State Issues COVID-19 Citations

State Issues COVID-19 Citations

by | Aug 24, 2020 | Uncategorized

State Issues COVID-19 Citations for Workplace Safety Violations, Urges Businesses to Protect Employees

August 21, 2020

Contact: Jason Moon, 517-282-0041

To protect Michigan’s workforce and workplaces, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has been working with businesses across the state on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Following several inspections, MIOSHA has issued the first round of COVID-19 “general duty” citations. MIOSHA cited six different businesses with serious violations for failing to uphold safe and healthy practices, potentially putting workers in harm’s way.

“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.”

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.

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

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. Employers must provide proof to MIOSHA that abatement has been completed. The first group of MIOSHA COVID-19 general duty citations included the following companies, a list of the citations can be found below:

  • 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

“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,” MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman said. “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.”

MIOSHA continues to partner with state agencies, local health departments and other entities to equip employers and their staff with proper guidance and tools to keep Michigan workplaces safe. A set of online resources at Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety provides posters for employees and customers, factsheets, educational videos, a sample COVID-19 preparedness and response plan,  best practices that employees need to follow and a reopening checklist to help businesses put safeguards in place.

Prior to these latest inspections, MIOSHA released two State Emphasis Programs (SEP), one to ensure hospital workers are provided the appropriate personal protective equipment and the other to protect employees in the service industry where there in an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission, including restaurants, bars and retail establishments.

The MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division is engaging across the state to raise awareness among employers, employees and safety and health professionals on the best practices for COVID-19 preparedness and response plans. For free statewide assistance, companies can call the CET Division at 517-284-7720 or toll-free at 800-866-4674.

For more information about MIOSHA’s safety and health guidelines to protect Michigan’s workforce during the pandemic, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety. Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health may contact MIOSHA using the new hotline at 855-SAFE-C19 (855-723-3219).

Information around COVID-19 is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at michigan.gov/coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

MIOSHA Citations Summary

MIOSHA cited the six companies for a serious violation of the general duty clause for the following reasons:

United Shore Financial Services, LLC, based in Pontiac, MI was fined $6,300. An inspection was initiated due to multiple employee complaints and reports from the Oakland County Health Department of COVID-19 outbreaks among employees:

  • The employer allowed employees to work in a shared office space without wearing face coverings.
  • The employer allowed employees to work within six feet of one another without face coverings.
  • The employer allowed newly hired employees to meet in a large group in excess of 120 people without wearing face coverings while seated within six feet of one another.
  • Employees are not notified within 24 hours of the employer learning an individual with a confirmed case of COVID-19 visited the office.

UPS distribution facility based at 29855 Schoolcraft Livonia, MI and was fined $7,000. An inspection was initiated from a complaint.

  • The employer did not ensure all sorters/loaders participated in a daily entry health screening protocol.
  • The employer allowed delivery drivers and loaders working in the facility to work within six feet of one another when it was feasible to have them work more than six feet apart
  • The employer did not require employees to wear face coverings when they did not maintain six feet of separation from other individuals in the workplace.
  • The employer did not ensure sufficient cleaning measures of delivery vehicles.
  • The employer had not conducted employee training on COVID-19 that covered all the elements of the preparedness and response plan.
  • The employer had not adequately implemented their COVID-19 preparedness and response plan, including enforcement of face coverings, social distancing, and health screening.

Speedway, LLC, gas station and convenience store location at 2200 Dixie Hwy, Waterford, MI and was fined $6,300. An inspection was initiated under the MIOSHA State Emphasis Program for service industries.

  • The employer allowed employees to inadequately wear face coverings under the nose and mouth or not at all.
  • The employer did not monitor or enforce the adequate use of face coverings by employees that could not maintain social distancing.
  • The employer did not conduct daily health screenings of employees before starting their shift.
  • The employer did not keep a record that training was completed for the firm’s COVID-19 preparedness and response plan at the worksite.
  • The employer did not train employees on the recognition of symptoms of COVID-19.
  • The firm did not make a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan available to employees at the worksite.
  • The employer did not appoint an onsite monitor to enforce the firm’s COVID-19 preparedness and response plan while staff were present at the worksite.
  • The employer did not provide face coverings free of charge to employees onsite.
  • The employer did not inform customers of the requirement to wear a face covering inside the building.

