OCTOBER -02, 1997 - A new toll-free number is helping employers report job-related fatalities or catastrophes more quickly to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Program (MIOSHA).

To bring Michigan into compliance with federal requirements, a 1996 state law reduced the reporting period from 48 to eight hours. By calling 1-800-858-0397, employers can notify MIOSHA of job-related deaths or catastrophes within the new time frame.

"This new toll-free number, which is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will speed up the reporting process," said Kathy Wilbur, Director of the Department of Consumer and Industry Services that encompasses MIOSHA. "Because of this quicker response time, MIOSHA employees can notify the appropriate division faster and assistance can begin sooner."

Under previous law, at least five people had to require medical care for the accident to be classified a "catastrophe." The new public act changed the definition of a catastrophe by reducing to three the number of people requiring hospital treatment. Those sent to the hospital for tests that turn out negative or for observation only do not meet the definition of "treatment."

For further information about this or other MIOSHA issues, call (517) 322-1814.

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services press releases.