Employees return to office with added clarity.
Today, office employees in Michigan have been welcomed back with a maskless smile (if vaccinated) – a move that the Grand Rapids Chamber and the Reopen Michigan Safely coalition have been advocating for months.
MIOSHA has updated other aspects of the emergency rules to reflect the recent order from MDHHS and guidance from the CDC. Those changes include:
- Employers may allow fully vaccinated employees to forgo face coverings and social distancing, provided they have a policy deemed effective to ensure non-vaccinated individuals continue to follow these requirements.
- The rules have been reformed focusing on performance, eliminating industry-specific requirements. Definitions have been updated to more clearly reflect changes in close contact and quarantining requirements for fully vaccinated employees.
- Cleaning requirements have been updated to reflect changes in CDC recommendations.
- Employers should continue to have and implement a written COVID-19 preparedness and response plan in accordance with the updated rules.
Andy Johnston, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Chamber, joined Governor Whitmer at a press conference held in Grand Rapids’ own Steelcase, one of the world’s leading office furniture companies.
“From Grand Rapids to Lansing to Detroit and Marquette, it is going to be wonderful to see our office buildings and downtowns reactivated and reinvigorated. A return to office also brings increased productivity, innovation, collaboration and a social environment that contributes to better mental health,” said Andy.
“We are glad Governor Whitmer and MIOSHA have moved forward in rescinding the permanent rules and have created flexibility for worker safety as we continue to learn from the latest science and data. This added level of clarity allows us to be competitive and puts us on track to have a prosperous recovery.”
