MIOSHA Awards $870,000 in Grants to Strengthen Worker Safety and Health Across Michigan 

MIOSHA has awarded $870,000 in grants to 18 nonprofits and organizations across Michigan to strengthen workplace safety and health. These annual MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training (CET) grants support the development of targeted safety programs and resources to benefit small and medium-sized businesses. 

The 2025 CET grant recipients will focus on addressing critical safety risks across multiple industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and construction, with efforts ranging from silica exposure control to mental health awareness training. 

“These grants reflect our ongoing commitment to empowering Michigan’s workforce with high-quality training,” said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman. “We are proud to collaborate with a diverse group of partners to deliver programs that meet the unique safety needs of various industries, helping workers stay safe and businesses thrive.” 

Several organizations have benefitted from MIOSHA’s CET grants for years, including the Michigan Green Industry Association (MGIA), which has used funding to offer critical training for tree care workers.

“The Michigan Green Industry Association has been very grateful to receive MIOSHA CET grants for several years, helping us bring safety education and training to the tree care industry," said MGIA Executive Director Michelle Atkinson. “Topics such as chainsaw safety, maintenance & tree felling, aerial lift operations, arborist rigging techniques, tree climbing, fall protection and work positioning, and others, have allowed attendees to receive the highest quality education from international trainers at an affordable cost." 

Fall Fatalities Increase in 2024, Highlighting Urgent Need for Vigilance

Worker fatalities from falls in Michigan have increased in 2024, underscoring the critical need for enhanced fall prevention measures. Falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace deaths in Michigan, accounting for 33% of the 27 fatalities MIOSHA investigated this year. This concerning rise highlights the need for continued attention to safety practices and prevention strategies across industries.

To address the dangers of falls, MIOSHA launched a State Emphasis Program on Fall Hazards in 2017. Since then, our mission has been clear: reducing the risk of fatal and nonfatal falls through targeted enforcement, education, and outreach. This aligns with OSHA's National Emphasis Program (NEP), reinforcing our focus on construction and high-risk industries where falls remain prevalent.

Recent Trends Highlight the Need for Action

Between 2019 and 2022, 17 construction-related fatalities resulted from falls, primarily involving roofers, construction laborers, and carpenters. In general industry, tree-trimming activities posed significant risks, contributing to eight fatal falls between 2016-2018. Falls also lead to thousands of nonfatal injuries each year, resulting in time away from work and financial burdens across industries such as manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.

Free Fall Prevention Resources Available Through MIOSHA’s Stop Falls. Save Lives. campaign, we offer resources to help employers reduce fall hazards and keep workers safe. Businesses can access free video training, on-demand streaming, and downloadable toolbox talks covering fall prevention strategies. Additionally, MIOSHA provides free consultation services through the CET Division. For assistance, contact us at 800-866-4674 or visit michigan.gov/stopfalls.

MIOSHA and GVSU Form Alliance to Offer Degree Completion Program for Safety Professionals

GVSU OSHM Professor Courtney Aloul; Dr. Timothy Born, Interim Dean, Padnos College of Engineering; MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman; MIOSHA Sr. Safety Consultant Deb Ziel; GVSU OSHM Program Director Dave Huizen; MIOSHA CET Division Director Tarah Kile; GVSU Acting Provost Jennifer Drake at the MIOSHA-GVSU Higher Education Alliance Signing on Oct. 30, 2024

On October 30, MIOSHA and Grand Valley State University (GVSU) signed an alliance agreement to expand educational opportunities for safety professionals. Through this partnership, individuals with a MIOSHA Training Institute (MTI) Level 2 Safety and Health Management Systems (SHMS) certificate can now earn college credits toward a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Occupational Safety and Health Management (OSHM) at GVSU. 

“We’re excited to work with GVSU to equip future professionals with critical safety knowledge,” said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman. “By integrating workplace safety into higher education, we’re building a proactive foundation that ensures the next generation of leaders is prepared to protect Michigan’s workforce.” 

Credits Toward Degree Completion 

MTI certificate holders admitted to the OSHM program will receive 12 Occupational Safety and Health Management (OSHM) credits through a competency-based examination, which will count toward their degree requirements. This process ensures that prior knowledge and experience are recognized and rewarded, accelerating the path to graduation. 

The program aims to bridge professional safety training with higher education, equipping students with skills in hazard prevention, safety best practices, and regulatory compliance. Participants will benefit from workshops, guest lectures, and hands-on training with access to MIOSHA’s expertise, fostering a stronger safety culture across industries. 

“This alliance aligns with our goal of preparing students to excel in their careers while prioritizing safety and well-being in the workplace,” said Dr. Timothy Born, Interim Dean of GVSU’s Padnos College of Engineering. 

Building on a History of Collaboration 

The GVSU-MIOSHA partnership builds on MIOSHA’s strategic goal of expanding participation in the MIOSHA Training Institute. This initiative follows the 2021 launch of the MIOSHA Training Institute (MTI) to Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Degree Completion Program at Oakland University (OU), which provides students with the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Safety. 

In partnership with MIOSHA, both GVSU and OU provide working professionals and certificate holders with access to the latest safety practices, aligning education with industry advancements. 

Take Your Career to the Next Level 

The MIOSHA-GVSU Degree Completion Program offers a unique opportunity for safety professionals to further their careers by building on their existing credentials and developing new skills for success in the workplace. 

Learn more and take advantage of this program at michigan.gov/mti. 

