Effective October 1, 2015, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) is launching a Local Emphasis Program (LEP) to target the siding contractors, structural steel and pre-cast concrete construction sectors and improve overall workplace safety and health.

The LEP was developed in response to an analysis conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the 2013 national figures of non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses by industry and case types, which revealed a significant rise in injury and illness rates among these sectors.

Between October 1, 2015 and September 30, 2016, MIOSHA plans to inspect more than 50 siding, structural steel and pre-cast concrete contractors on various sized jobsites, where workers are exposed to serious safety hazards that are likely to cause serious injuries or death. The LEP applies to programmed inspections only. The number of employers, affected employees, and violations, will be tracked and compiled. 

Inspections will focus on the hazards associated with these operations, which predominantly include fall protection, scaffolds, ladders, personal protective equipment and tool guarding, electrical, precast and tilt up operations, and structural steel.

When an industry shows elevated injury statistics, a key strategy of MIOSHA’s Strategic Plan is to increase enforcement activities, training and outreach to reduce injuries and fatalities.

MIOSHA’s Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division is available to assist you in addressing these workplace hazards.  CET operates separately from MIOSHA’s enforcement program.  The service is free and there are no citations or penalties issued.  In addition, CET can assist you in developing and implementing a comprehensive safety and health management system. CET can be contacted at 517-284-7720, or by completing a Request for Consultative Assistance (RCA) form on the MIOSHA website at www.michigan.gov/cetrca.