Expanded Guidance and More Than 40 Resources
for In-Person Manufacturing Operations
Check out the latest version of MFG Tools for Safe & Productive Operations, MMA’s interactive resource now featuring expanded workplace safety guidance and direct links to more than 40 member-driven products and services designed to help manufacturers scale up operations and thrive in the world’s “new normal.”
The MFG Tools for Safe & Productive Operations tool kit is a one-stop source for information related to in-person manufacturing operations in Michigan, connecting you to MIOSHA guidance and resources, industry best practices and more than 40 MMA member companies that have demonstrated a commitment to the vitality of Michigan’s manufacturing sector.
We at MMA are doing our part to guide members through the many complex and changing facets of operating in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic as you focus on your core business and lead the restart of Michigan’s economic engine. Contact MMA’s Delaney McKinley at 517-487-8530 or mckinley@mimfg.org with your questions or thoughts on MMA’s response to the global health and economic crises.
New & Notable
Court Disputes Workplace
Safety Penalty Provision
The Court of Claims this week ruled that Governor Gretchen Whitmer cannot attach stiff penalties outlined in the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act to violations of new workplace safety requirements under Executive Order 2020-97, which has since been replaced by Executive Order 2020-114.
In issuing the order establishing workplace standards intended to mitigate viral transmission, the Governor declared that the standards “have the force and effect of regulation adopted” by a state agency and “are fully enforceable by such agencies”, including fines of up to $70,000 and a felony conviction punishable by up to three years in prison.
The Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan sued, claiming that the executive order violates the Administrative Procedures Act, exceeds the Governor’s authority and attempts to “weaponize MIOSHA” against employers that have taken “good faith precautions to combat COVID-19.”
The Whitmer Administration has indicated that the decision is being reviewed for possible appeal, but members should note that the requirements of Executive Order 2020-114 have not been invalidated. Employers are still required to implement robust safeguards to prevent transmission and will be subject to a misdemeanor penalty for violation. At issue in the court ruling is the penalty for noncompliance, not the establishment of the workplace safety requirements. Check out MMA’s COVID-19 Resources for information and tools to aid your company’s compliance efforts.
Encourage Your Employees
to Get Tested for COVID-19
In an effort to increase testing to identify and prevent COVID-19 outbreaks, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging employees to get tested for the virus.
The statewide goal is to test 30,000 people per day and employers are being asked to support the effort by encouraging employees to get tested. Find a COVID-19 testing location near you.
National Alert Issued on Large-
Scale Unemployment Fraud
With expanded unemployment benefits now available in the state of Michigan, there has been an increase in imposter unemployment claims, based on previously stolen personal information. The United States Secret Service issued a national alert regarding an international criminal ring exploiting the COVID-19 crisis to commit massive fraud against state unemployment programs. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA), the Michigan State Police Cyber Command Center, and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget are coordinating with the USSS to obtain information about these cyber threat activities.
Employers are being asked to help detect and prevent fraudulent claims by:
- Checking the monetary determination you receive. If UIA has suspicions and has flagged the claim, the monetary determination will note that UIA is unable to verify the identity. If there is inaccurate information, or if the employee referenced is still working for you, notify UIA immediately. Protesting the determination timely in these occurrences may be the best way to stop a fraudulent claim from being paid. Remember you have 30 days to protest and notifying UIA within 10 days of the mail date on the determination will help prevent the claim from being paid.
- If your employee has been a victim of suspected ID theft, they may also receive a letter from UIA requesting a verification. Please communicate to your employee to submit the requested ID documents if asked.
- Responding to any factfinding requests you receive from the UIA. If they need more information, they may send Form UIA 1713 for you to provide information and return.
- Reporting any suspected fraud or identity theft online on the UIA website (click on the Report Fraud or the Report Identify Theft link) or call 866-500-0017.
- Assisting claimants in protecting themselves from identity theft with UIA tips in Fact Sheet 166.
- Protecting their own business from fraud with UIA tips in Fact Sheet 167.
Contact MMA’s David Worthams, at 517-487-8511 or worthams@mimfg.org, for more information.
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.