MIOSHA eNews — November 4, 2025

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MIOSHA’s MIWISH grants help employers invest in safer workplaces

MIWISH

Roofing crew members from Schena Roofing & Sheet Metal Co. work safely using fall protection equipment purchased through MIOSHA’s MIWISH Grant Program.

MIOSHA’s Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) Grant Program continues to make a difference for Michigan employers. The program provides matching funds for employers to purchase equipment and make improvements that protect workers from serious hazards.

“Programs like MIWISH empower employers to take proactive steps that prevent injuries and create safer workplaces for Michigan’s working men and women,” said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman.

Schena Roofing & Sheet Metal Co. Vice President Tony Catanzaro said the company’s participation “enhanced our safety culture and reinforced the importance of always working safely.”

Employers with 250 or fewer employees can apply for up to $5,000 in matching funds to improve workplace safety and health. MIOSHA awarded $500,000 to 136 employers in FY 2024–25, funding projects such as fall protection systems, ergonomic lift tables, trench boxes, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

For full details and application information, visit Michigan.gov/MIOSHAGrants call 517-647-3155, or email LEO-CETGrants@michigan.gov.

MIOSHA Standards updated to clarify PPE fit and hazard communication requirements

Haz Comm updated GFX

MIOSHA has amended several construction and general industry rules to strengthen worker protections and align with updated federal standards.

PPE fit requirement – Construction Standard Part 6, Personal Protective Equipment – effective Aug. 12, 2025 

Construction Safety Standard Part 6, Personal Protective Equipment was amended to explicitly state that personal protective equipment (PPE) must fit properly. The updated Rule 617(5) adopts language from federal OSHA standard in 29 CFR 1926.95 to align Michigan’s construction standard with federal OSHA requirements in 29 CFR 1926.95, Personal Protective Equipment.

Improperly fitting PPE can fail to protect employees, reduce effectiveness, create additional hazards, or discourage workers from wearing required equipment. Properly fitting PPE is essential to providing appropriate protection from workplace hazards and preventing injuries on construction sites.

A copy of the revised standard and the strike-bold draft identifying the changes are available on the MIOSHA Standards website at Michigan.gov/mioshastandards.

Hazard Communication – Parts 42, 92, and 430 effective Aug. 12, 2025 

Construction Standard Part 42, General Industry Standard Part 92, and General Industry Standard Part 430, Hazard Communication, was also amended to adopt the updated version of federal OSHA standard Subpart Z — Hazard Communication 29 CFR 1910.1200.

The revised MIOSHA standard was amended to align with Revision 7 of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The final federal rule was published on May 20, 2024, and took effect for Michigan employers on Aug. 12, 2025.

The revised standard improves the effectiveness of hazard communication by enhancing labeling and safety data sheet requirements. These updates are designed to help workers better understand chemical hazards in the workplace, increase protections and reduce chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries.

Mark Ginter honored with Excellence in Safety Leadership award

Ginter Award

MIOSHA Cooperative Specialist Mark Ginter accepts the Excellence in Safety Leadership award from ABC Greater Michigan on Oct. 9 in Midland.

Ginter Action


On Oct. 9, MIOSHA Cooperative Programs Specialist Mark Ginter received the Excellence in Safety Leadership award from the Associated Builders and Contractors Greater Michigan Chapter during its Greatness in Construction and STEP awards event in Midland. The recognition highlights Ginter’s long-standing commitment to strengthening construction safety through outreach, training and collaboration.

Ginter has been a consistent partner in ABC’s safety initiatives and a strong supporter of MIOSHA’s Alliance with ABC Greater Michigan. Through toolbox talks, presentations and jobsite conversations, he has helped contractors and workers connect with practical guidance that reduces injuries and keeps projects on track.

“Recognition like this reinforces what we see every day on jobsites — when safety is prioritized, everyone benefits,” Ginter said. “I’m grateful to ABC Greater Michigan and to the many contractors who make safety a core value.”

Congratulations, Mark, on a well-deserved honor and for your continued leadership in advancing workplace safety and health across Michigan’s construction industry.

Learn more about MIOSHA alliances and how to partner with us: Michigan.gov/alliance

Recognizing MIOSHA Veterans this Veterans Day

This Veterans Day, MIOSHA proudly recognizes the employees who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their dedication, leadership and commitment to protecting others continue to strengthen our mission of safeguarding Michigan’s workforce.

