Skip to content

MIOSHA Withdraws Permanent Covid-19 Rules

MIOSHA Withdraws Permanent Covid-19 Rules

June 2, 2021

Governor agrees to include Legislature in future pandemic orders

MIOSHA Withdraws Permanent Covid-19 Rules

After months of pressure from NFIB and other business groups, Governor Whitmer relented and directed the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) to withdraw their proposal to make the temporary emergency COVID rules permanent – extending past the end of the pandemic. MIOSHA has also filed updated COVID-19 emergency rules in accordance with the MI Vacc to Normal plan and recent CDC health guidelines and orders.

 

The permanent rules proposal would have continued an obvious and confusing contradiction between orders issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and MIOSHA that were already creating confusion for small businesses trying to comply.

 

Efforts by NFIB, along with the tireless efforts of House and Senate leadership, have also paid off with an end to the governor’s unilateral orders and an agreement to include the legislature in any pandemic related future orders.

 

Here are links are to the full press release, the updated MIOSHA rules, and the 5-14-2021 MDHHS order.

 

To summarize: MIOSHA has updated the current emergency rules in effect until October 14 to reflect the recent order from MDHHS and guidance from the CDC. Those changes include: 

 

  • Employers may allow fully vaccinated employees to not wear face coverings and social distance provided they have a policy deemed effective to ensure non-vaccinated individuals continue to follow these requirements.  
  • The rules have been reformed focusing on performance, eliminating industry-specific requirements. Definitions have been updated to more clearly reflect changes in close contact and quarantining requirements for fully vaccinated employees.  
  • Cleaning requirements have been updated to reflect changes in CDC recommendations.  
  • Employers should continue to have and implement a written COVID-19 preparedness and response plan in accordance with the updated rules.

 

It comes as no surprise that there is much confusion over these announcements and rapidly changing orders. NFIB is working to provide information as we receive it. Thank you for your patience!

 

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Receive our newsletter and email notification
Knowledge is power. Let us help you stay informed with breaking legislative news, regulatory updates, business tips, and more.

Related Articles

July 15, 2025
Earned Sick Time Takes Effect on October 1 for Small Businesses…
Make Sure Your Business is Ready to Comply
Read More
July 15, 2025
Pennsylvania Summer Legislative & Budget Update
Learn more about what’s happening in Harrisburg
Read More
NFIB State Director Jeff Burdett poses for a photo with Glenn Hamer, President & CEO of Texas Association of Business (left) and Adriana Cruz (center), Executive Director, Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, Office of the Governor.
July 14, 2025
NFIB Texas Participates in Governor’s Small Business Summit â…
NFIB State Director Jeff Burdett participated in a fireside chat on legisla…
Read More
July 14, 2025
New NFIB Op-Ed: Small Businesses Need Credit Card Swipe Fee Ref…
In a new op-ed in Small Business Xchange, Andrea McGee, NFIB Principal of F…
Read More

© 2001 - 2025 National Federation of Independent Business. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Accessibility