The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Friday announced its first round of citations to companies that violate coronavirus safety measures.
“The MIOSHA investigations determined that these six employers clearly did not take the appropriate steps to protect workers and their communities from the spread of COVID-19,” MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman said in a press release.
“These quotes are intended to repeat the employer’s duty. Precautions are needed to establish and maintain a work environment where everyone can return safely and healthily.
MIOSHA, which regulates workplace safety in Michigan, issued the citations under the “general duty” clause requiring employers to clear workplaces of recognized hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or physical harm. cause. The citation carries a fine of up to $ 7,000.
The first round of companies that need to be cited are:
- United Shore Financial Services, LLC, based in Pontiac, let people work in a shared space without masks or stay six feet apart, according to MIOSHA held a meeting of more than 120 people without masks. They were fined $ 6,300.
- The Livonia-based UPS distribution facility did not complete daily health screening of employees or cause them to wear masks if they were unable to stay six feet apart, according to MIOSHA. The company was fined $ 7,000.
- The Speedway, LLC, gas station and convenience store in Waterford allowed employees to not wear face masks properly, did not seek health screens, did not provide free face masks to employees and trained employees not to recognize symptoms of COVID-19, according to MIOSHA. The company was fined $ 6,300.
- Coop’s Iron Works, a Saginaw-based fitness center opened in violation of the governor’s orders, was fined 2.1OS $ 2,100 by MIOSHA for failing to respond to COVID-19, failing to operate health screens, and do not require employees to wear masks if they could not stay six feet apart and do not close steam rooms or saunas.
- Dan Friday, a housing contractor based in Eaton Rapids, allowed workers within six feet of each other if it was possible to work six feet apart, did not require face covering for people less than six feet apart, had no COVID-19 readiness and response plan and had other violations. The company was fined $ 6,400.
- Hills Roofing, LLC, based in Niles, was fined $ 5,300. The allowed workers within six feet of each other when it was possible to work six feet apart, did not require face covering for people less than six feet apart, did not have a COVID-19 preparation and response plan, and had other violations.
The companies have 15 working days to fight the fines. MIOSHA has provided suggestions on how to address the issues for whom they were named, and companies should provide evidence to MIOSHA that they have taken steps to mitigate the issues.
MIOSHA has seen a 500% increase in complaints due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pickleman said at a conference with reporters asking Friday. In 2019, MIOSHA received about 200 complaints per month. Well, it’s 1000 a month.
“Another way to put this is: we’ve had more complaints since March than in all the calendar years ’18 and ’19 combined,” Pickleman said.
The volume of complaints has forced the agency to delay responses. Some companies receive letters, while others receive on-site inspections.
Employers with questions, such as employees wishing to report violations at their workplaces, including anonymously, can contact MIOSHA on a hotline specifically for concerns about COVID-19: 855-SAFE-C19. Employees can also file a complaint online.
Employers can familiarize themselves here with COVID-19 requirements.
The department also works with local health departments to identify employers with outbreaks, said Sean Egan, Michigan COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director.
COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing your hands regularly and not recommending your face, officials advise practicing social distance, assuming everyone carries the virus.
Health officials say you should stay at least 6 feet away from others and work from home, if possible.
Use disinfectant wipes or disinfect spray cleaners on frequently touching surfaces in your home (door handles, faucet, tape tops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go to places like shops.
Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan has also issued executive orders requiring people to wear face masks over their mouths and noses when they are in public indoor and outdoor areas. See an explanation of what that means here.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19 in Michigan, visit https://www.mlive.com/coronavirus/data/.
