Michigan lawmakers introduced House Bill 5180 to amend the Worker’s Disability Compensation Act, expanding the definition of “personal injury” to include illnesses contracted by essential workers from infectious diseases during a declared state of emergency.

Under the proposal, essential workers – individuals required to work during a state of emergency because their role is necessary to protect life or maintain critical operations – would be presumed to have a work-related injury if they become ill under these circumstances.

The coverage would apply retroactively to March 10, 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expanding presumptions to essential workers may increase claim volume and costs, and require additional work to ensure care is being effectively managed.