Michigan Establishes Group to Allow Employees Safely Back in Office
Return-to-Office Workgroup established to keep track of company safety.
- By Shereen Hashem
- Mar 17, 2021
Some Michiganders are at the edge of their seats, eager to get back to the office. As the state increases vaccine distribution, more employees are preparing for in-person work.
The State of Michigan established the Return-to-office Workgroup consisting of business, labor and public health experts providing Governor Gretchen Whitmer with information on plans to reopen.
This will go along with the rules and regulations of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) as well as Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).
Workplace safety still remains a concern even though COVID-19 cases are decreasing in the state. Local public health departments say office workplaces have had 275 outbreaks over the last six months.
“Our priority remains the health and safety of Michigan workers and workplaces. Throughout the pandemic, we have worked closely with employers to provide strategies for safer in-person work and this group is an extension of that collaboration. Congregation in any setting creates risk, employers have implemented innovative approaches to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and bringing this new group together will provide a mechanism to capture key insights to align policies with best practices and health guidance,” said Michigan COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director, Sean Egan.
The advisory group’s first meeting is scheduled for March 18th. It will meet weekly to provide ongoing guidance for companies, updated health data and consultations with health experts.
To learn more about the state’s efforts to re-open safely, you can visit Michigan’s Government webpage.
About the Author
Shereen Hashem is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety magazine.