Two Traverse City businesses were among 16 employers statewide who were issued citations for COVID-19 workplace safety violations, according to a release Friday from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).

Bloxsom Roofing and Siding Company was fined $2,800 for violations of COVID-19 workplace safety requirements for not developing a preparedness and response plan, no documentation of daily health screenings, no disinfectant, no COVID-19 safety coordinator, and no face coverings worn on site. Total penalties, including other workplace violations, were $7,200. The inspection was initiated as a planned-programmed inspection; a full citation document is available online.

Multi-Shores Development, L.L.C. was fined $1,000 for violations of COVID-19 workplace safety requirements for lack of a preparedness and response plan and no face coverings. Total penalties, including other workplace violations, were $8,100. The inspection was initiated as a planned-programmed inspection; a full citation document is available online.

Cited businesses have 15 working days from receiving the MIOSHA citations to contest the violations and penalties. Employers must provide proof to MIOSHA that abatement has been completed. 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. Such businesses will receive a 50 percent reduction in penalties.

Under MIOSHA’s emergency rules, businesses that resume in-person work must have a written COVID-19 preparedness and response plan and provide thorough training to employees that covers, at a minimum, workplace infection-control practices, the proper use of personal protection equipment (PPE), and steps workers must take to notify the business or operation of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. An emergency rule citation carries a fine of up to $7,000. The MIOSHA general duty clause requires an employer to provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm to the employee. A general duty clause citation carries a fine of up to $7,000.