MIOSHA eNews - May 4, 2021

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COVID-19 Workplace Safety Update

In case you missed it - the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has extended its emergency rules, originally issued October 14, 2020, to protect Michigan workers, businesses, customers and communities from the spread of COVID-19. The emergency rules have been extended until October 14, 2021, but can be modified or withdrawn at any time in response to changes in COVID-19 spread.

Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health may contact MIOSHA using the new hotline at 855-SAFE-C19 (855-723-3219). 

Read the full announcement.

Learn more at Michigan.Gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety.

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Free resources for you

The MIOSHA Ambassador Program has provided over 4,300 businesses free education and one-on-one guidance to understand regulations on workplace safety. Ambassadors work directly with business owners and managers to implement safety directives to help ensure a safe workplace for employees and customers. Schedule your free appointment today! 

Watch the program overview video.

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OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Campaign

OSHA Heat Safety

During hot weather, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) continues its efforts to educate employers and workers on the dangers of working in the heat and the importance of three key safety measures: “Water. Rest. Shade.” The informal kickoff date for the campaign is the Friday before Memorial Day - this year, Friday, May 28, 2021. Visit OSHA's website for more information on heat safety.

Pending Board Activities

On May 14, 2021, the Board of the Health and Safety Compliance and Appeals (Board) is scheduled to meet to review proposed orders and decisions issued by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) related to five contested MIOSHA safety and health citation cases. The board’s review of the cases is the result of a board member engaging in a practice known as “direction for review.” When a board member files a direction for review request with the board’s clerk, it signifies that the board member is requesting the entire board meet to discuss the proposed decision or order and decide whether the proposed decision or order should be adopted as final by the board.

A board member who requested review of the specified case may also elect to withdraw their direction for review prior to or at the meeting. Following the board members’ review and discussion, the board has the power to vote to affirm the original order or decision, reverse or modify the order or decision in whole or part, or remand the case back to the ALJ for additional fact finding or legal analysis.

Below is a list of the cases which are presently directed for review for the May 14, 2021, board meeting:

  • Board Docket No. 18-18126 - Wayne County Airport (Hearing Decision)
  • Board Docket No. 19-19020 - FCA LLC US Sterling Heights Assembly (Hearing Decision)
  • Board Docket No. 19-19146 - JBS Plainwell (Hearing Decision)
  • Board Docket No. 19-19171 - Soave Homes (Hearing Decision)
  • Board Docket No. 20-024993 - Johnson Controls (Late Appeal - Dismissal Order)

In addition to reviewing these cases, the board may also be resuming its review of the administrative rules that govern contested cases before the board, MIOSHA Occupational Safety and Health Standard Part 4 of the Michigan Administrative Code, R 408.21401 - R 408.21447. The rule set has not been modified since 1979. The board is reviewing the rules to ensure consistency with current terminology and board operations, as well as reduce duplication, inconsistency, or redundancy between the board’s rules and the administrative hearing rules established by the Michigan Office Administrative Hearings and Rules (MOAHR), MOAHR Parts 1, 11 and 12 of the Michigan Administrative Code, R 792.10101 - R 792.11903.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, the board meeting will take place May 14, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. virtually. Information concerning board members, board meeting dates and locations, along with the link for any public web meetings are available on the MIOSHA website within the Appeals Division content on the compliance page.  

OSHA Trenching and Excavation Safety Initiative

OSHA Trenching & Excavation Safety Initiative

 


Abating trenching hazards, continues to be an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) priority goal in fiscal year 2021. June 2021 will be the second annual Trench Safety Month, and OSHA will work with the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) and other industry stakeholders to hold a Trench Safety Stand-Down June 14-18, 2021.

 

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Recall - Pressure Washer Spray Guns

Review the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 07 APR 2021 recall notice. The spray gun connector can break, causing the hose and/or parts of the connector to become dislodged during use, posing an impact injury hazard to the user. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled spray guns. 

Michigan Worker Deaths of 2021

To date, there have been five work-related fatalities reported to MIOSHA in 2021. The information below shares preliminary details about the most recent fatalities reported to MIOSHA which are believed to be covered by the MIOSH Act. The description reflects information provided to MIOSHA at the initial report of the incident and is not the result of the official MIOSHA investigation.

Preliminary summaries of the most recent 2021 incidents:
On April 6, 2021, a 42-year-old lawn care service company's owner was found pinned underneath the wheel of a dump truck.

On April 21, 2021, a 60-year-old general help employee was inflating a single rim trailer tire. The sidewall of the tire split open and pressure from the air inside the tire knocked him down. The employee hit his head on the concrete and became unconscious. He was taken to the hospital where he passed away on April 21, 2021.

On April 21, 2021, a 57-year-old crane operator was staging a die onto the east bolster with a crane. The die was not aligned with the locating pins. While standing between the die and the press, the crane operator maneuvered the die onto the bolster pin. The misalignment of the hoist to the center point of the die caused the die to swing to the home position resulting in the die striking the crane operator.

Michigan Worker Deaths of 2020

To date, there have been 66 work-related fatalities reported to MIOSHA in 2020. The information below shares preliminary details about the most recent fatalities reported to MIOSHA which are believed to be covered by the MIOSH Act. The description reflects information provided to MIOSHA at the initial report of the incident and is not the result of the official MIOSHA investigation. To report fatalities/catastrophes, call MIOSHA at 800-858-0397.

Preliminary summaries of the most recent 2020 incidents:
On March 22, 2020, a fire fighting engine company went on a medical run where they were exposed to a COVID-19 positive patient. The department then placed their staff in quarantine and had their staff tested. On April 5, 2020, multiple COVID-19 positive tests came back and employees were showing symptoms. The 58-year-old fire captain tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized on April 6 or 7, 2020, and died on April 8, 2020. The cause of death listed on the death certificate was COVID-19.

A 50-year-old officer was assaulted by an inmate and died during treatment at the hospital on Sept. 2, 2020.

Every life is precious. Our mutual goal must be that every employee goes home at the end of every shift unharmed.

If you need help or assistance in ensuring your workplace is safe, MIOSHA is here to assist you. The CET Division provides workplace safety and health training and consultations to employers and employees throughout Michigan, free of charge. Contact CET today at 800-866-4674 or request CET services online.

Agency Instruction Issued

February 5, 2021 - Partnerships for Worker Safety and Health

Press Releases

April 30, 2021 - MIOSHA presents state's highest safety and health award to Holly Construction Company

April 29, 2021 - Return-to-Office Workgroup provides recommendations to governor to keep Michiganders safe

April 27, 2021 - Michigan Workplace Rights Week encourages health and safety for workers, celebrates historical efforts that created workplace protections

April 13, 2021 - MIOSHA takes action to protect workers, extends emergency rules amid surge in COVID-19 cases

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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