Resources to help businesses get back to work safely

To make preparing to resume operations amidst the COVID-19 pandemic easier, the Small Business Association of Michigan has developed a roadmap and resources to assist small businesses.

“Getting back to work will require changes for small businesses that could be overwhelming,” said SBAM President Brian Calley. “We want to make this transition as simple as possible and that’s why we created a guide to getting back to work safely and resources to source personal protection equipment that will be needed. We hope these resources are helpful to small businesses during this difficult time.”

The ‘Get Back to Work Safely Guide’ includes tips and resources for issues that small businesses may face including revising employee policies and employee handbooks, as well as talking with employees about new expectations. The guide also provides checklists on cleaning and health screenings as well as other considerations small businesses may need to take on in their facilities.

The need for personal protection equipment in the workplace will be critical for a safe work environment for the foreseeable future. To ease the ability to obtain PPE, SBAM has compiled a list of sources where members can secure hand sanitizer, masks, barriers, gloves, face shields, gowns and shoe coverings and workplace safety posters.

“SBAM is working hard to provide support to make next steps easier for small businesses as they try to look toward the future,” said SBAM CEO Rob Fowler. “We hope these resources make the road ahead a bit easier for our members.”

A recent survey of SBAM members revealed that 14 percent of Michigan small businesses are not confident they will survive the COVID-19 pandemic, and 60 percent of those surveyed have had to lay off at least one employee.

The Small Business Association of Michigan focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community through advocacy, collaboration and buying power. Today they serve more than 28,000 members in all 83 counties of Michigan. SBAM is located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.