Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, left, visits with a woman who was getting vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus Friday at the Battle Creek Family YMCA. Whitmer visited Battle Creek and Benton Harbor Friday, touring facilities in use for the battle against the pandemic. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor)

LANSING — The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced Friday that it’s launching a new COVID-19 citations dashboard “to enhance transparency and provide ongoing information related to COVID-19 workplace safety violations,” according to a news release.

In addition to providing access to the full citation document of a particular employer, as well as a brief description of each violation the employer made, the online resource will update where each citation is in MIOSHA’s enforcement process. Categories on the dashboard include:

≤ Citations abated, penalty paid, case closed;

≤ awaiting abatement or penalty, case open;

≤ under formal appeal;

≤ citation vacated;

≤ and most recent.

The dashboard can be viewed at Michigan.gov/ MIOSHACOVIDCitations and it will be updated each Friday at 3 p.m.

MIOSHA said it offers many programs and resources for employers in order to remain open and operate safely.

“There are a variety of programs that businesses can use to ensure they can comply, stay open and ultimately stay safe,” it said in the release. “The MIOSHA Ambassador Program offers education and one-on-one guidance to help businesses understand regulations on workplace safety. Since the onset of the pandemic, through MIOSHA’s outreach and education, the agency is seeing strong implementation of these mitigation measures and has provided consultation to thousands of Michigan employers.

“Ambassadors have reported that over 90% of businesses visited are complying with face covering, cleaning and disinfection and personal protective equipment requirements, but the Ambassadors have seen opportunities for continued education and improvement in employee training, record keeping, COVID-19 signage and written plan documents.”

Employers can find resources to keep their businesses safe at Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety. This website offers employee and customer fact sheets, educational videos, a sample COVID-19 preparedness and response plan, best practices that employees need to follow and a reopening checklist to help put safeguards in place.

Businesses that are cited for COVID-19 workplace violations have 15 working days from receipt of the MIOSHA citations to contest the violations and penalties. A cited employer may choose to enter into a Penalty Reduction Agreement with MIOSHA and agree to abate noted hazards by the abatement date provided within the citation and will receive a 50% reduction in penalties. Employers must provide proof to MIOSHA that abatement has been completed, the release states.

MIOSHA also offers consultative visits to businesses through its Consultation, Education and Training Division. To schedule a visit, employers can contact 800-866-4674 or request CET services online at Michigan.gov.

For more information about MIOSHA’s safety and health guidelines, those with questions regarding workplace safety and health may contact MIOSHA using the new COVID-19 hotline at 855-723-3219.

Gov. Whitmer tours

downstate vaccine

facilities

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer toured vaccine facilities in downstate Battle Creek and Benton Harbor on Friday afternoon.

Whitmer was on-site at both facilities to observe ongoing COVID-19 vaccination efforts and ensure that vaccines are being distributed efficiently and equitably, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

“Just one year ago, we were all grappling with a novel virus, but now we have three safe, effective vaccines that can protect us and our families, and help us get back to normal,” Whitmer said.

“Sites like the YMCA in Battle Creek and the health department in Benton Harbor will help us reach our goal of equitably vaccinating 70 percent of Michiganders who are 16 years or older more quickly. I encourage all Michiganders to get the vaccine once it becomes available to you. Let’s beat COVID-19 together.”

Whitmer visited the Battle Creek Family YMCA with state Rep. Jim Haadsma, Calhoun County Medical Director Dr. William Nettleton, Calhoun County Health Officer Eric Bessell and Battle Creek YMCA CEO Jill Hinde.

The YMCA vaccination site is staffed by the Michigan National Guard.

In Benton Harbor, Whitmer stopped by the Berrien County Health Department with U.S. congressman Fred Upton and Berrien County Health Department Director Nicole Brittien.

The health department is also staffed by members of the Michigan National Guard.

Michigan has administered 3,919,796 vaccines to date, moving the state closer to its goal of equitably vaccinating at least 70% of Michiganders ages 16 and older as soon as possible. The state is working to administer 50,000 shots per day, partnering with organizations like the Battle Creek YMCA and local health departments like the Berrien County Health Department to create more opportunities for Michigan residents to receive a vaccine.

For the latest COVID-19 data and information, visit www.Michigan.gov/coronavirus.

Ryan Spitza can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. His email address is rspitza@miningjournal.net.