 |
The construction industry faces a critical issue: a growing rate of suicide among its workers. In 2022, Michigan reported 175 suicide deaths in the construction industry, all involving males, according to 2024 Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission Annual Report.
All suicide deaths in Michigan in both 2021 and 2022 were male, underscoring the need for targeted mental health interventions within this predominantly male industry.
During Construction Suicide Prevention Week 2024 (Sept. 9-13), MIOSHA will team up with construction companies, subcontractors and labor leaders to visit construction sites across Michigan. The goal is to engage workers and employers in discussions about the importance of mental health in workplace safety and to provide resources aimed at reducing the incidence of suicide in the construction industry.
Nationally, the suicide rate in the construction industry is four times higher than that of the general population and 5.5 times the rate of all other construction fatalities on the jobsite, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
"Workplace safety extends beyond physical hazards. Addressing mental health and preventing suicide is a critical part of ensuring a safe and supportive work environment. MIOSHA is committed to promoting mental wellness as an integral component of overall workplace safety," said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman.
|
 Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunuty (LEO) Deputy Director Sean Egan spoke at a MIOSHA/LEO Construction Suicide Prevention event at Michigan State University on Sept. 8, 2023
Construction Suicide Rate Increases
The suicide rate for construction and extraction occupation workers in Michigan was 67.8 per 100,000 people in 2022, an increase from 52.6 per 100,000 workers in 2021, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
This increase occurred despite a slowdown in construction activity during 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the subsequent rise in 2022 highlights the ongoing mental health challenges within the industry as normal work resumed.
Suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in Michigan in 2021, according to the CDC.
 Construction Suicide Prevention Week 2024 National Stand-Down
On Monday September 9, construction workers are asked to take part in a one minute of silence during a nationwide stand-down to honor construction workers lives lost to suicide.
In 2023, nearly 300,000 construction workers representing 47 U.S. states and territories participated in Construction Suicide Prevention Week.
- To register your company for Construction Suicide Prevention 2024 and access resources to inform supervisors, post notifications, and promote on social media, visit constructionsuicideprevention.com.
Additional Mental Health Resources
All Michigan employers are encouraged to invest in the mental health and wellness of their employees by promoting suicide prevention dialogue, training and resources. Additional resources for improving mental health in the workplace are available at michigan.gov/WorkplaceMentalHealth.
If you are having trouble coping with work-related stress, talk with someone who can help. Call or text the 988 Lifeline Chat and Text, or find support online at 988lifeline.org.
 2024 MIOSHA Take a Stand Day Participants appear with MIOSHA workplace safety representatives and consultants at worksites across Michigan
One Take a Stand participant was Humanetics Group in Farmington Hills, the world’s premier manufacturer of anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) - commonly known as crash test dummies.
“At Humanetics, safety and well-being is at the heart of our purpose and mission to protect humans in motion. Our employees work very hard to live up to these values and the systems that uphold them. We strive for perfection but acknowledge there is always room for improvement. We are very proud to support MIOSHA’s Take a Stand initiative,” said Barney Loehnis, president & chief marketing officer for Humanetics Sensors.
MIOSHA focused its Take a Stand visits on high-hazard industries targeted by the MIOSHA Strategic Plan, which includes construction sites, manufacturing facilities, crop production, hospitals, nursing homes and more.
 (Left to right) MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman observes a crash test dummy with Humanetics QMS Facilitator Josh Yingling during a MIOSHA Take a Stand Day consultative visit at Humanetics in Farmington Hills
MIOSHA Consultative Resources for Employers
MIOSHA’s Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division offers over 2,000 annual workplace safety and health trainings and consultations across Michigan, helping employers proactively comply with safety rules, adopt best practices, and achieve program recognition.
-
Free Onsite Consultations: Employers can request voluntary inspections without fines or penalties, conducted by MIOSHA safety consultants or industrial hygienists. Priority is given to manufacturing and construction employers with fewer than 250 employees.
-
Hazard Surveys: Employers can request non-enforcement surveys to identify unsafe conditions and MIOSHA violations, with guidance provided on correcting deficiencies.
