,
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and tools routinely,
  • Stay home if you or someone in your household is sick,
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and
  • Practice self-screenings to check for any symptoms.

You can read the guidelines for employees and employers below.

MIOSHA guidelines for emplo... by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd

MIOSHA guidelines for emplo... by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd

Additional Coronavirus information and resources:

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Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.

View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.

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See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.