Coop’s Iron Works, a fitness center based in Saginaw, MI and was fined $2,100. An inspection was initiated after a referral from the Saginaw County Health Department noted several confirmed COVID-19 cases associated with this facility and the facility is operating indoors in violation of the Executive Order.

  • The employer had not developed a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan.
  • The employer did not provide COVID-19 training to employees that covered workplace infection-control practices, the proper use of personal protective equipment, steps the employee must take to notify the business of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis.
  • The employer did not conduct a daily health screening of employees entering the facility.
  • The employer did not require employees to wear face coverings when they could not consistently maintain six feet of separation from one another while in the facility.
  • The employer had not posted a sign outside of the facility entrance informing individuals not to enter if they were sick or have recently been sick with symptoms of COVID-19 or a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19.
  • The employer did not configure workout stations or implement protocols to enable ten feet of distance between individuals during exercise sessions (or six feet of distance with barriers) to the extent feasible.
  • The employer did not maintain accurate records of gym attendees, including date and time of visit, name of attendees and contact information to aid with contact tracing.
  • The employer had not closed the steam rooms and saunas.

Dan Freed, a residential contractor based in Eaton Rapids, MI and was fined $6,400. A programmed inspection was initiated at a Grand Ledge, MI jobsite.

  • The employer allowed workers within six feet of one another when it was feasible to have them work more than six feet apart.
  • The employer did not require workers to wear face coverings when they did not consistently maintain six feet of separation.
  • The employer had not developed a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan, which would have included requirements for social distancing and use of face coverings.
  • The employer had not conducted employee training on COVID-19 that covered social distancing and the use of face coverings.
  • The employer was also in violation of additional workplace safety standards leading to additional fines (included in total).

Hills Roofing, LLC based in Niles, MI was fined $5,300. A regular programmed inspection was initiated at a Niles, MI jobsite.

  • The employer allowed workers within six feet of one another when it was feasible to have them work more than six feet apart.
  • The employer did not require workers to wear face coverings when they did not consistently maintain six feet of separation.
  • The employer had not developed a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan, which would have included requirements for social distancing and use of face coverings.
  • The employer had not conducted employee training on COVID-19 that covered social distancing and the use of face coverings.
  • The employer was also in violation of additional workplace safety standards leading to additional fines (included in total).

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 $65 Million in CARES Act Funding for Michigan Schools 

 $65 Million in CARES Act Funding for Michigan Schools 

by | Aug 19, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 19, 2020

Media Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Announces $65 Million in CARES Act Funding for Michigan Schools

Funding will target districts most significantly impacted by COVID-19

To view video of the governor’s press conference, click here.

   To view the PowerPoint presentation the governor used, click the link below:   

1

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that she will allocate nearly $65 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars to Michigan school districts, higher education institutions, and other education-related entities that have been most significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes schools in Michigan’s economically disadvantaged districts, and will help address the digital divide that has served as a barrier to remote learning for students and educators across the state.  The funding comes from the Governor’s Education Emergency Relief Fund.

 

“As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and approach the start of the new school year, we must continue doing everything we can to protect our students, educators, and support staff. This funding will help us do just that, and ensure crucial support for our schools, whether it’s helping schools access PPE and cleaning supplies or helping students mitigate the impacts of learning loss in districts that need it most,” said Governor Whitmer. “This is a good start, but we still need the federal government to work together on a bipartisan recovery package to support all Michigan students and educators, as well as state governments, families, and small businesses.”

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on Michigan’s students, educators, and support staff, especially those in low-income communities. GEER funds are meant for districts that are determined to be most significantly impacted by COVID-19. To ensure these districts are targeted, the framework distributes $60 million to school districts based on the number of students in high-need student groups. Districts will receive funding based on their numbers of economically disadvantaged students, special education students, and English language learners. To be eligible for funding, the school district’s concentration of economically disadvantaged pupils, compared to total district enrollment, must exceed 50%.

