MIOSHA eNews - August 2020

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COVID-19 Workplace Safety website improved

The one-stop-shop for COVID-19 workplace safety - Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety - has recently been updated to improve your experience when navigating through the resources compiled by MIOSHA. 

Now each industry has it's own webpage that includes the resources and guidelines specific to their industry. By clicking on the blue buttons, you will be able to navigate the information most relevant to your business or industry. 

guidelines by industry

Other changes include adding a downloadable posters section and social media graphics including industry specific safety snapshots that can be shared on your social channels.

Anyone with questions about workplace safety is encouraged to call the new MIOSHA hotline at 
855-SAFEC19 (855-723-3219).

Continue to check out the website for the latest resources for workplace safety as information around COVID-19 is rapidly changing.

Visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus for the state's information and resources on the pandemic. 

Workplace Safety Grants

The State of Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant Program will soon close. These grants will provide small businesses matching funds of up to $10,000 to decrease the risk of COVID-19 spread through safety and health-related equipment purchased and training in response to COVID-19.

The initial grant application window will close Friday, August 7, 2020, with awards given shortly thereafter.

Apply for the COVID-19 Safety Grant by Aug 7

Learn more about the grant program

MIOSHA focuses efforts on protecting employees in service industries with greater COVID-19 transmission risk

To protect employees, customers and communities from the spread of the COVID-19 virus, MIOSHA launched a State Emphasis Program (SEP) focused on retail, restaurant, bar and service industry establishments that addresses the need for increased partnership, education and enforcement to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. Read the full press release to learn more.

Sign up for Safe + Sound Week 2020

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Safe + Sound Week is quickly approaching!

This year, Safe + Sound Week will be held from August 10-16, 2020. The week-long event encourages employers to highlight employee contributions to improving workplace safety and to launch new safety initiatives. Organizations or businesses of any size or in any industry looking for an opportunity to show their commitment to safety are welcome to participate.

Sign up today!

Visit OSHA's Safe + Sound website to participate

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Stand-Down to Save Lives - September 14-18 

National Safety Stand-Down

Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 320 of the 1,008 construction fatalities recorded in 2018 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable. The National Safety Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries.   

Addressing falls in construction is the reason why each year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) holds a National Safety Stand-Down to prevent Falls in the Construction industry. OSHA encourages employers to take a break to focus on safety concerns surrounding falls from elevation.  Stand-down events provide employers and workers the opportunity to talk about hazards, protective methods, and the company’s safety and health programs, goals, and expectations.

Last year, thousands of worksites participated in the campaign and the Stand-Down event reached over a million workers. OSHA invites employers to dedicate themselves yet again to the safety of their most valuable resource, their workers. 

OSHA’s Stand-Down webpage offers information on conducting a successful event, and educational resources. Employers are encouraged to provide feedback after their events and to obtain a personalized certificate of participation.

The National Safety Stand-Down is a joint effort between OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training.

To learn how you can participate in the Stand-Down, visit osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown

MIOSHA will be hosting an online event during the week. Stay tuned for announcement of this event.

Michigan Worker Deaths of 2020

To date, there have been thirteen work-related fatalities reported to MIOSHA in 2020. The information below shares preliminary details about the most recent fatalities reported to MIOSHA which are believed to be covered by the MIOSH Act. The description reflects information provided to MIOSHA at the initial report of the incident and is not the result of the official MIOSHA investigation. To report fatalities/catastrophes, call MIOSHA at 800-858-0397.

Preliminary summaries of the most recent incidents:
On March 6, at approximately 8:15 p.m., a 53-year-old dryer technician had been conducting cleaning activities, with the use of an air wand, on a catwalk approximately 23-feet above the ground. During the cleaning task, he fell through the catwalk’s guardrail system and sustained fatal injuries. 

On July 15, at approximately 5:55 a.m., a 44-year-old master electrician removed the cover from a 480-volt electrical panel to repaint the cover. As he was placing and securing caution tape in and around the electrical panel, the master electrician came in contact with exposed electrical conductors inside the panel and was electrocuted. 

On July 19, at approximately 5 a.m., a 60-year-old maintenance technician/electrician began replacing 480-VAC wiring powering a conveyor drive motor. The maintenance technician/electrician was working alone making a new connection in a junction box containing multiple energized wires. He contacted energized wires and was subsequently electrocuted. He was discovered by coworkers at approximately 11:45 a.m. who immediately called 911. The maintenance technician/electrician was pronounced dead on the scene.

On July 20, at approximately 3 p.m., a 40-year-old landscaper was cutting down an approximate 10-foot high tree stump. He had made cuts at the base; the stump fell in the wrong direction striking him.

On July 28, at approximately 7:15 a.m., a 49-year-old forklift mechanic was found between the mast and the overhead guard on a forklift. Another employee moved the mast forward and the forklift mechanic slumped down. Other employees came to the area and helped lower him to the ground and began assessing his condition. Employees began resuscitation efforts until first responders arrived and took over. The forklift mechanic was pronounced deceased at the scene.

There were 37 MIOSHA-covered deaths in 2019. 2009 saw the lowest number with 24. Every life is precious. Our mutual goal must be that every employee goes home at the end of every shift unharmed.

If you need help or assistance in ensuring your workplace is safe, MIOSHA is here to help. The CET Division provides workplace safety and health training and consultations to employers and employees throughout Michigan, free of charge. Contact CET today at 800-866-4674 or request CET services online.

Agency Instructions Issued

July 27, 2020 - COVID-19 in Bars, Restaurants, Gas Stations, Grocery and Convenience Stores, and Other Retail - State Emphasis Program (SEP)

Media

July 27, 2020 - MIOSHA Focuses efforts on protecting employees in service industries with greater COVID-19 transmission risk

July 23, 2020 - $8.55 Million in COVID-19 Workplace Safety Grants will help employers protect workers

July 13, 2020 - Michigan Businesses Provided Toolkit to Help Workplaces Stay Safe

July 2, 2020 - MIOSHA launches program to ensure hospital workers have appropriate personal protective equipment

Variances

Variances from MIOSHA standards must be made available to the public in accordance with Part 12, Variances (R408.22201 to 408.22251). MIOSHA variances are published online at michigan.gov/mioshavariances.

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