-
Self-Help Program: Small employers (fewer than 250 employees) can receive free technical guidance and hazard evaluations, with priority given to high-hazard industries based on North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes.
Learn more about MIOSHA’s consultative services at Michigan.gov/cetrca.
 |
On August 22, the American Subcontractors Association of Michigan (ASAM), a proud MIOSHA Alliance member, partnered with MIOSHA consultation staff to conduct its third quarterly safety walk at the Southbridge Behavioral Hospital in Byron Center.
The new facility, located near the Trinity Health Medical Center in Byron Center, will accommodate up to 96 adult and geriatric beds when it opens in 2025.
The safety tour, hosted by Elzinga and Volkers Construction Company, the general contractor for the project, is a key component of ASAM's commitment to help trade contractors improve their Safety and Health Management Systems. As part of the ASAM-MIOSHA Alliance agreement, ASAM’s safety committee visits an active job site every two months to evaluate safety practices, identify potential hazards, and share effective safety strategies and innovations.
Jim Getting, MIOSHA Alliance lead, participated in the walkthrough, offering expert insights and addressing questions from attendees.
"This tour not only highlighted various safety devices and techniques but also helps to showcase the value of MIOSHA’s consultative services in promoting workplace safety for employers across Michigan," Getting said.
|
 Elzinga and Volkers Construction Company, the general contractor for the Southbridge Behavioral Hospital project, hosted a quarterly safety walk with MIOSHA Alliance member, the American Subcontractors Association of Michigan (ASAM), on Aug. 22, 2024
MIOSHA Alliance Benefits
The MIOSHA Alliance Program is open to all groups, particularly those in industries where MIOSHA doesn’t have a strong presence.
For more information on how a MIOSHA Alliance can help build a cooperative relationship with MIOSHA, network with like-minded safety professionals, and leverage resources to maximize your workplace's safety and health efforts, visit michigan.gov/alliance.
|
 ArgoExpo attendees stopped by the MIOSHA exhibit booth to "spot the hazard" on Aug. 12, 2024
In addition to engaging with expo attendees, MIOSHA strengthened connections with organizations such as the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, AG Today, and Michigan State University Agricultural Extension.
These partnerships are part of MIOSHA's ongoing efforts to educate Michigan's agricultural workers and employers on the health and safety resources available across the state.
There have been 17 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.
A 36-year-old die setter was transporting/lifting a die with a crane when the swivel bolt broke loose. As a result, one corner of the die hit the ground, causing the top half of the die to separate and crush the victim. According to the employer's incident report, the swivel bolt was not fully threaded into the die and came out of the hole.
A 23-year-old laborer was struck by a large wooden beam structure while attempting to install a rigging strap to move the wooden beam for installation.
A 50-year-old foreman was performing tree trimming from a boom truck when a tree limb contacted a power line, electrocuting the victim.
A 22-year-old equipment operator was picking up traffic control from a trailer. The worker fell off the trailer and struck their head and body. The victim was taken to a local hospital and died two days later from their injuries.
Aug. 7, 2024 — Abatement Assurance and Follow-up Inspection Procedures
August 16, 2024 - MIOSHA Partners with Michigan Employers and Employees for 20th Annual 'Take a Stand' Event
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
Agency/Division Instructions/Memorandums
Air Contaminants Initiative
Asbestos Program
CET Request for Consultative Assistance Services (RCA)
CET Training Calendar
Construction Safety and Health Division (CSHD)
DVD/Video Library Service
Employee Safety, Health, and Discrimination Complaint Forms
Fall Prevention Campaign (STOP FALLS. SAVE LIVES.)
General Industry Safety and Health Division (GISHD)
Hazard Communication/GHS
Laboratory and Equipment Services
Michigan Alliances
Michigan Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (MSHARP)
Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP)
MIOSHA FOIA Request
MIOSHA News
MIOSHA Publications
MIOSHA Recordkeeping
MIOSHA Standards
MIOSHA Take A Stand Day
MIOSHA Training Institute (MTI)
MIOSHA Updates
MIOSHA Variances
Radiation Safety Section
Residential Construction
Strategic Plan and Initiatives
Telephone, Mailing and Email Addresses
|
