COVID-19 pandemic: MIOSHA issues guidelines for manufacturing industry

Lansing, MI — Michigan OSHA’s Consultation Education and Training Division has published guidance intended to prevent and control manufacturing worker exposure to COVID-19.

Manufacturing operations in the state resumed May 11 as part of the MI Safe Start Plan under Executive Order 2020-77, signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) on May 7.

The guidance document covers a wide range of guidelines, from entering a facility and daily screening procedures, to employee training, workplace controls and handling sick workers. Requirements for employers under the order include:

• Conducting daily entry screening of anyone entering a facility, including temperature checks as soon as no-touch thermometers are available.
• Providing a questionnaire that covers symptoms and potential exposure to people with COVID-19.
• Creating dedicated entry points at every facility.
• Suspending entry of all nonessential in-person visits, including tours.
• Educating workers on how COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person, the signs and symptoms of the illness, how to notify an employer of a suspected case or confirmed diagnosis, and the proper use of personal protective equipment.

Additionally, employers must require masks to be worn when workers cannot consistently maintain 6 feet of separation from others, and consider faceshields for workers who cannot consistently maintain 3 feet of separation.