Heat Illness Program Protects Workers from Indoor and Outdoor Heat Hazards

MIOSHA Heat Illness Prevention State Emphasis Program enters second year

MIOSHA renewed its State Emphasis Program to help identify and reduce exposures to indoor and outdoor heat-related hazards in the workplace.

“Our goal is to remind employers of their responsibility to provide workplaces free of known heat-related safety and health hazards and equip them with a plan to establish their own heat illness prevention procedures,” said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman. “Hot and humid conditions continue to pose serious risks to workers’ health, but these heat-related illnesses are preventable.”

MIOSHA first launched the State Emphasis Program for heat hazards in July 2022 in alignment with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration's introduction of a National Emphasis Program to prevent heat related illness on the job. On July 27, Federal OSHA issued a heat hazard alert to remind employers of their obligation to protect workers against heat illness or injury in outdoor and indoor workplaces.

In the first year of the State Emphasis Program, MIOSHA conducted 59 heat related enforcement inspections and provided 179 consultation and education assistance visits to employers to raise heat illness awareness. This summer, MIOSHA will conduct programmed inspections at construction and landscaping sites to elevate their heat illness prevention programs. 

Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in hot or humid conditions nationwide.  Heat-related illnesses range from heat rashes to heat cramps (prickly heat), heat exhaustion, heat syncope (fainting) and heat stroke, which is potentially deadly.

Employers are encouraged to utilize MIOSHA’s sample heat illness prevention plan, which can be used as a template to establish their own heat illness prevention procedures and reduce the risk of work-related heat illness among their employees. Workplaces can also access federal OSHA’s fact sheet to learn how to protect workers from the effects of heat.

MIOSHA designed the employer sample program for heat illness and prevention to address heat strain in outdoor and indoor environments. Employers are encouraged to evaluate conditions at their worksite while providing detailed procedures on how to prevent and treat heat illness, including:

• Monitoring the heat index and what to do when the heat index equals or exceeds 90°F 
• Provisioning water
• Accessing cooling areas or shade
• Building heat tolerance
• Developing an emergency response
• Handling a sick employee
• Training for employees and supervisors

For help identifying heat-related hazards and preventing dangerous heat exposure, visit www.michigan.gov/heat

Muskegon Electrical Contractor Wins Safety Award

CET Gold award acknowledges effective safety practices 

A Muskegon-based electrical contractor was recognized for achieving an outstanding MIOSHA record and implementing an effective safety and health management system.

Newkirk Electric Associates Inc., was recognized with the MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training (CET) Gold Award during a July 11 award ceremony.  Newkirk, a large regional electrical contractor was founded in Muskegon in 1961, and is the 85^th employer to earn a CET Gold award in MIOSHA history. 

“Newkirk Electric remains a committed advocate and participant of MIOSHA’s health and safety services, and remains committed to prioritize worker protections day in and day out," said Tarah Kile, MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training Division Director. 

The MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division recognizes the safety and health achievements of Michigan employers and employees through CET Awards, which are based on excellent safety and health performance. The Gold award specifically recognizes employers whose current and last two years TCIR and DART rates are below the industry average.  

"We're in this for the long haul, and we're in this for the right reasons. It's a win for everyone, there are no losers when we do this right,"  Newkirk Electric Associates Inc. Vice President Tom Anton said during the award ceremony. 

The Gold award criteria also includes having the company implement at least 24 of 32 attributes in its Safety Health Management System . The Gold award company must have at least two implemented attributes in each of the five SHMS elements and also meet the goal of 24 total attributes.  The company must also have an established safety and health committee.

Take a Stand Day set for August 7-11

During August 7-11, 2023, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) is partnering with employers across the state to "Take a Stand" for workplace safety and health. Due to its popularity, Take a Stand Day, originally one day, was expanded to an entire week to allow employers greater flexibility in scheduling a visit. During Take a Stand Day, compliance officers "stand down" from their enforcement activities and offer their services instead as consultants, with no citations and no fines to participating workplaces.

For this 19th annual Take a Stand Day, MIOSHA is focusing its visits on high-hazard industries targeted by the MIOSHA Strategic Plan. These include construction sites, manufacturing establishments, hospitals, and nursing homes.

Thank you to those who scheduled their Take a Stand Day visit!  You will be contacted two weeks prior to the date for scheduling. If you have any questions about your participation, email LEO-TASD-RCA@michigan.gov.    

For free assistance in providing a safe and healthy workplace any week of the year, visit LEO – Consultation Education and Training or call the MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training Division at 517-284-7720. 

MIOSHA Alliance Partnership Renewed

Representatives from MIOSHA and Operating Engineers 324 are pictured at the MIOSHA Michigan Alliance renewal ceremony July 12, 2023.

