 Small employers can apply for up to $5,000 through MIOSHA’s MIWISH grant program.
Michigan employers with 250 employees or fewer can now apply for up to $5,000 in matching funds through MIOSHA’s Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) grant program.
MIWISH provides a dollar-for-dollar match to help qualifying employers purchase safety and health equipment and related training that can reduce workplace injuries and illnesses.
“Small businesses often know exactly what safety improvements they need, but the cost of new equipment can be a barrier,” said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman. “MIWISH grants help employers turn those needs into action by making critical safety investments more affordable and helping protect workers from serious injuries and illnesses.”
During fiscal year 2025-26, MIOSHA awarded $500,000 in matching grants to 129 employers, with construction representing the largest share of recipients.
Grant-funded purchases included personal protective equipment such as safety helmets, high-visibility apparel, gloves, safety glasses and fall protection harnesses.
The new MIWISH grant cycle began Oct. 1, and grants will be awarded until available funds are exhausted. Preference is given to employers in high-hazard industries identified in MIOSHA’s Strategic Plan and to projects connected to State and National Emphasis Programs, including hazards such as amputations, heat-related illness, trenching and excavation.
Eligible employers must:
- Have 250 employees or fewer companywide.
- Fall under MIOSHA jurisdiction.
- Conduct a site-specific evaluation supporting the proposed equipment purchase.
- Use the project to reduce employees’ risk of injury or illness.
- Have the knowledge and resources needed to complete and implement the project.
Learn more about eligibility and apply at Michigan.gov/MIOSHAGrants or contact MIOSHA’s grant administrator at 517-647-3155.
 More than 200 construction workers gathered Sept. 16 in East Lansing for a Construction Suicide Prevention Week event focused on mental health awareness in the construction industry.
More than 200 construction workers gathered Sept. 16 at the Michigan State University Plant and Environmental Sciences Building project in East Lansing to recognize Construction Suicide Prevention Week and reinforce the importance of mental health in the construction industry.
MIOSHA joined Clark Construction Company, AGC Michigan and John E. Green Company for the onsite event, which focused on this year’s national theme, “Building on Progress.”
Construction continues to face significant mental health challenges. In 2023, 186 Michigan men working in construction died by suicide.
Speakers encouraged workers to look out for one another, speak up when something feels wrong and recognize that asking for help is a sign of strength.
 Hear from those who took part in 2026 Construction Suicide Prevention Week: Strength Is Asking for Help
MIOSHA Deputy Director Tarah Kile emphasized the importance of talking openly about suicide and supporting coworkers.
“Talking about suicide does not put that in someone’s head,” Kile said. “Look around you. Somebody cares and resources are available.”
Representatives from Clark Construction and John E. Green Company also shared the impact suicide has had on workers and workplaces and stressed the importance of building a culture where employees feel comfortable seeking support.
Resources
Learn more about workplace mental health at Michigan.gov/HealthyWorkHealthyMind.
Protecting Michigan’s young workers includes making sure minors, families and employers understand the requirements that apply when a young person enters the workforce.
As of Oct. 2, 2026, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has launched the new Youth Employment Permit Portal (YEPP), a centralized online system for managing youth employment permits statewide.
Employers and minors now use YEPP to complete the youth employment permit process. Local school districts and nonpublic schools no longer issue youth employment permits.
Important: YEPP is a new platform for managing youth employment permits. The launch does not change Michigan’s youth employment laws or requirements. All other youth employment laws remain unchanged.
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Allow minors and employers to complete the permit process online at any time of day, providing greater flexibility, particularly during the summer months when schools may have limited hours.
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Require employers to register with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) before hiring minors.
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Allow employers to notify LEO when a minor’s employment ends.
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Provide LEO with greater visibility into youth employment across Michigan.
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Create opportunities for LEO to proactively communicate youth worker rights and responsibilities directly to minors and employers.
 Learn how to use Michigan’s new Youth Employment Permit Portal (YEPP)
This step-by-step demo walks employers, minors and other users through the new YEPP website and shows how to navigate the portal, create an account, complete required steps and manage youth employment permits.
In this video, you’ll learn how to:
- Navigate the YEPP website
- Register as an employer or minor
- Complete the youth employment permit process
- Manage permit information
- Find helpful resources and answers to common questions
Employers, young workers, parents and educators can learn more at Michigan.gov/YEPP.
 MIOSHA will host two upcoming Coffee with MIOSHA events, giving employers, employees and safety professionals an opportunity to connect directly with agency staff, ask questions and learn more about workplace safety and health resources.
Coffee with MIOSHA events are informal gatherings designed to encourage conversation, networking and direct access to MIOSHA staff.
Upcoming events include:
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 | Frankenmuth
9 to 11 a.m.
Frankenmuth District Library
359 S. Franklin St.
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Hosted with Mid-Michigan ASSP
Register for Coffee with MIOSHA in Frankenmuth
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 | Sterling Heights
8 to 10 a.m.
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Southeastern Michigan
36250 Van Dyke Ave.
Sterling Heights, MI 48312
Register for Coffee with MIOSHA in Sterling Heights
Find additional information and future events on the Coffee with MIOSHA webpage.
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.
There have been 39 work-related fatalities reported to MIOSHA in 2026. 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 Summary of Recent Incidents
On Oct. 2, a 57-year-old driver was driving an empty dump truck when they experienced an issue with the truck shifting gears. The driver pulled the truck over onto a residential street and reported the issue to the employer. The victim was later found by a passerby beneath the truck's lift axle.
On Sept. 27, a 34-year-old farm equipment operator was performing preventative maintenance on a silage truck when their head became caught between the tailgate and the bed of the truck.
On Sept. 25, a 60-year-old metal fabricator was performing work on a ladder. The victim slipped and fell approximately 12 feet to the ground.
On Sept. 22, a 27-year-old flagging foreman was assisting with backing a semi-truck and trailer during asphalt work when they were struck by the vehicle.
On Sept. 21, a 40-year-old laborer was working in a rail yard when they were struck by a rail car.
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)
Contact MIOSHA (phone and email)
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 Week
MIOSHA Training Institute (MTI)
MIOSHA Updates
MIOSHA Variances
Radiation Safety Section
Residential Construction
Strategic Plan and Initiatives
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