JUNE 15, 2005– Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Director David C. Hollister today announced the signing of a strategic alliance between the Associated General Contractors (AGC), Greater Detroit Chapter, 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.

“Keeping Detroit-area construction workers safe and healthy on the job is the focus of this alliance,” said DLEG Director Hollister.  “This proactive partnership between labor, industry and government, has the potential to save lives by ensuring that worker safety and health plays an integral role in construction projects.”

James J. Cole, Jr. Chairman, AGC, Greater Detroit, and Executive Vice President, Skanska USA Building; Michael P. Smith, President and CEO, AGC, Greater Detroit; Doug Kalinowski, Director, MIOSHA program; and Connie O’Neill, Director, MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division, signed the alliance at the AGC, Greater Detroit Southfield headquarters.

“Safety is a top priority of AGC contractors,” said Cole.  “We are working every day to reduce risk and protect our workers from the dangers that construction sites present.  We are proud of the alliance that AGC and MIOSHA are embarking upon today.  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.”

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.

"One of the key goals of our MIOSHA Strategic Plan is to reduce injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the construction industry,” said MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski.  “By joining forces with the AGC, Greater Detroit Chapter, we have the ability to help their member contractors protect their workers from identified safety and health hazards.”

The AGC, Greater Detroit Chapter has been serving Southeast Michigan since 1916. It is the “Voice of the Construction Industry^©” and provides services and products to its more than 200 general contractor, specialty contractor and other members responsible for the majority of construction in Southeast Michigan.  It offers significant safety and health training to members covering all the skills needed for a safe job site.

The key goals of this alliance include:  promote enhanced awareness of worker safety and health to AGC, Greater Detroit 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.  For more information about the AGC, Greater Detroit Chapter, please go to www.agcdetroit.com, or call Michael P. Smith, 248.948.7000.

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