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Gov. Whitmer signs executive order on coronavirus safeguards for workers

Governor Gretchen Whitmer coronavirus update April 22, 2020
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LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order today to "ensure robust protections" for Michigan workers as she re-opens parts of the state.

Executive order 2020-91 requires all businesses to adhere to "strict safety guidelines" to protect their workers, customers and communities from COVID-19, according to the governor's office today.

Under the order, businesses that resume in-person work must develop a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan and make it available to employees and customers by June 1.

Businesses must also provide COVID-19 training to workers that covers, at a minimum, several topics: workplace infection-control practices; proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE); steps workers must take to notify the business of any COVID-19 symptoms or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19; and how to report unsafe working conditions.

“The vast majority of Michigan businesses are doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19, but we must do more to ensure Michiganders are safe at work,” Whitmer said.

Whitmer added that the executive order will "help ensure employers take the needed measures to protect workers and customers from the spread of COVID-19."

Also today, Gov. Whimter signed executive directive 2020-6 to appoint a director of COVID-19 workplace safety within the state Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

The position is designed to foster compliance with the executive order.

Under the directive, all state departments and agencies that are responsible for enforcing workplace health and safety standards must monitor workplaces for compliance with the order, as well as enforce the order.

See the full executive order.