BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. – The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration has inspected and issued COVID-19 “general duty” citations to nine different businesses. 

Among the businesses that were issued COVID-19 “general duty” citations were Lane Automotive of Watervliet, MI. 

Lane Automotive was fined $3,500 for violations of COVID-19 workplace safety requirements including the lack of face coverings when employees were within six feet of each other. 

Lane Automotive also allowed barriers to be removed in the break rooms so employees could sit next to each other. 

Lastly, Lane Automotive failed to avoid larger meetings when social distancing was not possible. 

The MIOSHA inspection was initiated after a complaint from an employee. 

Lane Automotive will have 15 working days from receipt of the MIOSHA to contest the violations and penalties. 

For more information about MIOSHA’s safety and health guidelines to protect Michigan’s workforce during the pandemic, employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health may contact MIOSHA using the new hotline 855-SAFE-C9 (855-723-19). 

To report health and safety concerns in the workplace, go to Michigan.gov/MIOSHAcomplaint

This story has been corrected to show the fine that was issued to the business was $3,500.