MIOSHA renewed a long-time Michigan Alliance program partnership with Operating Engineers 324 Journeyman & Apprentice Training Fund Inc. The nearly decade-long partnership provides 15,000 OE 324 apprentices, journeypersons, and instructors with information, guidance and access to training resources to protect worker health and safety. 

MIOSHA leaders and OE 324 representatives celebrated the renewed alliance agreement during a July 12 signing ceremony at the OE 324 training site in Howell. 

"We're pleased to renew this alliance that brings together our organizations to expand education, outreach and information throughout the state. This alliance continues to provide great training opportunities to help create safer construction sites throughout Michigan," MIOSHA CET Division Director Tarah Kile said at the signing ceremony. 

The MIOSHA Alliance Program is open to all groups, including trade or professional organizations. With a three-year written agreement with MIOSHA, your organization can formalize the opportunity to collaborate on outreach and education to lead Michigan employers and employees in advancing workplace safety and health.

MIOSHA CET Division Director Tarah Kile is pictured at the July 12 Michigan Alliance Ceremony with representatives from Operating Engineers 324

Register for Two Free Workplace Violence Training Seminars

Register for August 15 Coffee with MIOSHA

MIOSHA and the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Greater Detroit Chapter and Kelly Services invite employers and employees to share a cup of coffee and learn about the importance of workplace safety and health. This event is for both General Industry and Construction. 

Coffee with MIOSHA events provide an informal opportunity for all Michigan employers and employees to meet with MIOSHA representatives (consultative and enforcement) to ask questions, obtain information on program services and resources, learn about MIOSHA Training Institute opportunities and establish rapport.

Tuesday, August 15, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Kelly Services, 999 West Big Beaver Road Troy, Michigan 48084
Register by Monday, August 14 "
RSVP HERE 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: Radiation Safety Part 5 Administrative Rules for Ionizing Radiation Rules Governing the Use of Radiation Machines, Part 5, Operator Qualifications – August 16, 2023

Administrative Rules for Ionizing Radiation Rules Governing the Use of Radiation Machines
Rule Set 2022-44 Wednesday, August 16, 2023
10:00 a.m. 
Michigan Library & Historical Center, 1st Floor Forum
702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48915

The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on proposed changes to the Ionizing Radiation Rules Governing the Use of Radiation Machines rule set.  

The general purpose of these proposed rules is to amend the Ionizing Radiation Rules governing the use of radiation standard to establish qualification requirements for individuals engaged in medical x -radiation technology. The proposed rules are intended to address the improper performance of medical x-radiation technology and ensure that individuals and patients are not exposed to unnecessary radiation.  

By authority conferred on the Director of the LEO by sections 13515, 13521, 13522, and 13527 of the  Public Health Code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.13515, 333.13521, 333.13522, and 333.13527, and  Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1996-1, 1996-2, 2003-1, 2011-4, and 2019-3, MCL 330.3101,  445.2001, 445.2011, 445.2030, and 125.1998.  

The proposed rules will take effect immediately after filing with the Secretary of State. The proposed rules are published on the State of Michigan's website at http://www.michigan.gov/ARD and in the 8/1/2023 issue of the Michigan Register. Copies of these proposed rules may also be obtained by mail or electronic mail at the following email address: MIOSHA-Standards@michigan.gov

Comments on these proposed rules may be made at the hearing, by mail, or by electronic mail at the following addresses until 8/16/2023 at 05:00 p.m.

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity MIOSHA, Technical Services Division, Standards and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Section
530 West Allegan Street 
P.O. Box 30643
Lansing, MI 48909-8143
MIOSHA-Standards@michigan.gov

The public hearing will be conducted in compliance with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. If the hearing is held at a physical location, the building will be accessible with handicap parking available. Anyone needing assistance to take part in the hearing due to disability may call 517-284-7740 to make arrangements.

The proposed rules and regulatory impact statement can be found on the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Administrative Rulemaking System website.

Michigan Worker Deaths of 2023

There have been 21 work-related fatalities reported to MIOSHA in 2023. 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 descriptions reflect information provided to MIOSHA at the initial report of the incidents and are not the result of the official MIOSHA investigations.

Preliminary Summaries of the Most Recent 2023 incidents:

A 70-year-old traffic flagger was fatally hit by a car while regulating traffic at a road construction project. 

A 57-year-old driver operating a concrete mixing truck became stuck while making a delivery at a job site. A contractor attempted to pull out the truck by connecting a tow cable from a bulldozer. The bulldozer's hitch pin broke off, and then tow cable whipped trough the concrete truck windshield, fatally striking the driver. 

