10 Michigan businesses fined for serious violations of coronavirus protocols

Businesses failed to protect workers with COVID-19 safety guidelines, state claims

A sign requiring face masks. (Eric Gay, Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Michigan officials have fined 10 businesses between $400 and $6,300 for serious violations of coronavirus (COVID-19) safety protocols.

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The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued COVID-19 “general duty” citations to 10 businesses for failing to protect workers and follow workplace guidelines, according to the state.

Companies get 15 business days to contest the violations. Otherwise, employers have to prove to MIOSHA that the issues have been corrected.

Here are the companies, the fine amounts and details about the violations.

Cops and Doughnuts

Location: Bay City, Michigan

Fine: $1,500

Reason for inspection: Complaints

  • No preparedness and response plan.
  • Failed to train employees on COVID-19.
  • Failed to conduct daily self-screening protocols for COVID-19.
  • Didn’t place posters in the languages common in the employee population that encourage them to stay home when sick and to use proper hand hygiene practices.
  • Failed to enforce social distancing.
  • Assumed patrons who weren’t wearing masks had medical justification.

Click here to view the full citation document.

Tel-12 Cloverleaf BP Inc.

Location: 28995 Telegraph Road in Southfield

Fine: $2,100

Reason for inspection: The COVID-19 Retail State Emphasis Program

  • No preparedness and response plan.
  • Didn’t require masks for employees when social distancing wasn’t possible.
  • Failed to conduct daily self-screening protocols for COVID-19.

Click here to view the full citation document.

City of Port Huron

Location: Port Huron

Fine: $6,300

Reason for inspection: Complaint

  • Didn’t require masks for employees when social distancing wasn’t possible.
  • Failed to conduct daily self-screening protocols for COVID-19.
  • Failed to train employees on COVID-19.
  • Failed to maintain records of the daily self-screening protocols.

Click here to view the full citation document.

Madco Truck Plaza Inc.

Location: Romulus

Fine: $400

Reason for inspection: The COVID-19 Retail State Emphasis Program

  • No preparedness and response plan.
  • Failed to train employees on COVID-19.
  • Failed to properly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
  • Failed to conduct daily self-screening protocols for COVID-19.
  • No on-site supervisor to monitor COVID-19 control strategies.
  • Lack of social distancing.
  • Failed to post signs at store entrances.

Click here to view the full citation document.

Saginaw Housing Commission

Location: Saginaw, Michigan

Fine: $500

Reason for inspection: Complaint

  • Failed to conduct daily self-screening protocols for COVID-19.
  • Failed to properly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.

Click here to view the full citation document.

Hertz

Location: 8600 Garfield Road in Freeland, Michigan

Fine: $6,300

Reason for inspection: Complaint

  • No preparedness and response plan.
  • Failed to install physical barriers at service counters.
  • Failed to conduct daily self-screening protocols for COVID-19.
  • Failed to train employees on COVID-19.
  • Didn’t require facial coverings.

Click here to view the full citation document.

Meritage Hospitality Group Inc. -- Wendy’s #202

Location: 18001 East Nine Mile Road in Eastpointe

Fine: $4,000

Reason for inspection: Complaint

  • Failed to conduct daily self-screening protocols for COVID-19.
  • Didn’t require masks for employees when social distancing wasn’t possible.
  • Failed to train employees on COVID-19.
  • No on-site supervisor to monitor COVID-19 control strategies.

Click here to view the full citation document.

Brandon Martinez

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Fine: $2,100

Reason for inspection: Programmed inspection at Plainwell, Michigan, job site

  • Didn’t require masks for employees when social distancing wasn’t possible.
  • Failed to train employees on COVID-19.
  • No preparedness and response plan.

Click here to view the full citation document.

Musselman Home Improvements, LLC

Location: Kalmazoo, Michigan

Fine: $2,100

Reason for inspection: Programmed inspection at Mattawan, Michigan, job site

  • Didn’t require masks for employees when social distancing wasn’t possible.
  • Failed to train employees on COVID-19.
  • No preparedness and response plan.

Click here to view the full citation document.

Merlo Construction Company, Inc.

Location: Milford

Fine: $5,600

Reason for inspection: Programmed inspection at Livonia job site

  • Didn’t require masks for employees when social distancing wasn’t possible.
  • Failed to train employees on COVID-19.
  • No preparedness and response plan.

Click here to view the full citation document.


About the Author

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.