Small Business Reopening Guidelines

So, your state has decided to reopen. As a small business owner, you need to know what regulations are in place and how to protect yourself, your employees and your customers. We’re going to go through the guidelines currently in place in your state and how to get started.  Check with your local government to make sure you are meeting current local safety standards.

 First, let’s go over general CDC recommendations.

The CDC suggests that you appoint a workplace coordinator to handle all COVID-19 related issues. Depending on the size of your operation, this may or may not be necessary. 

•     Examine policies in place for leave, telework and compensation and adjust them as needed for COVID-19. 
•     Employees should be allowed and encouraged to stay home if they have any symptoms and leave policies should consider those who need to take care of sick relatives or have children at home for whom they are the primary caregiver.  
•     If it is possible, continue or implement telework options and stagger worker shifts. Policies and protocol should encourage social distancing.
•     Implement a thorough and regular cleaning/disinfectant plan using EPA approved disinfectants.
•     Provide and/or require PPE for personnel. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces routinely.
•     Encourage or require customers to follow social distancing protocol.

For more information about CDC reopening guidelines for small businesses, click here.

For more information about CDC cleaning guidelines for small businesses, click here.

 In addition to CDC recommendations, Michigan has specific recommendations and mandates as well that it is important to follow.

Michigan is currently in phase 3 of its 6-part reopening plan. Businesses must submit a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan within two weeks of reopening for in-person activities to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, using OSHA regulations, found here.

 Below is a summary of Michigan’s general mandated business reopening guidelines. For the full executive order and industry specific guidelines, read here. 

1.     Designate a worksite supervisor to implement, monitor and report on COVID-19 best practices guidelines.
2.     Provide training for employees that covers workplace infection control practices, reporting unsafe working conditions, proper use of PPE, notifying supervisors of COVID-19 symptoms.
3.     Have cleaning and disinfecting protocols in place for if an employee or tests positive. If an employee does test positive, you must contact your local health department and any other workers who came into contact with that person.
4.     Have cleaning supplies available for employees to wash hands regularly or to use hand sanitizer.
5.     Implement a daily self-screening practice for all employees and contractors in the worksite.
6.     Employers must provide non-medical grade masks to employees.
7.     Employers must encourage employees to use gloves, masks and hand sanitizer when traveling to work on public transportation.
8.    Employees must be able to stay 6 ft apart or wear facemasks. If they are 3 feet apart or closer, use protective barriers like face shields.
9.     Limit travel to essential business only and encourage telework.
10.     You cannot fire employees for staying home or leaving work when they are at risk of infecting others.

For additional helpful guidelines, the City of Detroit has launched a website that may also be helpful to you, even if you do not live in the city.

Yours in Strength,

The Take Back Control Team