 

“It’s essential and appreciated that Gov. Whitmer is focusing these resources on districts with the highest need during this pandemic,” said Michigan Education Association President Paula Herbart. “Both from a public health and from an educational standpoint, economically disadvantaged communities need these additional funds to keep students safe and academically engaged.  Equity in education funding is a critical issue and it’s encouraging to see Gov. Whitmer remain committed to addressing disparities so every student gets a great education no matter where they live.”

 

“MASB appreciates any assistance the state can provide to districts in the time of heightened need,” said Don Wotruba, Executive Director of Michigan Association of School Boards. “The earlier budget deal helped to prevent cuts for all school districts and provided them with needed funding for COVID safety costs.  This new funding targets school districts that provide education services to children most at need.”

 

“The GEER funds announced today are a significant step forward in equitably meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of our most at-risk youth,” said Dr. Leadriane Roby, Superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools.

 

Recipient districts will be required to use GEER funds for any of the following goals:

  • Connectivity: Devices, internet access, access to remote services, or other similar purposes.
  • Student Mental Health: Funding would enhance access to remote and in-person student mental health services.
  • Addressing Learning Loss: Funding could be used by districts to offer supplementary content and intervention services to mitigate the impacts of learning loss.
  • Out-of-School-Time Learning: Funds could be used to support out-of-school-time learning. These expenditures would ensure students have safe spaces to participate in remote education.
  • Remote Learning Materials and Training (digital and non-digital): Funds could address both digital and non-digital content where remote learning continues as an instructional delivery model.
  • Teacher Training and Curriculum: Funding could be used to provide additional professional development and curriculum modifications that allow districts to effectively facilitate distance learning while expanding their knowledge of the science of teaching.
  • Other health, safety, and wellness needs identified, required, or recommended in the MI Return to School Roadmap.

 

$5.4 million will be distributed to other education related entities, and will be distributed for statewide mental health services, public television learning resources, implementation of teacher professional learning practices, and the Early On program to help reach more infants and toddlers through remote early intervention.
Whitmer Joins Coalition of Governors to Protect Voting Rights

Whitmer Joins Coalition of Governors to Protect Voting Rights

by | Aug 19, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 19, 2020

Media Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Joins Coalition of Governors to Protect Voting Rights and Voter Access

Governors pledge to uphold the integrity of the general election

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today joined the Governors of  Oregon, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Nevada, New Jersey, California and Minnesota in pledging to uphold the integrity of the November general election and to ensure every voter can vote safely, whether it’s by mail or in person at the polls. The governors’ pledge is in response to unprecedent attacks on voting rights and voting access, and the United States Postal Service by President Trump.

 

“As we prepare for record voter turnout in the November election, we must do everything we can to ensure every American can vote safely,” said Governor Whitmer. “We have already had two historic, successful elections this year while battling the COVID-19 pandemic. We are prepared to utilize what we have learned to maximize safety, while protecting every Michigander’s right to vote and access to the ballot. I encourage everyone who can to make sure you’re registered to vote and to request your absentee ballot as soon as possible. And I want to thank Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for her round-the-clock work to ensure safe and secure elections.”

 

The Governors agreed to:

  • Carry out the November 3, 2020 general election, as mandated by law.
  • Ensure electoral college electors vote as they are pledged, in line with the Supreme Court decision in Chiafalo v. Washington, on July 6, 2020.
  • Work with their respective state and local level election officials to ensure that the right to vote is accessible, safe, and secure.
  • In coordination with elections officials, communicate with voters about the possibility of delayed results in some states due to increased use of mail-in voting and the status of the count post-election.
  • Ensure that any substantive allegations of voter disenfranchisement or elections fraud are quickly and thoroughly investigated.

 

The complete pledge can be found at the link below.

 
Whitmer Administration Applies for Federal Funding

Whitmer Administration Applies for Federal Funding

by | Aug 19, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 18, 2020

Media Contact: [email protected]

 

Whitmer Administration Applies for Federal Funding to Provide an Additional $300 Per Week to Unemployed Michiganders

Governor reiterates calls on the president, Congress to work together on a longer-term recovery package to bolster unemployment benefits 

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) submitted an application to the United States Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for funding that would provide an additional $300 per week payment to Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits.