A 54-year-old truck driver was kneeling over a single-piece rim wheel and tire assembly. While inflating the tire, the sidewall burst, and the assembly shot up fatally striking the man. 

A 28-year-old Southwest Michigan firefighter responded to a call for a broken tree branch hanging on a power line. After the fire department secured the scene, a different power line broke and struck the firefighter who was knocked down and electrocuted.

A 58-year-old Van Buren County road worker was part of a four-man crew doing repair work. The victim was performing traffic control when he was struck by a commuter vehicle. 

A 34-year-old truck driver was on route performing trash collection. The victim had exited the garbage truck and was placing a garbage hopper into the hopper lift. He proceeded to the right side of the truck to operate the hopper controls with his back to the road when an oncoming commuter vehicle struck the garbage truck from the rear fatally striking the victim.

A 39-year-old EMT worker was driving an ambulance on I-75 to when he came upon a vehicle that crashed into a viaduct wall near an exit ramp. When the victim exited the ambulance to assist the driver, he was fatally struck by an oncoming vehicle, which also fatally struck the driver of the crashed vehicle.

A 61-year-old electrical maintenance journeyman, part of multi-person crew, was struck by a radiator assembly during the dismantlement of a transformer at an electrical substation.

A 19-year-old warehouse worker and another employee were attempting to change the bucket on a Bobcat backhoe. The victim was attempting to remove a pin from the bucket while the coworker was operating the Bobcat. The victim was fatally crushed after being caught between the bucket and a bollard.

A 35-year-old laborer and his employer arrived at a private residence to perform a tree trimming job. The bucket truck became stuck, so the crew attached a rope to the front axle of the dump truck and the tie down on the skid steer's bucket. The rope snapped and struck the victim, who was operating the skid steer in the chest. 

 A 24-year-old production technician was heating a finished part to remove oils when the next cycle of a vacuum forming mode began. The victim was caught between an extended conveyor and vacuum forming mold, crushing him.

A 24-year-old laborer/roofer was performing roofing operation on a flat roof near a skylight. The victim fell 20 feet through the skylight and landed on the concrete floor below. The victim was admitted to the hospital and died from his injuries one month later. 

A 57-year-old mechanic was mounting two tires for a trailer. The victim took one of the tires outside the shop and placed it on the ground to inflate using pneumatic air compressor, set at approximately 150 psi (pounds per square inch). The tire exploded and struck the victim in the head.

A 60-year-old owner was found on the workshop floor, unresponsive. During the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) response, individuals on site began to feel ill and the fire department found carbon monoxide levels ranging from 500 to 800 parts-per-million (ppm). Vehicle exhaust fumes exposed the victim to carbon monoxide which caused carbon monoxide poisoning.

A 70-year-old traffic flagger was fatally hit by a car while regulating traffic at a road construction project.

A 33-year-old demolition laborer was demolishing a cooling tower located on the roof of a building with an angle grinder. The worker cut away one angle iron and was cutting a second angle when the cooling tower started to fall. The worker ran towards the cooling tower when it fell on them.

 A 53-year-old laborer was performing fire-proofing activities to structural steel while wearing fall protection, but not physically tied-off to an anchorage point. During the work operation, the victim fell approximately 18 feet to the concrete below.

 A 30-year-old journeyman lineman was performing maintenance operations to powerline(s). During the operation the victim was electrocuted.

A 75-year-old general laborer was operating a riding lawn mower and it flipped over a retention wall.

A 41-year-old truck driver was adjusting the tie downs on a tractor trailer near the side of the road when the victim was struck by a pedestrian vehicle.

 A 38-year-old tree trimmer was performing trimming operations when he was struck and killed by a falling tree.

A 42-year-old roofing company owner was contracted to perform roof repair on a barn. The victim had removed a sheet off of the roof and fell through the opening 30-35 feet to the concrete floor below. 

Agency Instructions Issued

Issued: July 10, 2023: Accident-Incident, Hazard, and Near-Miss Reporting Procedures for MIOSHA Staff. A copy of this instruction can be found at www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/miosha/policies-and-procedures.

Issued: July 10, 2023: Confined Space and Tunnels Under Construction Entry for MIOSHA Personnel. A copy of this instruction can be found at www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/miosha/policies-and-procedures.

Issued: July 12, 2023:  Take A Stand Day (TASD) Guidelines. A copy of this instruction can be found at www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/miosha/policies-and-procedures.

Renewed: July 27, 2023:  Heat-Related Illness – State Emphasis Program (SEP).  A copy of this instruction can be found at www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/miosha/policies-and-procedures.

Variances

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

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