August 13, 2004 – Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Director David C. Hollister today announced the renewal of a strategic alliance between DLEG, the Michigan Road Builders Association (MRBA) and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).

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. And road and bridge construction is the most hazardous construction activity.

“The continued collaborative efforts of this premiere alliance are vital to ensure that safety and health issues play a major role in road building and bridge construction work in Michigan,” said Hollister.  “The Michigan Road Builders are an outstanding advocate for workplace safety and health and we are proud to partner with them.”

Chris Shea, MRBA President and CEO of PK Contracting, and Doug Kalinowski, MIOSHA Director, were among those signing the alliance, which took place during the MRBA Summer Conference in Shanty Creek.  The three organizations officially became partners to improve worker safety and health in the road and bridge industry in 1998.

“We value the strong partnership between highway contractors and MIOSHA, as we understand that it is by working together that we can make our workplaces safer for our members, our families and the motoring public,” said Shea.  “We look forward to continuing our strong alliance into the future.”

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.

“Our members believe that partnering with MIOSHA will lead to safer work sites, and while we don’t always agree on every issue, we are definitely committed to this dynamic partnership,” said Mike Eckert, MRBA Director of Safety Services.

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

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

“Road workers going home safe and healthy every day has been the key benefit of this landmark partnership,” said Kalinowski.  “We have built a relationship based on trust that has helped all parties work together to keep workers safe in Michigan’s high-hazard road construction industry.”

The key goals of the alliance include: promote worker safety through education, training, and ongoing communication; increase the use of joint forums to discuss issues which affect worker safety regulations in road construction; conduct joint meetings to discuss pertinent and /or urgent issues; and continually stimulate positive cultural change in both organizations to promote worker safety, to save lives, and to prevent injuries and illnesses.

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.

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.