Mask Requirements
From bank robber chic to socially responsible
As social isolation restrictions relax all over the nation, both employers and employees alike are wondering about mask requirements. Let's tackle the issue from both perspectives.
As an employee:
As per the EEOC, employers CAN require you to wear a face mask.
Please ask your employer for accommodations if you cannot wear a mask because of:
Religious Grounds
Medical Grounds (such as asthma)
If you do not follow their face mask policy, your employer can terminate your employment.
Depending on your state, you may be required to wear a face mask regardless of your employer's policies. Check your state here.
In the state of Michigan, employers are required to provide you with a face mask.
Your employer must make clear to you when masks must be worn.
As an employer:
As per the EEOC, you CAN require employees to wear a facemask.
You must provide accommodations if an employee cannot wear a mask because of Religious Grounds and Medical Grounds (such as asthma). Accommodations can be made on an individual case by case basis.
Each state has varying level of additional requirements, specified per type of industry. To read your state's requirements, check here.
Regardless of state or federal regulations, your face mask policy should be clearly outlined to all employees. If masks are required, you must provide clear instructions on when they will be worn and any consequences for failing to do so.
If you're in Michigan, here's some quick guidance:
You are required to provide non-medical face masks to your employees. Peruse a few types here.
If your business is NOT generally open to the public (office building, manufacturing, farming, etc.) then your employees are only required to wear face masks if they cannot maintain 6 feet of distance. We recommend taking a conservative approach.