Michigan OSHA Urges Focus on Hazards After Over 20 Deaths

Lansing, MI — The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration is urging employers and workers to focus on hazard recognition, training and incident prevention after more than 20 workplace deaths were recorded in the state so far this year, according to Safety+Health Magazine.

Director’s Statement

MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman stated that every workplace death is a tragedy and recent incidents are a reminder that conditions can change quickly. He added that employers must make hazard recognition part of every job, provide workers with the training and protections they need, and create a culture where employees are empowered to speak up and stop work when something is unsafe.

Changing Conditions

Weather, equipment, materials, traffic patterns, staffing and job tasks can cause on-the-job hazards to emerge or intensify. MIOSHA advises employers to assess hazards before work begins and reassess as conditions change. Employers should also provide workers with task-specific training and ensure they understand how to recognize and report hazards.

Communication and Stop-Work Authority

The agency recommends maintaining clear communication between workers, supervisors and contractors. Employers are advised to stop work when conditions become unsafe or required protections are not in place.

SAFE Initiative and Services

MIOSHA’s Stay Alert For Everyone (SAFE) initiative reinforces recognizing changing conditions, maintaining situational awareness and speaking up before an incident occurs. The agency’s Consultation Education and Training Division offers free, confidential onsite consultative services to help employers identify hazards and strengthen workplace safety and health programs, according to Safety+Health Magazine.