State fines Kroger Fuel Center for COVID-19 violations

MIOSHA’s enforcement action follows crackdown by liquor control panel

A Macomb County fuel center was cited by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration for failing to take measures to protect workers from contracting the COVID-19 virus.

Kroger Fuel Center in Roseville was fined $6,300 for a list of “general duty” violations including not requiring employees to wear faces mask to informing workers of potential exposure to the coronavirus.

“The MIOSHA ‘general duty’ clause requires an employer to provide a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that are causing, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm to the employee,” MIOSHA said in a news release.

A general duty clause violation carries a fine of up to $7,000.

According to MIOSHA, the Kroger fuel center on Gratiot Avenue north of Common Road failed to:

• Develop an infectious disease preparedness and response plan

• Inform worker of their possible exposure to COROSEVILLE

VID-19 in the workplace

• Develop and enforce policies and procedures for employees to report when they are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19

• Conduct daily in-person or virtual health checks of employees as they report to work

• Making sure that employees wore a cloth face covering as a measure to contain the wearer’s respiratory droplets and help protect coworkers.

The inspection, conducted between Sept. 25-Oct. 28, was initiated in response to an employee complaint, the agency said. The company has 15 working days from receipt of the MIOSHA citation to contest the violations and penalties.

State officials include suggestions on how to fix the hazards to protect employees and must provide proof to MIOSHA the abatement has been completed.

Kroger was one of five companies that MIOSHA took legal action against last week. The others were:

• Integrity Business Solutions LLC in Grand Rapids; $3,500 fine

• International Wholesale in Allen Park; $3.500 fine

• Marvin S. Taylor DDSPC dba Dr. Taylor’s Family Dental Center in Waterford; $2,100 fine

• Andy’s Pizza in Jackson; $1,000 fine

MIOSHA’s general industry and construction industry enforcement divisions found the companies allegedly failed to implement health screenings, face mask requirements, employee training, cleaning protocols or other measures needed to keep those workers safe, according the news release.

Also, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission has temporarily suspended the licenses and permits of 25 establishments — including five Macomb County bars and a banquet hall — for violating COVID-19 restrictions.