Michigan loosens COVID-19 workplace mask, distancing rules
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's administration on Monday loosened COVID-19 workplace safety rules so fully vaccinated employees can go without a mask and disregard distancing requirements.
Industry-specific regulations were rescinded. Restaurants and bars, for instance, can reopen pool tables and dance floors. Cleaning standards were softened.
As expected, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration also lifted a requirement that employers prohibit onsite work if employees' job can be done remotely — clearing the way for a return to offices.
"The law no longer requires remote work," the Democratic governor said during a news conference at furniture manufacturer Steelcase in Grand Rapids. "I want to thank the employers who are taking this seriously and working with their employees to navigate things like child care and the work-life balance and ongoing personal health concerns."
Court will look at liability issues in UP girl's gym death
GWINN, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court said it will hear arguments in a dispute over liability for the death of a 4-year-old girl who was accidentally killed at a school gym in the Upper Peninsula in 2015.
The Court of Appeals last summer ruled in favor of the Gwinn school district and various individuals.
The Supreme Court said Friday it wants to focus on whether the district has immunity. There is a certain exception in government tort law, but the appeals court said it didn't apply in this case.
Amarah Filizetti, the daughter of a Gwinn cheerleading coach, died when a 325-pound panel fell on her. Staff were in the process of putting the panel in place to shield a portable stage in the gym.
"Leaning the stage cover panels against the gym wall did not constitute a failure to repair or maintain a public building," the appeals court said.
The Supreme Court likely won't hear arguments until late this year or in 2022.
SBAM CEO Rob Fowler to retire, Brian Calley next president and CEO
After more than 20 years with the Small Business Association of Michigan, CEO Rob Fowler will retire at the end of the year. As a result, the SBAM Board of Directors voted Monday to appoint Brian Calley as president and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2022.
Fowler joined SBAM in 2000 as the vice president of insurance services and has served as president and CEO since 2003. Calley came on board as SBAM president in 2019 after serving as Michigan’s lieutenant governor.
Calley’s vision for SBAM builds on the association’s commitment to bipartisanship and inclusivity.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://legalnews.com/subscriptions
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
