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A Michigan civil engineering professor has authored new research that underscores the critical need for tailored incident investigation protocols to prevent workplace injuries and fatalities in the construction industry.
Professor Ahmed Jalil Al-Bayati, a faculty member at Lawrence Technology University and founding director of LTU’s Construction Safety Research Center (CSRC), released a study emphasizing the critical need for tailored incident investigation protocols to uncover root causes of workplace incidents, particularly in the electrical construction industry.
"We will keep having the same incidents if we do not learn enough from them," Al-Bayati said. "We are not taking full advantage of these learning opportunities. Tailored investigation protocol or forms are one of the methods that can help us be prepared to investigate these incidents."
Addressing a Persistent Problem
For years, the construction industry has grappled with recurring incidents, such as falls, electrocutions, and being struck by objects. Despite various safety measures, these incidents continue to occur. Al-Bayati points to a significant gap in traditional incident investigations: the failure to identify and address the underlying systemic issues. "We often focus on immediate causes, overlooking the deeper, systemic problems," Al-Bayati said. "This leads to a cycle where the same types of incidents keep happening."
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The Power of Tailored Protocols
Al-Bayati’s research introduces a tailored approach to incident investigations, designed to systematically uncover the root causes of incidents, moving beyond individual errors to address broader organizational issues.
The study, funded by ELECTRI International, the nonprofit research arm of the National Electrical Contractors Association, focuses on arc flash incidents but is applicable to various types of construction hazards.
Fifteen industry experts participated in the study and identified specific unsafe actions, such as improper PPE use and failure to test for voltage. Furthermore, the study uncovered the root causes of these unsafe actions, highlighting human and workplace factors. Additionally, the study examined unsafe conditions, such as outdated equipment and lack of labeling, along with their root causes.
While the study primarily addresses arc flash incidents, the methodology can be adapted for other common construction hazards, such as falls and electrocutions.
Al-Bayati believes that the tailored protocols identified will help employers learn from incidents and improve their overall safety culture. "This will help prevent injuries and illnesses in the future," he said.
For more details on the study and to access the full study, visit mdpi.com.
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🚨 Sign up for MIOSHA Training Institute (MTI) Level Two Safety and Health Management Boot Camp! 🚨
 Don't miss the MIOSHA Training Institute (MTI) Level Two Safety and Health Management Boot Camp!
July 23-25 & August 6-8, 2024
American Society of Employers (ASE) West Michigan
380 W. Western Ave, Suite 202
Muskegon, Michigan 49440
Prepare for advanced safety management with courses spread over six days, preparing students holding a Level One certificate who have not taken any Level Two MTI management track classes and have the responsibility for implementing safety and health systems. The classes, taught entirely by experienced MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training (CET) consultants, provide continuing education credits and maintenance points as well as an opportunity for students to be recognized for their educational efforts and increased technical expertise. Attending MTI classes may qualify an employer for “good faith” credits during a MIOSHA inspection which may lead to a reduction in penalties.
Course Details:
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Week One:
- MIOSHA Recordkeeping and Cost of Injuries: July 23
- Behavior-Based Safety: Fundamentals and Implementation: July 24
- Incident Investigation: July 25
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Week Two:
- Continuous Safety and Health Improvement: August 6
- Effective Safety and Health Training: August 7
- Understanding and Improving Your Safety Culture: August 8
Details:
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Price: $720 (includes materials, refreshments, and lunches)
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Schedule: Registration at 8:30 a.m., classes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Early Registration Deadline: July 9, 2024
💼 Who Should Attend:
- Those holding a Level One certificate
- Professionals responsible for implementing safety and health systems
- General industry and construction supervisors, managers, and safety coordinators
📜 Benefits:
- Gain in-depth knowledge of MIOSHA regulations
- Improve hazard identification and mitigation skills
- Learn effective safety management strategies
- Network with industry professionals
- Earn the MTI Level Two Management Certificate
- Receive continuing education credits and maintenance points
🔗 Register Now: Click here to register
For more information or to register by phone or email:
Boost your career and create a safer workplace! 💼👷♀️👷♂️
MIOSHA will partner with employers to "Take a Stand" for workplace safety and health on August 12-16, by dedicating our professional staff to visit Michigan high-hazard industries targeted by the MIOSHA. There will be no citations or fines for participating workplaces, however, participants must agree to correct all serious conditions.
To schedule a Take a Stand Day visit, complete the registration form at michigan.gov/mioshatasd. The deadline for submissions is Friday, July 19, 2024.
For any questions about participation, email LEO-TASD-RCA@michigan.gov. Employer's will be contacted two weeks prior to the date for scheduling.
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MIOSHA,Toebe Construction, partnering employers and trade contractors entered into a workplace safety and training agreement for the US-127/I-496 reconstruction project.
Multiple contractors and subcontractors involved in the construction project signed the agreement during a partnership signing event on June 17. The agreement endorses the ultimate goal of zero injuries through construction safety policies and procedures.
