Manufacturing Permitted to Resume In-Person Operations

Minutes ago, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-77, which extends the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order to 5/28/20 but permits manufacturing employers to immediately perform start-up activities to incorporate specified workplace safeguards in advance of the resumption of in-person operations beginning Monday, 5/11/20. The order is clear that manufacturing work may not commence until the facility has been prepared with the specified workplace safeguards, which include the following, though you are well advised to review the detailed requirements within the order itself:

  • Daily screening of employees prior to entering a facility
  • Limitations on entry points for employees and essential visitors and suspension of non-essential in-person visits
  • Employee training on virus transmission, company procedures related to COVID-19 and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Required use of masks for workers who cannot consistently maintain 6 feet of separation from others and suggested use of face shields for workers working within 3 feet of others
  • Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures
  • Minimized tool sharing and in-person contact for deliveries
  • Measures to reduce congestion in common spaces

MMA has been a vocal advocate to the Whitmer Administration, legislative leaders and the news media about the critical need to bring Michigan’s manufacturing base back to full strength, as well as the industry’s track record of strong and innovative safety protocols. I’m pleased that the Governor today heeded our call and I am confident that the return of manufacturing will accelerate Michigan’s economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MMA team stands ready to assist manufacturers as operations are scaled up and workers are brought back on-site. The MFG Tools for Safe & Productive Operations is a concise tool that can help you plan for business resumption and connect with partners that can help with procedures and equipment for the safety and virus mitigation measures required by the Governor’s order as well as critical operational elements like financial resources, risk management and legal services.

Michigan manufacturers have been on the front lines in defense against this threat and will lead the way out of the crisis. It is our honor to be your partner in this battle and I hope you won’t hesitate to contact me personally if I or the MMA team can assist you.