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The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, released on Nov. 8, revealed that 2023 saw the lowest recorded workplace injuries and illnesses nationwide in two decades. The number of reported workplace injuries and illnesses in the private sector dropped 8.4% from 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses.
The overall incidence rate for total recordable cases fell to 2.4 per 100 full-time workers, the lowest since the data series began in 2003. In total, the survey reported 2.6 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2023, with illness cases declining 56.6% to 200,100—the lowest since 2019. Notably, respiratory illnesses saw an even sharper drop of 72.6%, falling to 100,200 cases.
Notable Improvements in Michigan
Michigan’s workplace injury and illness rates mirrored the national trend of improvement in 2023. The incidence rate dropped from 3.1 per 100 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers in 2022 to 2.8 in 2023 across all ownerships. Similarly, private industry rates decreased from 2.8 in 2022 to 2.6 in 2023.
These improvements align with federal OSHA’s data, which shows a decrease in fatalities from trench collapses and falls—two leading causes of workplace deaths.
Michigan’s rates have dropped significantly over the decades, from 11.0 per 100 FTE workers in 1977 to 2.8 in 2023. This progress reflects the impact of ongoing education and collaborative safety and health initiatives.
Visit michigan.gov/cet to learn about our emphasis programs, including fall and trench collapse prevention. MIOSHA also offers free consultative assistance to help identify and fix hazards, establish or enhance safety and health programs, and comply with MIOSHA standards.
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A recent report by CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training – reveals that states with higher rates of OSHA On-Site consultation visits experience significantly lower construction fatality rates. This research sheds light on the importance of consultation programs and how their implementation varies across states.
Key Findings
The research, which analyzed OSHA consultation data from 2016 to 2022 and included interviews with 31 state consultation program managers, highlights several critical findings:
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Higher Consultation Rates Reduce Fatalities: States with more frequent and intense OSHA consultation visits in construction tend to have lower workplace fatality rates.
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Substantial State Variations: The number of consultation visits ranged widely across states, from 64 to 2,124 visits annually, with construction-focused visits making up anywhere from 6% to 78% of all consultations.
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State Plan States Lead the Way: States with their own OSHA enforcement programs (state plan states) recorded higher construction consultation rates, averaging 2.2 visits per 1,000 employees annually, compared to 0.8 visits in federal states. However, significant variability exists even among state plan states.
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Multi-Employer Worksite Approaches Differ: Some states require each subcontractor to request a consultation visit, while others consolidate visits under the general contractor. States using the consolidated approach report fewer visits but identify more hazards per visit.
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Incentives for Consultations: While only a few states cited direct links between consultation requests and settlement agreements following OSHA enforcement inspections, most program managers emphasized that the potential for enforcement inspections motivates many firms to seek consultations proactively.
MIOSHA Consultation Services
As a state plan state, MIOSHA provides free, confidential consultations to assist Michigan employers in identifying and addressing workplace hazards. MIOSHA's Consultation Education and Training Division (CET) conducts over 2,000 workplace safety and health trainings and consultations annually. These services empower employers to proactively comply with safety standards, adopt best practices, and even achieve program recognition for their efforts.
For information about MIOSHA’s consultation programs and to request consultative assistance, visit michigan.gov/cet. To read the full report and key findings, visit cpwr.com.
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 MIOSHA invites Michigan employers, employees, and safety professionals have the opportunity to attend two Coffee with MIOSHA events in December. These informal networking opportunities are designed for safety professionals and provide a chance to connect with MIOSHA administrative, enforcement, and consultative staff. Attendees can ask questions, share concerns, and learn about programs and services to enhance workplace safety and health.
Don’t miss out—both events are free!
Coffee with MIOSHA Details:
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December 5, 2024 | 9 – 11 a.m.
Co-sponsor: American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), West Michigan Chapter
Location: Feyen Zylstra
2396 Hillside Dr., Grand Rapids, MI 49544
👉 Register here
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December 18, 2024 | 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Co-sponsor: Michigan Safety Conference
Location: Okemos Event Center (Ballroom)
2187 University Park Dr., Okemos, MI 48864
👉 Register here
These events are a unique opportunity to connect with safety experts and peers in a relaxed setting. We look forward to seeing you there!
There have been 31 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.
A 65-year-old truck driver was struck by an auger conveyor while picking up a load of soybeans from a local farm. The farm had stored the soybeans in two storage bins that were on a trailer connected to a truck. While moving the empty grain bins back, the trailer or grain bin struck the auger conveyor, tipping it over pinning the victim to the ground.
A 44-year-old concrete worker was helping in the removal of a concrete floor in an indoor cold storage room, an operation that involved the use of a gasoline-powered concrete saw. The victim became ill and later collapsed outdoors. The victim died with carbon monoxide poisoning listed as a contributory factor.
A 53-year-old operator was working a traffic-controlled setup on interstate 75 and was struck by a passenger vehicle.
A 66-year-old roofer was working on a roof when they fell approximately 20 feet. Emergency services responded and the victim was transported to a nearby hospital. Over two months later, the victim died as a result of their injuries.
Nov. 6, 2024 – MIOSHA Training Institute (MTI) Scholarship Procedures
Nov. 12, 2024 – Whistleblower Investigations Manual
Nov. 14, 2024 – Inspection and Citation Policy for Accident Prevention Programs and First Aid Training
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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