Register for Coffee with MIOSHA in Farmington Hills

MIOSHA and Construction Association of Michigan  invite employers and employees to share a cup of coffee and learn about the importance of workplace safety and health. 

Invite Michigan employers and employees to share a cup of coffee and learn about the importance of workplace safety and health.

Coffee with MIOSHA events are informal networking events for safety professionals. They allow employers and employees to meet with MIOSHA administrative, enforcement and consultative staff to ask questions and learn about our programs and services.

Don’t miss this free opportunity! Register online with CAM to reserve your spot today.

Coffee with MIOSHA  
November 19, 2024, 9 – 11 a.m.  
Construction Association of Michigan 
43636 Woodward Ave. 
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 

Court of Appeals Court Upholds MIOSHA Safety Citations, Affirming Use of Incident Reports

By Katrina DeBose, MIOSHA Appeals Director

The Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed a decision involving safety citations against a meat-processing facility on April 18, 2024, after years of legal challenges related to MIOSHA’s enforcement actions.

The citations were originally issued on February 11, 2019, following an incident in which an employee suffered severe hand injuries when her frock became caught in an unguarded conveyor system. At the time, the conveyor was missing a top-side guard, leading to a serious injury when the employee's hand got caught.

Citations and Initial Rulings

All cited items were classified as serious. Two violations were cited under General Industry Standard Part 14, Conveyors (Part 14), and one under General Industry Standard Part 21, Powered Industrial Trucks (Part 21). The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) vacated all three items, including:

• Citation 1, Item 1a (Part 14) – Lack of training on conveyor hazards.
  Proposed Penalty: $4,800.
• Citation 1, Item 1b (Part 14) – Missing guard at a conveyor nip-point.
  Grouped penalty with Item 1a.
• Citation 1, Item 2 (Part 21) – Failure to safeguard employees from powered industrial trucks.
  Proposed Penalty: $4,800.

On January 15, 2021, the ALJ vacated all three items in the hearing decision.

Appeals and Final Outcomes

On April 5, 2021, the Board of Health and Safety Compliance and Appeals reinstated Items 1b and 2. The employer appealed, and the local county circuit court upheld Item 1b but reversed Item 2. The Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed the circuit court’s ruling to uphold Citation 1b on March 7, 2024. The employer did not pursue further appeals, finalizing the ruling on April 18, 2024.

Significance of the Ruling

The ruling is significant for MIOSHA as it supports the use of field narratives as admissible evidence in cases. These narratives include statements, observations, and physical evidence collected after incidents. The court determined that such narratives qualify under Michigan Rules of Evidence (MRE) 803(6) as records of regularly conducted activity and MRE 801(d)(2) as statements made by a party-opponent, strengthening MIOSHA’s position in enforcement actions.

Michigan Worker Deaths of 2024

There have been 27 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. 

A 37-year-old HVAC installer experienced a seizure while exiting an attic after completing HVAC installation prep work. The victim was transported to a local hospital and died on May 26, 2024, due to complications from heat stroke, according to the medical examiner's report.

A 22-year-old preload package handler was removing a package off a conveyor and twisted a knee when placing a package on the ground. The victim was transported to a local hospital and later discharged the same day. On May 25, 2024, the victim died due to complications from the injury. The victim died from a bilateral pulmonary embolism (i.e., clot blocking blood flow to the lungs). 

A 36-year-old truck supervisor was working on a restaurant and bowling alley roof performing cleaning tasks on the kitchen fan and duct system. After completing the cleaning tasks and descending from the roof, the victim fell approximately 20 feet to the ground.

A 49-year-old warehouse agent was operating a powered industrial truck and backed into the racking system, pinning the victim between the powered industrial truck and the rack. A coworker found the victim unresponsive. Emergency services responded, unpinned the victim and began lifesaving measures. The victim died due to mechanical asphyxiation.

A 60-year-old vacuum truck operator was standing outside, in front of the vacuum truck, operating the boom with a wireless remote control in an attempt to get a rock out of a hole. As the victim prepared to move the boom into the hole, the boom struck the overhead powerline, causing a fire.

A 47-year-old laborer was performing roadside bridge repairs when the victim was struck by a passenger vehicle that went through a crash truck and barricade.

A 25-year-old delivery associate was delivering packages to a customer on foot. While crossing the road, the victim was struck by a pick-up truck. Emergency services responded and victim was transported to a local hospital. Two weeks later, the victim died as a result of the injuries. 

A 62-year-old forklift driver was discovered in a loading dock well area on the ground behind a tractor-trailer that was backing up to the dock. A coworker tried to flag down the tractor-trailer operator. The victim died as a result of blunt force injuries.

A 60-year-old dock worker was unloading freight from a semi-truck trailer. During the task, the freight fell towards the employee, causing the employee to fall and strike their head on the walking-working surface. Emergency services responded and the victim was transported to a nearby hospital. On October 10, 2024, the victim died as a result of the injuries.

A 61-year-old truck driver was picking up a load of powdered concrete. When opening the hatch on top of the dry bulk tank trailer, the victim fell. The victim later died as a result of the injuries.

Agency Instructions Issued

October 15, 2024 – Post-Emergency Response Operations - Inspection Guidelines
October 14, 2024 – Medical Services and First Aid for General Industry and Construction

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.

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

Visit our website to subscribe to our MIOSHA Email Subscriptions.

For more information about MIOSHA activities, visit michigan.gov/miosha.
Like us on Facebook, follow us on X and subscribe to our YouTube channel.