 

“Right now, there are an unprecedented number of Michiganders who have lost work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide some much needed support for families that are struggling to put food on the table or pay their bills, but it’s a short term band aid that falls short of what’s needed,” said Governor Whitmer. “A robust Congressional recovery package that meets the scale of this crisis is what’s needed to help individuals who have lost work as a result of the pandemic get through this unprecedented time.”

 

The UIA estimates that under the program, about 910,000 Michiganders would receive at least $300 per week in supplemental benefits. The program allows for existing Unemployment Trust Fund payments delivered by Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency to count as 25% matching funds required for participation. Eligible claimants will be paid benefits retroactive to August 1. It is unclear at this time how long funding for the program will last.

 

“We look forward to receiving a response from FEMA in order to implement and distribute these additional funds to Michiganders as quickly as possible,” said UIA Director Steve Gray. “Michigan workers are advised to continue their bi-weekly certifications as they normally would and do not need to contact the UIA or make changes to their MiWAM account to receive these additional funds.”
My Feelings: By Sammy Taormina

My Feelings: By Sammy Taormina

by | Aug 19, 2020 | Uncategorized

By Sammy Taormina
My Feelings.

Everything has seemed to change this time around from last year.

We were talking about football previews, outlooks for the season, you know. Everything looked normal.

Everything was normal until March 12th 2020.

That’s when the MHSAA cancelled the remaining winter sports tournaments and delayed the spring season.

I thought back then in March that was the darkest day in sports. Everything was on hold and society changed.

When Governor Gretchen Whitmer closed the schools down a two weeks later and the MHSAA would call off the seasons then I thought about the mental aspect of everyone and the pain and suffering that would come to ahead.

When Whitmer put a more restrictive lockdown in place (can’t go to vacation home, paint, and gardening) was when I was up at arms.

As the summer months came, I thought we had turned the corner as a State and things were starting to open back up. I was thinking that we could have a season for the Class of 2021, something that the Class of 2020 couldn’t have.

Then the parties, beach parties, large gatherings, lack of masks, and lack of social distancing showed its ugly head and more restrictions were put in place. I thought here we go again.

When the MHSAA decided to keep the seasons the same in Mid-July, I felt ok maybe we could get a sense of normalcy that the students, parents, coaches, and staff deserve even though I wanted the spring and fall sports to switch, maybe it would help but the league chose to keep everything the same.

As I wrote the football preview, the restrictions were still in place. All indoor gatherings can’t have fewer than ten people which means sports like volleyball and girls swimming and diving would have to work outdoors.

I felt confident that sports like boys soccer, cross country, tennis, and girls golf would get the go ahead to start their seasons even though boys soccer was deemed a moderate risk, I felt that there was enough distance between them to go ahead with their seasons.

In volleyball and girls swimming and diving I felt confident that they will get the go ahead but the problem for those sports is that they are indoors and Whitmer has the school gyms and pools still closed. I believe that schools have the right protocols but they need Whitmer to open up the school gyms and pools.

For football, I knew there were risks and every football program had safety measures in place but there were positive cases at Seaholm, Adams, and Clarkston in the summer and the beginning of the season. However due to the uncertainty and high risk of contact the sport provides the league decided to move football to the spring.

I knew that MHSAA Executive director Mark Uyl made mention that he was in constant contact with Whitmer’s office and medical experts. I have been very skeptical of Whitmer and medical experts from the very beginning but one thing that has me really upset is that medical experts and Whitmer doesn’t even attempt to look at this and see it.

The mental component.

With football being moved to the spring, I worry about the mental mindset of the students especially those who had their seasons taken away from them. I know parents, coaches, and athletes are very upset and I don’t blame them, they have every right to be. There are several petitions to get them to play in the fall but I don’t know. The mental aspect is the one that has me worried especially seeing kids not having a recourse like what football provides for them.

This is something I want Whitmer and medical experts to explain even though their coaches will give them the best recourse during this dark time.

Everything has changed from a year ago, I guess it’s time for us as a society to adjust as well.