MIOSHA extends its appreciation to:
Janelle Allen, occupational safety advisor, Consultation Education and Training Division
Laura Basile, safety and health manager, General Industry Safety and Health Division
Kathlyn Bernardoni, senior industrial hygienist, General Industry Safety and Health Division
Marcus Cobb, senior occupational safety advisor, Consultation Education and Training Division
Brian Fradette, workplace safety representative, General Industry Safety and Health Division
Dennis Mounsey, senior industrial hygienist, General Industry Safety and Health Division
Daniel O’Hearn, workplace safety representative, General Industry Safety and Health Division
Aaron Skrok, industrial hygienist manager, General Industry Safety and Health Division
Todd Strong, appeals coordinator, Technical Services Division

MIOSHA thanks its staff and all who have served for their contributions to our country and their continued commitment to protecting the safety and health of Michigan workers.

MIOSHA VETS

Join us for Coffee with MIOSHA events this November

CWM Revised

MIOSHA invites employers and employees to two Coffee with MIOSHA events this month. The events are informal opportunities to connect with MIOSHA staff, ask questions and discuss workplace safety and health. Each event features a presentation from local safety experts and time to network with MIOSHA representatives from consultation, enforcement and industrial hygiene.

Midland – Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 9 – 11 a.m.
Great Lakes Safety Training Center, 1900 Ridgewood Dr., Midland, MI 48642

Presentations:

  • MIOSHA update – Tarah Kile, CET Division Director
  • Lithium-ion battery preparation – Chief Michael O’Brian, Brighton Area Fire Authority

Register for Coffee with MIOSHA in Midland

Bloomfield Hills – Thursday, Nov. 20 | 9 – 11 a.m.
Construction Association of Michigan, 43636 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

Presentation:

  • MIOSHA update – Tarah Kile, CET Division Director
  • Crash Not Accident – First Lieutenant Michael Shaw, Michigan State Police

Register for Coffee with MIOSHA in Bloomfield Hills


Both sessions are free, but pre-registration is required. Join MIOSHA for coffee, conversation and collaboration on workplace safety and health.

Educate not regulate

MIOSHA encourages employers to prioritize workplace safety with the message “Educate Before We Regulate.” Resources are available at Michigan.gov/cet.

Michigan worker deaths of 2025

There have been 37 work-related fatalities reported to MIOSHA in 2025. The information below shares preliminary details about those fatalities, which are 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 all fatalities are available at Michigan.gov/mioshafatalities.

Preliminary summaries of recent incidents

A 60-year-old truck driver was fatally crushed while attempting to lift a loading ramp and secure it on a utility trailer. The employee had gone to a nearby worksite the previous afternoon to pick up a roller. The company owner went to the worksite after observing the victim’s personal vehicle at the office and the company truck missing. The victim was found on the ground behind the trailer with one of the loading ramps on top of him.

A 25-year-old journeyman lineman was preparing a jobsite by placing wire for set up. The victim was chaining down a wire reel on a trailer connected to a digger truck about six feet off the road. A vehicle crossed the white edge line, struck the passenger side of a digger truck and struck the victim at the back of the trailer.

A 49-year-old material mover supervisor was working with another employee to lift the top two dunnage crates from a stack of four by hand onto the floor. While pulling the crates off the stack, the victim fell and struck their head on the concrete floor. The fall was not reported to the employer, and the employee completed their shift. The next morning the employee called off work stating they had a headache. Later that day, the victim's spouse called the employer informing them the employee had a seizure and was hospitalized. The victim died in the hospital around six weeks later. 

A 32-year-old casing crew operator was preparing to install the last section of casing at an oil well drilling site. The victim was struck on the head by a circulating swedge that had separated from the casing collar.

A 40-year-old industrial painter and a coworker were applying an overcoating inside a penstock, a confined space. During the task, the multi-gas meter alarmed, and the hole watch attendant notified both workers inside the space. One worker was able to exit the confined space, but communication was lost with the second worker. Emergency services were called to the scene.

Agency instructions issued

Aug. 12, 2025 — Construction Standard Part 6, Personal Protective Equipment
Aug. 12, 2025 — Construction Standard Part 42, General Industry Standard Part 92 and General Industry Standard Part 430, Hazard Communication

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.

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