August 9, 2005– Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Director David C. Hollister today announced the signing of a strategic alliance between the Construction Association of Michigan (CAM) and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) to protect the safety and health of Michigan’s construction workers.

The construction industry is one of the most hazardous industries in Michigan. Only about four percent of Michigan’s workforce is employed in construction–however, construction fatalities account for more than 40 percent of all fatal workplace accidents.

“We are proud to sign this alliance, which says we are all on the same team that makes worker safety priority number one,” said Hollister.  “This proactive partnership between labor, industry and government, can save lives by ensuring that worker safety and health plays an integral role in construction projects.”

Frank Nutt, Jr., Chairman of CAM; Kevin N. Koehler, President of CAM; Doug Kalinowski, Director, MIOSHA program; and Connie O’Neill, Director, MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division, signed the alliance at the Palace of Auburn Hills.  CAM member Frank Rewold and Son, Inc., is the construction manager for the North Entry Addition expansion project at the Palace

"The alliance between MIOSHA and CAM produces the type of cooperation needed to make a difference in construction safety," said Nutt.  “It is imperative that construction employers and workers have the training necessary to sustain a safe and healthy work environment.”

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.

“Construction safety is a top priority and we are proud of the alliance that CAM and MIOSHA are creating today,” said Koehler.  “The benefits of this cooperation will be felt for many years to come in the form of greater safety awareness and hopefully fewer onsite injuries.”

The Construction Association of Michigan, the oldest and largest regional construction association in North America, has been serving its members since 1885.  It is a trade association of over 3,700 commercial contracting, subcontracting and supply firms.

Frank Rewold and Son, Inc., is the construction manager for the Palace expansion project, and is also the first CAM member to participate in the alliance.  Frank Rewold Operations Manager Jeff Cohee is a  CAM board member and believes the alliance will maximize worker protection.   “We intend to work with all of our contractors on the Palace worksite, to protect the safety and health of every worker–while we build a top-quality addition befitting the image of the Palace,” said Cohee.

The key goals of this alliance include:  increase communication and collaboration between CAM and MIOSHA; promote increased safety and health awareness by using all of CAM’s marketing mediums; foster worker safety and health through education and training opportunities at the jobsite; and facilitate regular and unscheduled CET safety and health hazard surveys.

"One of the key goals of our MIOSHA Strategic Plan is to reduce injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the construction industry,” said Kalinowski.  “By joining forces with the Construction Association of Michigan, we have the ability to help their members protect their workers from identified safety and health hazards.”

While participation by individual employers is voluntary, MIOSHA anticipates that contractors, who embrace the goals of the partnership and who strive to provide a safe and healthy workplace, will experience a decrease in workplace accidents and illnesses, and a decrease in workers’ compensation costs.

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.  For more information about the Construction Association of Michigan, please go to www.cam-online.com, or call Kevin Koehler, 248.972.1000.

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