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Michigan has been battling highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, for more than three years. The virus has heavily impacted our commercial poultry farmers, increased the price of eggs, and, in March 2024, crossed over into Michigan’s dairy cattle. While the virus is primarily spread by migratory wild birds, it can also be moved to new areas by people on their shoes, clothes, car tires, and more. Anyone has the potential to spread HPAI, particularly if they move between farming locations on the same day.
HPAI is a virus found among various species of wild and domestic birds. The disease can infect domestic poultry, including chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, and guinea fowl.
The virus has even been detected in various wild and domestic species of mammals - including dairy cattle and poultry - presumably after the animals come into contact with infected wild birds or materials contaminated by infected animals.
So, how can you help stop the spread of bird flu? When entering a property you know has poultry or cows, whether you’re there for working, delivering packages and products, meter reading, or otherwise, taking a few easy risk reduction steps will help keep poultry and dairy cows safe from exposure.
These risk reduction measures, otherwise known as biosecurity, include:
- As much as possible, wearing rubber boots and using a disinfectant like a boot wash or using disposable shoe covers. Remember the virus can be moved on clothes and shoes.
- Spraying vehicle tires with disinfectant at a property’s entrance and when exiting as well as adhering to any biosecurity signs and procedures.
- Parking in an area in the sun and on a hard surface (like gravel or cement), as much as possible.
- Bringing only the tools, equipment, or materials that are essential, and disinfecting them in between uses.
- Following good hand washing and cleansing practices. Wash hands thoroughly and frequently for at least 15 seconds with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
The HPAI virus can survive longer under cold and wet conditions (weeks to months) than under warm, dry conditions (hours to days). So, the next time you’re working on and around a property with poultry or dairy cattle, please take a few moments to follow these simple steps. Being mindful of how the virus can spread and preventing that transmission is fundamental to being able to curb its impact and protect both animal and human health throughout the state.
For more information on HPAI, please visit Michigan.gov/birdflu. For details on additional worker safety information, visit OSHA's website at Osha.gov/avian-flu.
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 MIOSHA recently implemented updates to its Penalty Reduction Agreement (PRA) system in response to recent legislative changes related to asbestos, along with minor updates aimed at improving the user experience.
The PRA program has long served as a mutually effective method for MIOSHA and employers to resolve citations expeditiously. When an employer elects to enter into a PRA, they agree not to contest the citations and to correct the safety or health violations by the abatement dates listed. In return, the employer receives an automatic 50% reduction in the total penalty amount.
In 2024, MIOSHA received 963 PRA requests and approved 93% following review.
Recent updates to the PRA system include:
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Asbestos citation eligibility determination: The PRA eligibility tool was updated to ask whether their inspection resulted in asbestos-related citations under General Industry Standard Part 305, Asbestos Standards for General Industry or Construction Standard Part 602, Asbestos Standard for Construction. Inspections with these asbestos citations are not eligible for a PRA.
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Removing use of Optional Reporting Number: Previously used only in construction health inspections, the Optional Reporting Number often caused confusion during the application process. Its removal simplifies the process by eliminating inconsistencies between the Reporting ID and the now-retired Optional Reporting Number. Eliminating the Optional Reporting Number will make the application process more user-friendly.
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Clarified payment processing timeline: New language in the “Approved Waiting for Payment” letter now informs employers that debit or credit card payments submitted through the Centralized Electronic Payment Authorization System (CEPAS) may take up to 24 hours after the letter date to reflect the reduced penalty. Attempting payment earlier may result in an error message indicating the inspection has not been found. The added language should eliminate confusion on the online payment process.
For more information on the PRA process, including frequently asked questions, visit Michigan.gov/mioshapra.
Effective March 4, 2025, MIOSHA has amended Administrative Rule Part 13 – Inspections and Investigations, Citations, and Proposed Penalties to align with recent changes to federal OSHA regulations.
The revision reflects updates to federal regulation 1903.8 regarding employee representatives during inspections. Specifically, OSHA clarified that employees may authorize a representative who is either:
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An employee of the employer, or
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A third party, who may accompany the OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officer (CSHO) during an inspection if, in the CSHO’s judgment, good cause is shown that the third party is reasonably necessary to aid in the inspection.
A third-party representative may be deemed necessary if they have relevant knowledge, skills, or experience related to workplace hazards, conditions in similar workplaces, or language and communication skills that would assist during the inspection.
Access the Updated Standard
A copy of the revised standard: Admin. Part 13, Inspections and Investigations, Citations, and Proposed Penalties along with the strike-bold draft is available on the MIOSHA Standards website at michigan.gov/mioshastandards.
