By MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski

2005 is a milestone year for workplace safety and health in Michigan. It marks the 30th Anniversary of the modern MIOSHA program and the beginning of statewide, coordinated efforts to proactively work to improve safety and health conditions for Michigan's working men and women.

Although there has been a safety and health program in Michigan for more than 100 years, on Jan. 1, 1975, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act became effective, establishing the most comprehensive approach to worker safety and health in the state's history. MIOSHA is a state program under the provisions of the federal OSHA Act, with the added benefits of state specific enhancements including consultation and education training services, dedicated construction safety and health staff, and greater opportunity for citizen input through the standard setting process.

Thirty years have seen many program improvements and changes in people who committed a good part of their lives to making a difference. However, the overall mission of the program - to reduce workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses, has remained the same. It is a mission that, together with the collective efforts of employers, employees, insurance companies, organizations and others has made a tremendous impact on the daily lives of millions of people.

A statistical look back provides a glimpse of how far we have come. In 1977, there were 115 program-related fatalities. In 1978, there were 112. In 1979, there were 90. Over the time span of 2002 through 2004, there were 47, 51 and 40, respectively. One worker death is too many. The dramatic decrease, through, says that as a state, we are making significant strides in the right direction.

Workplace injuries and illnesses in Michigan over the past 20 years have also been reduced. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that injury and illness rates have decreased nearly 30 percent since 1976. Again telling us that we are on the right path.

Focusing on results

The MIOSHA program has always included both strong enforcement and education and training components, and has worked with a wide range of stakeholders to help reduce fatalities, injuries and illnesses.

During these 30 years, we have matured as an agency and found new ways to move us toward our goal. Our MIOSHA Strategic Plan focuses resources and emphasizes the need for high quality service for all customers. And, we are focusing on results as the measure for our effectiveness.

Historically, we counted the number of inspections, investigations, consultations, training programs, violations and hazards identified. While we still review these activities, our focus is now on measuring impact demonstrated by fewer fatalities and lower injury/illness rates in targeted industries and of specific workplace injuries and illnesses. Targeting focuses on those areas where MIOSHA services, both enforcement and consultation, can make the greatest impact.

MIOSHA has added new ways to recognize employers with exemplary safety and health efforts through the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program, the Michigan Safety and Health Recognition (SHARP), ergonomic achievement awards, partnerships and alliances.

Early on, a grant program was added to enhance education and training opportunities by calling on resources available through safety and health organizations throughout the state. These grants provide needed assistance to workers and employers in operations and industries that are unique or hard to reach.

In enforcement, targeting has improved to again focus on specific work locations where injuries are occurring. Improved equipment and technology make inspections quicker and less disruptive. We have also piloted initiatives such as focused inspections and a summer construction evening and weekend initiative.

Improving Program Services

Administratively, MIOSHA has matured into a consolidated, more efficient organization. From 1975 through 1996, the MIOSHA program was split between the Bureau of Safety and Regulation in the Michigan Department of Labor and the Division of Occupational Health in the Department of Public Health. In 1996, the safety and health programs were consolidated into one program - an important step forward.

Over the past three years, we have taken even more steps to reorganize both the enforcement and education and training components to improve consistency, uniformity and efficiency. All of these actions were taken to enhance our abilities to help improve the safety and health of Michigan's workers.

Last year we implemented a system for issuing instruction, policy and guidelines that includes posting on our web page. Since that time, we have issued written instructions on fall protection, residential fall protection, multi-employer worksites, alliances and partnerships with MIOSHA, the hazard communication standard, and the informal settlement agreement and appeal process. All were done with the goal of improving consistency, quality of information, and improved access to information. Many more instructions are in progress.

For 2005, MIOSHA is developing plans to use the 30th Anniversary as an opportunity to re-emphasize the importance of every worker's safety and health. The 75th Anniversary of the Michigan Safety Conference will be used to kick-off anniversary activities. The schedule of activities will be added to the MIOSHA website, once finalized.

As the 30th year of the modern MIOSHA program begins, use this opportunity to look back to see if you are doing your best to protect worker health and safety. I have said before that the MIOSHA program and all of the people within it will work diligently to help ensure that employers have the tools and employees have workplaces that are safe and healthful. Our goal, working together with all of you, is to continue our momentum and surpass past results to make a difference in eliminating fatalities, injuries and illnesses in every worksite across Michigan.