The Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association has been closely monitoring the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the impact to our industry. Our self-insured workers’ compensation fund (MHI Fund) has been involved in communicating with its members on preparing for the impact to employee safety and how to handle questions related to workplace claims.

Over 500 MNLA members are participating in the MHI Fund and during this unprecedented period, the fund’s safety services are now being extended to all members of the association. The fund has a fully staffed team of loss control professionals that know your industry. This outreach support will be provided by phone, Email, on-line videos and through web-based training.

Contact Steve Storey at steve_storey@rpsins.com, (517) 664-2742

COVID-19 website provides a 35-page Department of Labor manual titled, “Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19”    https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

Could COVID-19 cause a work related injury?

The Workers’ Compensation Act excludes claims that are attributed to an “ordinary disease of life.”  An ordinary disease of life in one in which the public could be generally exposed to outside of their employment. In addition, Coronavirus is not “characteristic of and peculiar to the business” of any employer. As a result, your fund’s legal defense team does not believe a claim would be deemed compensable. However, some industries such as health care, may be impacted differently. If you are uncertain whether to file a claim, feel free to contact your claim team to review.

In addition, contact the MNLA office with questions or any other support needs you may have.  Thank you for your continued participation in the fund.