Last Chance to Apply for $8.55 Million in COVID-related Grants
Tomorrow is the last chance for manufacturers with 250 or fewer employees to apply for up to $10,000 through MIOSHA’s Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant Program. $8.55 million in federal dollars has been dedicated to matching grants to help support training and the purchase of safety and health-related equipment related to COVID-19. Apply online.
Requirements for In-Person Manufacturing Work in Michigan
On 7/29/20, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Orders 2020-160 and 2020-161 amending prior “Safe Start” and “Safeguards to Protect Michigan’s Workers from COVID-19” orders. The orders consolidate a series of orders restricting activities due to the pandemic and have minor impact from previous requirements on manufacturing operations in Michigan. While the manufacturing-specific workplace safety requirements no longer include a specific reference to no-touch thermometers, regulators within the Administration have made clear in conversations with the MMA team that temperature screenings before entering a manufacturing facility must continue.
Earlier this week, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Directive 2020-8 to all department directors and the heads of autonomous state government agencies instructing them to consider violations of COVID-related orders as part of their decision-making process when issuing and renewing licenses. While the directive will have little direct impact on manufacturers, members should be aware of an enhanced focus on compliance actions within the Administration.
Tomorrow: Live Q&A with COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director Sean Egan
Join COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director Sean Egan for a live virtual event providing important information about worker health and safety requirements during the pandemic:
- Friday, 8/7/20
- 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. ET
- Join using Microsoft Teams.
New & Notable
SBA PPP Forgiveness Platform Live Next Week
The process by which the Small Business Administration (SBA) will render loan forgiveness decisions under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to will go live next week. To receive PPP loan forgiveness, a borrower must complete and submit the Loan Forgiveness Application to its lender. The lender will review and issue a decision to the SBA within 60 days after receipt of a complete application from the borrower. The SBA will in turn remit the forgiveness amount to the lender. Learn more in the SBA’s Procedural Notice.
Michigan Eviction Diversion Program
$50 million is available of rental assistance through the State of Michigan’s Eviction Diversion Program to support individuals who fell behind on rent during COVID-19. Interested tenants and landlords can visit www.michigan.gov/edp for program information.
Mask Up for Manufacturing
MMA is urging individuals and businesses across the state to be as vigilant in their social lives against the spread of COVID-19 as manufacturers are in their facilities. To avoid any further disruption in the economy is urging Michiganders to follow the guidelines established by leading health experts including wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing and exercising good personal hygiene. Our collective vigilance is critical to the state’s economic recovery. #MaskUpForMFG
Webinar: Returning to the Workplace in Unprecedented Times
After extended absences, HR professionals have many questions about ensuring a safe and effective return to work. Join the professionals at MMA Premium Associate Member Gallagher for an on-demand that covers resumption of operations, communications and benefits considerations. Register online.
Resources for Manufacturers
Stay updated and compliant with the many changes imposed over the last few weeks. Find state, federal and member resources on MMA’s COVID-19 Resources.