This bill is a non-binding resolution that urges state and federal agencies to prioritize reducing workplace injuries and deaths in Michigan. It calls on the Michigan Department of Labor, the state and federal occupational safety organizations, and other responsible parties to take all necessary actions to improve worksite safety. The resolution cites statistics on annual workplace fatalities and emphasizes the importance of protecting workers while honoring those who have been injured or killed on the job.
Senate Resolution 114 designates April 28, 2026, as Workers' Memorial Day to honor Michigan workers who have died or been injured on the job. This symbolic resolution acknowledges the annual toll of workplace accidents and occupational diseases in the state. While it calls for increased workplace safety standards and fair compensation, it does not create new laws or alter existing regulations.
This legislative resolution asks residents, employers, and community groups in Michigan to raise awareness about workers' rights and workplace protections. It highlights the importance of these rights for economic stability and directs attention to existing resources provided by state agencies like the Bureau of Employment Relations and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The bill specifically encourages promoting these rights during Workplace Rights Week, which is scheduled for April 27 through May 1, 2026. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to facilitate this outreach.
House Bill 4435 proposes to repeal Section 17 of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act. This section currently prohibits the state from creating new rules related to workplace ergonomics. If enacted, this bill would remove that prohibition, allowing the state to develop and implement health and safety standards concerning ergonomics in various workplaces. This change could affect Michigan employers and their employees by potentially introducing new requirements to prevent injuries related to repetitive motions or other ergonomic hazards.
HB 4440 proposes to create the Infectious Disease Worker Safety Commission within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. This commission, comprised of representatives from labor unions, management, and health care specialists, will determine best practices for employee safety during declared infectious disease emergencies. These practices include guidelines for personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and distancing requirements. The commission must prepare and publicly release a report of these determinations, which employers are required to post at their workplaces. If an employer fails to post the report, they cannot take disciplinary action against an employee who leaves or refuses to report to work during an infectious disease emergency.
Senate Resolution 36 officially recognizes April 28, 2025, as Workers’ Memorial Day in Michigan. The resolution pays tribute to workers who have been injured, disabled, or died due to workplace accidents, both in Michigan and globally. It also urges all citizens to honor the contributions of Michigan's workforce and call for increased workplace safety standards.
House Resolution 71 declares April 28, 2025, as Workers Memorial Day in the state of Michigan. This resolution honors Michigan workers who have been injured, disabled, or died due to workplace accidents.
House Bill 4433, titled the "emergency responder employment protection act," aims to protect employees in Michigan who serve as emergency responders. The bill prohibits employers from discriminating against, disciplining, or firing an employee for being an emergency responder or for being absent from work to respond to an emergency. To be protected, employees must provide notice before their shift, submit a written statement of emergency need within 72 hours, and ensure their absence does not create a workplace safety concern. Employees are also required to notify their employer of their emergency responder status and provide documentation, while employers retain the ability to treat such absences as paid or unpaid time off.
House Bill 4436 amends Michigan's occupational safety and health act to protect employees who communicate about workplace safety. The bill prohibits employers from firing or discriminating against an employee who discloses information about an occupational safety practice, workplace hazard, or communicable disease to the employer, other employees, a government agency, or the public. Employers are also barred from requiring employees to sign agreements or follow policies that limit such disclosures, rendering such provisions void. Additionally, the bill prevents employers from taking adverse action against an employee for wearing their own personal protective equipment that offers more protection than employer-provided gear. If an employer takes action within 90 days of a protected activity, it is presumed to be a violation.
House Bill 4439 amends the Michigan occupational safety and health act to protect employees who refuse to work due to a reasonable belief of exposure to a communicable disease or unsafe condition. This protection applies if the employee first requested the employer to correct the issue, the issue was not corrected, and the employee reported it to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA). If an employee is not reassigned under these circumstances, the employer must pay their wages for the period the condition remains uncorrected. The bill also creates a presumption of employer violation if adverse action is taken against an employee within 90 days of them engaging in these protected activities.