 Pictured left to right: Justin Boehm, Cintas Troy general manager; Kristen Perry, Cintas regional sales director; Ben Kessler, Cintas Dayton general manager; Matt Sheridan, Cintas Romulus general manager; and Tarah Kile, MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training Division director, at the MIOSHA MVPP Star award ceremony on March 6, 2025.
MIOSHA awarded MVPP Star status to two Cintas Corporation facilities, recognizing their outstanding commitment to workplace safety and health. The Troy and Romulus locations have demonstrated exemplary safety standards, earning Michigan’s highest workplace safety recognition.
Cintas, a national leader in workplace safety and facility services, operates both sites as warehouse and distribution centers for first aid and safety supplies. These facilities have maintained a zero-recordable injury rate over multiple years, reflecting a strong safety culture built on employee engagement, proactive training, and continuous improvement.
“Achieving MVPP Star status is a testament to Cintas’ deep commitment to workplace safety and health,” said Tarah Kile, director of MIOSHA’s Consultation Education and Training Division. “Their dedication to hazard prevention and employee involvement sets a high standard for safety excellence.”
With these latest recognitions, Cintas now holds four MVPP sites in Michigan and 137 VPP-certified locations nationwide, the most of any company in the U.S. The MVPP program, established in 1996, recognizes employers with industry-leading safety and health management systems that go beyond MIOSHA requirements.
 MIOSHA encourages employers and safety professionals from the Upper Peninsula and beyond to attend the 2025 Upper Michigan Safety Conference on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EST) at Bay College in Escanaba.
This daylong event brings together a wide range of industries and safety advocates to share best practices, explore compliance strategies, and reinforce the importance of protecting workers on the job.
One highlight of this year’s conference is the Worker Memorial Michigan Roll Call, presented by MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman. This annual tribute honors Michigan workers who lost their lives in 2024, serving as a powerful reminder of our shared mission to make every workplace safe and healthy.
The agenda includes 20+ breakout sessions and demonstrations covering timely topics such as:
- Chainsaw Safety
- Workplace Violence Preparedness
- Fatigue and Sleep Deprivation
- Silica Hazards
- Accessibility in the Workplace
- Behavior-Based Safety
- Basic and Improvised First Aid
- Fentanyl Awareness
Keynote Speaker Chad Powers, a Safety Specialist with Madison Gas and Electric, will share his powerful personal story of surviving an 8,000-volt electrical incident and the long road to recovery. His reflections offer a unique perspective on the real-life impact of workplace safety.
➡️ Don’t miss this chance to network, learn, and renew your commitment to safety.
Register today to reserve your spot.
 Coffee with MIOSHA: Your Chance to Connect and Strengthen Workplace Safety!
MIOSHA and Lawrence Technology University invite Michigan employers and employees to join us for an informal networking event focused on workplace safety and health.
Coffee with MIOSHA events are designed for safety professionals, offering a unique opportunity to:
- Network with MIOSHA administrative, enforcement, and consultative staff
- Ask questions and discuss workplace safety challenges.
- Learn about MIOSHA’s programs and services to enhance safety and health.
April 30, 2025, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Lawrence Technological University
Technology and Learning Center Gallery Lobby — T2102
21000 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48075
Register: Email Ahmed Al-Bayati at aalbayati@ltu.edu to register for the free event.
March 11, 2025 — MIOSHA Awards MVPP Star Status to Two Cintas Facilities for Excellence in Workplace Safety and Health
There have been four work-related fatalities reported to MIOSHA in 2025. The information below shares preliminary details about the fatalities reported to MIOSHA, which is believed to be covered by the MIOSH Act. The description reflects information provided to MIOSHA at the initial report of the incidents and are not the result of any official MIOSHA investigation.
Preliminary summaries of the 2025 incidents:
Two cement finishers were grinding and polishing a concrete floor in a customer's pole barn. When the employer had not heard from them by 8:30 p.m., he contacted the homeowner, who found both employees unconscious. The 43-year-old victim was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the second employee was hospitalized in critical condition. The employees had used propane-powered equipment in the enclosed barn without ventilation.
A 42-year-old laborer was pulling a trailer with a side-by-side utility task vehicle (UTV) when the trailer came off the hitch. The trailer’s tongue went underneath the truck causing it to collide with a stationary metal pole. The pole penetrated the cab of the truck fatally injuring the victim.
A 29-year-old roofer was working on a residential roof. The roof of this home was covered with plywood and tarps. The victim went on the roof to remove the tarp. While the victim was cutting the tarp, the victim fell approximately 20 feet onto their head. The victim was found on the ground wearing a harness. The victim was pronounced deceased at the worksite.
A 34-year-old senior foreman pipefitter was performing underground piping when the trench caved in burying the victim. The employee died as a result of the injuries at the worksite.
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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