Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-145 was quietly released on July 9th. This new Executive Order specifically outlined increased employer responsibilities in response to COVID-19.
Here are some of the highlights of the newly revised requirements.
All businesses who have employees report in person must:
Implement a Preparedness & Response Plan aligned with OSHA requirements
Designate an individual to implement, monitor, & report COVID-19 control strategies
Provide COVID-19 training to employees
Post workplace signs in primary language of employees
Conduct daily self-screening protocol of symptoms
Keep employees 6’ apart, whenever possible
Provide masks (non-medical grade okay)
Require use of masks when employees are less than 6’ apart or in shared spaces, including during in-person meetings and in restrooms and hallways
Increase cleaning
Make cleaning supplies available and allow for time to sanitize or wash hands
Immediately report any confirmed case of COVID-19
Restrict travel to business essential only
Promote remote work
Offices must also:
Implement spacing and entry points to reduce congestion
Restrict use of non-essential common space (i.e., cafeterias)
Provide guidance with visual cues for movement
Prohibit social gatherings / meetings that don’t allow for social distancing
Provide disinfecting supplies and require employees to wipe down workstations 2x daily
Post good hygiene signs
Disinfect high-touch surfaces
Minimize shared items
Implement cleaning & communication protocols when employees are sent home with symptoms
Provide notification of confirmed cases / potential exposure to employees
Suspend all non-essential visitors
Restrict non-essential travel, including in-person conference events