APRIL 14, 2005– The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) and the Michigan Society for Infection Control (MSIC) signed a formal alliance today to protect the safety and health of Michigan’s healthcare workers.  The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).

The signing cements a 20-year relationship between the two organizations that focuses on their shared missions to protect healthcare workers against occupational exposure to infectious diseases and injuries, particularly from sharp devices needed to care for patients.

Sue Lloyd, MT(ASCP), CHSP, CIC, President, MSIC; Linda Scott, RN, BSN, CIC, Advocacy Chair, MSIC; Doug Kalinowski, Director, MIOSHA Program; and Connie O’Neill, Director, MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division signed the alliance during the MSIC Spring Education Conference in Lansing.

“MSIC is excited to formally recognize the strong foundation of our relationship with MIOSHA.  This partnership demonstrates a clear commitment to make Michigan’s healthcare industry safer,” said Lloyd.  “We envision an even greater opportunity to foster communication and education through this alliance.”

With more than 400 members, the Michigan Society for Infection Control strives to actively promote public health and improve healthcare quality and safety in Michigan by developing a knowledge network, providing educational resources, and advocating science-based practices.

“We are proud to sign this alliance, which places a high priority on protecting Michigan’s healthcare workers–who have dedicated their careers to saving lives,” said Kalinowski.   “It is imperative that healthcare employers and workers have the tools and training necessary to sustain a safe and healthy work environment.”

The goals of this alliance include, but are not limited to:

• Sharing resources for prevention and education initiatives to improve worker safety and health;
• Developing innovative solutions for the hazards inherent in healthcare settings;
• Providing better access to job safety and health information;
• Utilizing MSIC’s extensive network to communicate changes in safety regulations issued by MIOSHA; and
• Strengthening the cooperative relationship between MIOSHA and MSIC.

The membership of MSIC encompasses infection control professionals from all types of healthcare settings including long-term and acute-care facilities, home care services, public health, correctional facilities and product manufacturers. Members serve as the point of communication for initiatives that support best practice guidelines on infection prevention and control.

The Society’s members advocate for reducing infectious and non-infectious injuries and illnesses for healthcare workers through:  implementing effective policies and procedures, providing safety-engineered products, networking with direct care givers, and assuring provision of immunizations, just to name a few.

To learn more about MSIC and its activities, you can visit their website at http://www.msic-online.org, or contact their main office at 248.693.3474.

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.