COVID-19 Employer Resources

Our Mission: To provide key employer services and information in support of talent and workforce development.
Our Vision: To be the leading employer's resource in West Michigan.

Please note – information on this page is for informational purposes and should not be regarded as legal counsel.  Samples, services and products have not been endorsed on vetted by EA .  Every organization has unique circumstances and use parameters and should vet for their own use and consult legal counsel as warranted.

Email questions to lisasabourin@eawm.net

Upcoming Roundtables

We welcome anyone to try a Roundtable at no charge as we have been running them for 30+ years.  If you wish to continue throughout the season there is an investment. Click here to see information on all Roundtables.

There will be NO April Roundtables, all Roundtables will resume for their last meeting in May.

American Rescue Plan extends FFCRA and Unemployment Benefits

Read more here from Warner, Norcross & Judd

 

Return-to-Office Work Q & A

In case you missed it, Sean Egan, Michigan COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director, hosted a live Q & A about the new Return-to-Office Workgroup and answer your most pressing questions about the recommendations this workgroup will develop for a phased return to office work amidst the pandemic.

View the full video and the presentation for additional information.

Learn more about the State’s Return-to-Office Workgroup.

VACCINES

The following is protocol for essential employers to register their company so that their employees may receive vaccination:

Individuals who believe they personally apply because

Other resources:

MERCY Health has testing for those without a Primary Care Physician (PCP) at Hackley at the Lakes site.  Those without a PCP and need a test may call 231-672-2491. 

MDHHS Epidemic Orders from 3/2/21

The 3/2/21 Epidemic Order will be in effect until 4/19/21. The new Epidemic Order will take effect on 3/5/21.

Please note, under MIOSHA Emergency Rules Remote Work “must” continue through April 14, 2021.

 MI COVID 19 Employment Rights Act (ERA) through Senate Bill 1258 amends Public Act 238 to coincide with CDC guidelines for quarantine, isolation, exposure, etc.

MERCY Health has testing for those without a Primary Care Physician (PCP) at Hackley at the Lakes site.  Those without a PCP and need a test may call 231-672-2491. 

Remote Work – Reminder the MIOSHA “must” work remote order is in effect through 4/14/21 regardless of Governor’s restrictions through 1/15/21

Executive Rule 5(8) says: The employer shall create a policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely.

To further protect workers from the increased spread of COVID-19, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) launched a State Emphasis Program (SEP) focused on office settings that addresses the need for increased vigilance, education and enforcement on remote work policies.

In MIOSHA’s COVID-19 Emergency Rules, employers are required to create a policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely. Under statute, MIOSHA can cite employers, require abatement, and fine them up to $7,000 for failing to produce a remote work policy or if the employer’s preparedness and response plan is non-compliant.

MIOSHA will accept a written policy which indicates that employees are not to perform in-person work activities where the work activity can be feasibly be completed remotely.

Employers are obligated to demonstrate infeasibility of remote work.

Employers should include in the remote work determination information which covers at least:

  • Which positions/classifications report for in-person work and why they must be physically present in the workplace;
  • Reasons that this work cannot be performed remotely, this must include enough specificity to show this analysis has been performed.

This written policy may be part of the employer’s COVID-19 preparedness and response plan.  It does not have to be a stand-alone document.

MIOSHA’s New FAQ on Remote Work

Live MIOSHA Emergency Rules Q & A to answer your most pressing questions about the State Emphasis Program for offices and remote work policies amidst the pandemic.View the full video and the presentation for additional information.

Guidance for keeping a safe workplace

The following are guidelines from Federal Agencies on Telework

Webinar on rules requiring Remote Work from Miller Johnson

Sample Policies:

Workplace Preparedness – Reminder to update your your plan with information on vaccination

Sample plans from members:

Please note – information on this page and particularly in this section has been shared by others; it has not been endorsed or vetted by EA for use.  This is for informational purposes and should not be regarded as legal counsel.  Every organization has unique circumstances and use parameters and should vet for their own use and  and consult with legal counsel when warranted.

Some have begun using an a symptom checker app from the State of Michigan – click here

Suggested brands for temperature screening;

  • TRC from 5/8 call uses the following Thermometers IR Thermometer and iHealth PT3,
  • Jumper Thermal Scanner -recommended many sources on internet.

MIOSHA Releases Emergency Rules – they take effect 10-14-20

Late, today, 10-14-20, MIOSHA has issued Emergency Rules at the urging of Governor Whitmer. These rules are to help clarify and enforce guidelines that were in Executive Orders that were recently invalidated by the Michigan Supreme Court.  Here is what we know at this time:
  • Our law firm partners have not had a chance to review and comment. This will likely be an on-going process.
  • There may be a challenge to MIOSHA’s ability to create such rules.
  • At present, being issued by MIOSHA, does mean they are fully enforceable by MIOSHA like other health and safety Regulations.

Here is a link to the full 9 page Emergency Rule Document

Here is a link to the press release from the Office of the Governor regarding the creation of these Rules.
Here is a link to a very useful MIOSHA Info graphic – page 3 has links to specific industries such as manufacturing.

COVID-19 Workplace Safety Frequently Asked Questions from MI LEO on MIOSHA’s Emergency Rules

Michigan COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director, hosted a live MIOSHA Emergency Rules Q & A to answer your most pressing questions about workplace safety amidst the pandemic as business are able to reopen. Click Here to watch the video and the presentation for additional information. Check out Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety for employer, employee workplace safety resources including posters, videos, fact sheets and industry specific requirements. The website now, also includes a section of frequently asked questions that will be updated on a continuous basis.

Our Partner Law Firm’s Resource Pages

They include updated guidance, Q&A per scenarios and live and recorded webinars

Business Guidance and Resources (most recent at top)