State fines 19 Michigan businesses more than $50,000 for workplace safety violations

Nineteen Michigan businesses were cited by the state for workplace violations related to COVID-19 safety protocols, adding up to more than $50,000 in fines.

From home remodelers and tire stores, to produce packing facilities, construction retailers, and even an animal hospital, businesses from around the state were subject to thousands of dollars in penalties.

Many of the businesses failed to require social distancing and masks within the stores where both are mandated by state law.

“The MIOSHA investigations determined that these employers were not taking precautions to protect employees and their communities from the spread of COVID-19,” MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman said in a statement. “Failure to follow guidelines puts everyone at risk and these citations are meant to reiterate the employer’s responsibility to protect their employees.”

(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Months after the mandate of social distancing and mask-wearing rules went into effect, the state's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been bolstering efforts to correct infractions where they find them.

The group announced more than $33,000 in fines had been handed out last August.

"Deficiencies included a lack of health screenings, face coverings, employee training, cleaning measures and overall preparedness plans," read the release from MIOSHA.

RELATED: State hands out $33,400 in fines to businesses violating COVID-19 safety rules

Businesses that fail to follow the rules can be fined up to $7,000. Any that are cited will have 15 working days to make corrections.

The businesses fined are listed below:

  • American Eagle Home Improvement in Bangor, MI fined $2,100
  • Belle Tire in Shelby Twp fined $7,000
  • Americus Grill in Brighton fined $400
  • Dave's Glass Service, Inc. in Kalamazoo fined $2,100
  • ABSR, Inc., Story Roofing Company Inc., in Buckley fined $4,200
  • B D Construction in Pontiac fined $2,100
  • Daniel Sanchez (residential construction company) in Plainwell fined $2,100
  • D&D Roofing 4G, LLC., in Fremont fined $2,800
  • Fresh Park in Detroit fined $4,900
  • Gillespie Roofing in Lansing fined $2,100
  • Home Depot in Dearborn Heights fined $4,000
  • Nain Construction in Grand Rapids fined $2,100
  • Pilot Company in Ottawa Lake fined $3,500
  • A&S Warren Foods Inc, Shoppers Market Warren in Warren fined $1,500
  • Valentin Roofing, LLC in Kalamazoo fined $2,100
  • West Olive Nursery, Inc., in West Olive fined $2,100
  • GVC Painting Co., Inc, in Milford fined $2,100
  • Kauffman Construction, Inc., in Newaygo fined $2,100
  • Riverfront Animal Hospital in Lansing fined $2,100