Business Counselor April 14, 2020 Nikole L. Canute

MIOSHA Extends Emergency Rules for Another Six Months

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“MIOSHA”) Emergency Rules requiring specific worker protections due to the COVID-19 pandemic have been extended for another six (6) months. The Emergency Rules were originally issued on October 14, 2020 and were set to expire on April 14, 2021. With the extension, the rules are slated to stay in effect until October 14, 2021.

The extension leaves all the original Emergency Rules in effect, including requirements that employers adopt a policy prohibiting in person work for employees “to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely,” conduct a daily self-screening protocol for all employees and contractors entering the workplace, and make certain notifications when learning that an employee, visitor, or customer has tested positive for COVID-19. In statements announcing the extension, MIOSHA and Governor Whitmer made clear that the Emergency Rules may be amended and stated that they continue to meet with business leaders on the issue.

The Certificate of Need For Extension of Emergency Rules, along with the original Emergency Rules, can be found at this link: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/leo/Final_MIOSHA_Rules_705164_7.pdf.

Please contact Nikole Canute (ncanute@mikameyers.com) or Nate Wolf (nwolf@mikameyers.com) if you have questions regarding MIOSHA’s Emergency Rules.