• Ann Arbor
    201 S. Division Street
    Suite 400
    Ann Arbor, MI 48104
    T 734-761-3780
  • Detroit
    1901 St. Antoine Street
    6th Floor at Ford Field
    Detroit, MI 48226
    T 313-259-7777
  • Grand Rapids
    99 Monroe Avenue NW
    Suite 300
    Grand Rapids, MI 49503
    T 616-205-4330
  • Troy
    201 W. Big Beaver Road
    Suite 500
    Troy, MI 48084
    T 248-743-6000
Go to page >
Go to page >
Search
competitive drive
 

News Center

in the know
 

Workplace Law Lowdown | COVID-19 Workplace Safeguards Still Apply to Vaccinated Employees

By: Rebecca Seguin-Skrabucha (Senior Associate) and Alexander Burridge (Associate), Workplace Law Practice Group

02/25/21

Vaccines have arrived, prompting hope that the COVID-19 pandemic can be effectively and nationally controlled in the near future. In recognition of this positive trajectory, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) recently determined that vaccinated individuals need not quarantine after close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 so long as they: (1) are fully vaccinated; (2) received the final dose in the vaccine series within the preceding three months; and (3) have remained asymptomatic since the close contact.

This guidance, though, does not affect the obligations of Michigan employers, which may not yet relax their COVID-19 workplace safeguards, including quarantine requirements for employees who have experienced close contact.

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“MIOSHA”) released its Emergency Rules in October 2020, and, to date, no exemptions have been articulated for vaccinated individuals.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) agrees, advising employers to treat vaccinated and non-vaccinated employees the same in its recent guidance, “Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace.” OSHA explains, “Workers who are vaccinated must continue to follow protective measures . . . because at this time, there is not evidence that COVID-19 vaccines prevent transmission of the virus from person-to-person.”

An employer that chooses to follow the CDC’s guidance instead of the MIOSHA Emergency Rules potentially risks the following:

  • MIOSHA investigation and issuance of a citation and/or fine for workplace safety violations, which are commonly deemed “serious” violations if related to COVID-19 precautions;
  • Workers’ compensation claims from other onsite employees who can demonstrate that they contracted COVID-19 because a vaccinated employee was not instructed to quarantine appropriately; and
  • Additional employee absences and work interruptions should multiple employees contract COVID-19 at the worksite.

In short, until MIOSHA modifies its Emergency Rules, employers should treat vaccinated and non-vaccinated employees the same.

Bodman will continue to monitor the ongoing developments from MIOSHA, OSHA, CDC, MDHHS, and other state and federal entities. Employers with specific questions related to vaccines and workplace safety measures should feel free to contact any member of Bodman’s Workplace Law Group. Bodman cannot respond to your questions or receive information from you without first clearing potential conflicts with other clients. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Click here to view this update in PDF format.

Subscribe for updates

Subscribe for updates