March 17, 2005– The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) and the Office of the State Employer-Employee Health Management Division (EHM) signed a formal alliance today establishing a collaborative relationship to improve workplace safety and health in state government.  The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).

“We are proud to participate in this alliance as the model department to require a safety and health management system for each of our DLEG agencies,” said DLEG Director David C. Hollister.  “This alliance offers state government a unique opportunity to provide state workers with a level of safety and health protection that goes beyond the minimum requirements.”

All parties are forming the alliance to use their collective expertise to promote safety leadership and to provide support for creating a culture of continual workplace safety and health improvement.  The alliance is designed to include management, supervision, labor, and employees–working together to create a safer and healthier workplace.

The alliance was signed by:  David C. Hollister, DLEG Director; David H. Fink, Office of the State Employer Director; Doug Kalinowski, MIOSHA Director; and Ken Swisher, Employee Health Management Director.  Attending the event were most of the state department safety and health coordinators.

"This Alliance is a great example of teamwork between state departments in pursuing our goal of excellence in state government,” said Fink.  “One more effort in which everyone wins."

Alliances enable organizations committed to workplace safety and health to collaborate with MIOSHA to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. Alliances are open to all groups, including: trade or professional associations, businesses, labor organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies.

“The MIOSHA program is dedicated to working with employers, both public and private sector–to find innovative ways to enhance workplace safety and health,” said Kalinowski.  “Through alliances, MIOSHA can offer employers a voluntary, cooperative relationship to eliminate serious hazards and achieve a high level of safety and health.”

The key goals of this alliance include:  promote enhanced awareness of worker safety and health to state department directors; develop education and training opportunities; share EHM summary accident data with all department safety and health coordinators to demonstrate the success of implementing effective safety and health management systems; and disseminate safety and health information through print and electronic media, email, and links from MIOSHA and OSE websites.

“The EHM Division of OSE has worked well with MIOSHA,” said Swisher.  “We are very pleased to formalize and enhance that working relationship with the signing of this Alliance."

There are many benefits to participating in an alliance with MIOSHA. Through this program, organizations will:

• Build trusting, cooperative relationships.
• Network with others committed to workplace safety and health.
• Exchange information about best practices.
• Leverage resources to maximize worker safety and health protection.

For more information about forming an alliance or partnership with MIOSHA, please check our website at www.michigan.gov/miosha or contact the Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division at 517.322.1809.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth news releases.