Bill > HB4439

This bill amends the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act to protect employees from adverse employment actions when they refuse to work due to reasonable safety concerns. Specifically, the bill allows employees to refuse to work or report to work if they believe the workplace exposes them, other employees, or the public to a communicable disease or an unsafe/hazardous condition. Before refusing work, the employee must first request the employer to correct the hazardous condition and contact the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) to report the issue. If an employer does not correct the condition and the employee is not reassigned, the employer must continue to pay the employee's wages. The bill also creates a legal presumption that if an employer discharges, discriminates against, or retaliates against an employee within 90 days of engaging in these protected activities, the employer has violated the law, unless they can provide clear and convincing evidence that their action was legally authorized. This legislation aims to ensure worker safety and provide employees with a mechanism to address potential workplace health and safety risks without fear of job loss or retaliation.

Business and Industry

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4439