HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Business owners looking to understand the latest Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration COVID-19 workplace safety guidelines can get an update from Michigan West Coast Chamber’s videochat.
Most recently, the chamber’s marketing director, Caroline Monahan, interviewed Michigan Dept. of Labor’s deputy director, Shawn Egan, on COVID-19 rule changes.
He said consistency is a key component of COVID-19 safety rules and guidelines. While some businesses no longer have to verify workers’ temperatures at the start of each shift, a few rules remain unchanged.
It’s important to have a clear plan, he said, require masks where needed, have a daily cleaning routine, and a clear employee health screening policy.
Eagan said business owners and operators making good-faith efforts are less likely to get state citations. So far, complaints about 400 businesses have been investigated by state officials, but only 35 businesses have been cited by the state for violations. Most business owners and operators do want to follow the rules and will work with state investigators, he said.
A toll-free number, 855-SAFEC19, can help people verify that their businesses are complying with current state rules. The average wait time to reach someone, he said, is just 12 seconds. State officials will consult with business owners/operators at their request — without issuing any citations — to make sure they are following the right guidelines to minimize the spread of the virus.
