DECEMBER 3, 2004 –  Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Director David C. Hollister today announced the renewal of a strategic alliance between the Michigan Chapter Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America 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 work side-by-side with Michigan AGC to meet the primary goal of this alliance–to keep Michigan’s construction workers safe and healthy on the job,” said DLEG Director David C. Hollister.  “When industry, labor and government come together, we can save lives by ensuring that worker safety and health plays an integral role in construction projects.”

Glenn D. Granger, President, Michigan AGC, and President, Granger Construction Co.; Doug Kalinowski, Director, MIOSHA program; and Connie O’Neill, Director, MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division; signed the alliance during Michigan AGC’s 59^th Annual Meeting in Lansing.  The organizations officially became partners to improve worker safety and health in the construction industry in 1998.

“AGC is delighted to improve our relationship with MIOSHA.  Both the association and MIOSHA are committed to making Michigan’s construction industry safer,” said Bart Carrigan, Executive Vice President, Michigan Chapter Associated General Contractors.  “The goals and objectives of our alliance feature the combined efforts of AGC and MIOSHA; thus strengthening our individual efforts.  Outreach and communication, training and education, ongoing dialog, clear definition of roles and responsibilities and focus on positive outcomes are the areas where we will cooperate.”

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.

“By combining our resources, Michigan AGC and MIOSHA can have a significant impact on safety and health prevention efforts at construction worksites,” said Kalinowski.  “This strategic alliance will give Michigan AGC’s contractors the necessary tools to protect their workers and commit to safe and healthy work practices.”

The Michigan AGC is a full service construction trade association, with a membership composed of more than 200 general contractors and affiliated companies who construct the majority of Michigan’s infrastructure.  They offer significant safety and health training to their members, including interactive computer training on the jobsite.

The key goals of this alliance include:  promote enhanced awareness of worker safety and health to AGC members; promote worker safety through education and training opportunities at the jobsite; promote increased implementation of accident prevention programs at members’ sites; and promote regular and unscheduled CET safety and health hazard surveys.

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.

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