"Our commitment to ensuring a healthful and safe workplace for every tradesperson is paramount. This collaboration demonstrates the power of teamwork and shared vision in achieving our ultimate goal of zero injuries," said MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training Division Director Tarah Kile.
The US 127 Corridor Improvement Project focuses on a 3.6-mile stretch of roadway from I-96 to I-496 in Ingham and Clinton Counties. The project involves adding a third lane to both the northbound and southbound lanes of US-127, installing underground piping, and renovating or replacing 18 bridges.
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 A construction worker signs a banner during the MIOSHA US 127/1-496 Construction Partnership signing on June 17, 2024 in Lansing.
The primary safety goals are ambitious: zero injuries and zero accidents. These objectives are supported by commitments to safe site conditions, effective coordination between trades, comprehensive safety training, and complete reporting of near misses. The partnership aims to foster positive safety attitudes and actions that extend beyond the project's duration.
Partnering Employers
- Action Traffic Maintenance
- Dunnigan Brothers
- F and M Concrete
- Give Em A Brake Safety
- J&M Construction
- RAM Construction
Partnering Unions
Supporting Partners
- Michigan Infrastructure Transportation Association (MITA)
- Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
All MIOSHA partnerships are an opportunity for employers, employees and/or their representatives and stakeholders to establish a cooperative relationship with MIOSHA to encourage, assist and recognize their voluntary efforts to focus on and eliminate serious hazards and achieve a high level of safety and health.
 MIOSHA alliance partner, the University of Michigan Center for Occupational Health and Safety Engineering (COHSE) is helping organize the University of Michigan Eisenberg Family Depression Center's fifth annual Workplace Mental Health Conference.
Date: Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Time: 12:30 - 5 p.m. (Virtual Event)
Explore real-world solutions to the mental health challenges in today’s workforce at this half-day virtual event. Whether you’re an HR professional, a C-suite executive, or simply passionate about employee mental health, you’ll gain valuable insights to help create a healthier workplace.
Benefits:
- Continuing Education (CE) credits available
- SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs) available
Ticket Information:
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Individual ticket: $80
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Up to five seats: $225
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Corporate pass (up to 10 seats): $400
Register and Purchase Tickets Today
Conference Agenda:
There have been 13 work-related fatalities reported to MIOSHA in 2024. 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 2024 incidents:
A 26-year-old assistant yard/receiving manager was stocking merchandise with the use of an order picker truck. At some point during the task, the employee fell from the lift approximately 20 feet to the adjacent walking-working surface. The employee was transported to a local hospital and later succumbed to the injuries sustained from the fall.
A 39-year-old law enforcement officer was making a traffic stop for a suspected impaired driver. Other officers were on the scene. During the stop, a commuter vehicle struck two patrol vehicles and the victim, who was outside of the patrol vehicle. The victim died at the hospital.
A 71-year-old owner of a company that provides support services to oil and gas operations was using an air compressor to rid a large tank of oil and water. The victim and his son were cleaning it when it exploded. The victim was killed in the explosion and/or subsequent fire.
A 63-year-old die setter was standing on a semi-truck flatbed trailer, moving a rolling cart loaded with a die fixture to the side of the flatbed. The cart and die fixture fell off the flatbed and onto the victim who sustained multiple injuries. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Approximately one month later, the employer was notified the victim died.
A 21-year-old apprentice pipefitter was working on a boiler system being installed for a school addition. The pipefitter was standing on a ladder when the cap on a pressurized boiler line came off and struck the worker in the face.
A 23-year-old agricultural worker was driving a tractor pulling a farm implement and lost control, causing the tractor to overturn. The victim was ejected from the cab, which rolled over onto the victim.
A 22-year-old laborer was scrapping material from a former hospital building. Individuals were attempting to remove a large boiler with the use of a mini excavator. During the operation, the victim was crushed by the boiler when the controls of the mini excavator were inadvertently activated.
A 68-year-old refrigeration and mechanical technician was found in the back-alley area of a strip mall. The victim was a contractor working for a restaurant. An extension ladder was found nearby. The victim had an apparent head injury to the back of his head.
A 27-year-old animal caretaker worker was standing on a 6-foot step ladder installing a two-by-four board onto a gate when the employee fell sideways off the ladder onto concrete. The victim was transported to a local hospital. Fifteen days later, the victim died as a result of the injuries.
A 62-year-old owner/auto repair mechanic was utilizing a jack to lift a vehicle to perform automotive servicing operations. During the task, the vehicle fell and crushed the victim.
A 46-year-old carpenter and other employees were working on a dormer, with rain approaching, they put a tarp over the dormer. After the pop-up rainstorm was over, they went on the wet roof and in the process of removing the tarp the employee fell to the concrete below.
A 45-year-old sheet metal worker, and another employee, were working on a fixed work platform that was three sections wide. The middle section gave way causing both employees to fall from an approximate 35-foot elevation. The 45-year-old died, and the second worker was hospitalized with critical injures.
A 22-year-old shop hand/apprentice was moving sheet metal with the use of a cart. While moving the sheet metal, the cart caught an uneven edge of a walking-working surface and tipped over onto the victim.
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.
Quick Links
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