Up North Progressive

In Lansing today, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration have online resources available for businesses to better follow Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s latest Executive Order. This order requires workers and customers in all businesses open to the public wear a mask while inside or in crowded spaces. Anyone who fails to comply must be refused service. Anyone violating the executive order is guilty of a misdemeanor and could pay a fine up to $500.00.

Businesses now must post signs instructing customers it is now illegal to enter without wearing a face covering. A printable poster is available online along with fact sheets, posters, guidelines, videos, and reopening checklist to keep workers and workspace safe during the pandemic. Jeff Donofrio, Director of LEO stated:

“By requiring everyone in their establishment to mask up, Michigan businesses can help keep their employees, workplaces and customers safe. Employers who violate the Governor’s Executive Orders, CDC guidance and OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID19 create additional hazards for workers and put the public at risk. We all must do our part to prevent the spread of this virus.”

The effectiveness of face coverings has been proven in studies such as one conducted in Germany during their response to slowing down infection of COVID in their population. The University of Washington provided scientific evidence that if 95% of the population wore masks in public, it could save the lives of 40,000 Americans. Goldman Sachs found that if the US required everyone to wear a mask, it would spare the nation’s GDP by 5 percent.

A list of best practices that employees need to use to protect themselves and their customers include:

• Wash hands regularly for at least 20 seconds using warm water and soap.
• Maintain 6 feet of social distancing with others.
• Clean and disinfect frequently surfaces and tools.
• If someone or you in your home are sick stay home.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice self-screenings to check for any abnormal/new symptoms

For questions about workplace safety contact MIOSHA by calling 855-723-3219. To learn more about protecting Michigan’s workforce during the pandemic or visit Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety. You can find more information on staying safe during the COVID pandemic at Mask Up Michigan.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at michigan.gov/coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.