6 Michigan Businesses Cited For COVID-19 Workplace Violations

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(WWJ) The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued its first round of citations to six different businesses for failing to uphold COVID-19 health and safety practices.

The MIOSHA “general duty” clause requires an employer to provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm to the employee.

A general duty clause citation carries a fine of up to $7,000.

The companies ticketed so far include the following, according to MIOSHA:

  • United Shore Financial Services, LLC, based in Pontiac
  • UPS distribution facility based in Livonia, MI
  • Speedway, LLC, gas station and convenience store location based in Waterford, MI
  • Coop’s Iron Works, a fitness center based in Saginaw, MI
  • Dan Freed, a residential contractor based in Eaton Rapids, MI
  • Hills Roofing, LLC based in Niles, MI

On-site inspections conducted by MIOSHA’s general industry and construction industry enforcement divisions determined six companies allegedly committed serious violations by failing to implement necessary precautions to protect employees from contracting COVID-19. Deficiencies included a lack of health screenings, face coverings, employee training, cleaning measures and overall preparedness plans.

At the Speedway, officials say the employer allowed employees to inadequately wear masks under their nose and mouth or not at all.

Some other examples of violations, MIOSHA said, were employees working within six feet of one another without face covering, and employees meeting in a large group of more than 120, seated close together without masks.

The cited companies will have 15 working days from receipt of the MIOSHA citations to contest the violations and penalties. The citations include suggestions to fix the hazards to protect employees.

“The MIOSHA investigations determined that these six employers were clearly not taking the appropriate steps to protect employees and their communities from the spread of COVID-19,” said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman said, in a news release. “These citations are meant to reiterate the employer’s duty. Precautions are necessary to establish and maintain a work environment where everyone can return home safe and healthy.”

“We’re focused on education first so employers know what they must do to safely reopen. But a failure to follow guidelines puts everyone at risk. While these citations are necessary to prevent potential serious illness, they are not a reflection of the tremendous cooperation we have seen from employers and their workers across the state,” said Michigan COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director Sean Egan. “A vast majority of businesses are doing their part to keep our economy open by following the proper guidance.”

To get open and stay open, MIOSHA urges every employer to familiarize themselves with the information at Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety.

Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health can call MIOSHA using the new hotline at 855-SAFE-C19 (855-723-3219).