NOVEMBER 01, 2000 - Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services (CIS) Director Kathy Wilbur today announced the resolution of the criminal prosecution against Edmund D. Woods, Owner, and Midland Environmental Services, Inc., in the 1994 fatality of employee, Michael J. Rennenberg. This case is unprecedented because it is the first criminal case in Michigan history where an owner was held criminally responsible for a workplace fatality.

"It can’t be stated strongly enough: Michigan employers are ultimately responsible for the safety of their workers on the job," said Wilbur. "Edmund Woods consistently and blatantly ignored basic MIOSHA regulations, and refused to provide a work environment free from hazards. This case should serve as a reminder to all employers that they are accountable for providing a safe and healthy work environment."

The CIS Bureau of Safety and Regulation is responsible for administering the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA).

Today, in Gladwin County Circuit Court, Edmund D. Woods and Midland Environmental Services entered guilty pleas to the following:

P To attempted involuntary manslaughter, on behalf of Woods personally,

P To attempted involuntary manslaughter, on behalf of the Corporation,

P To the charge regarding the MIOSHA Willful Criminal, on behalf of Woods personally,

P To the charge regarding the MIOSHA Willful Criminal, on behalf of the Corporation.

"We are deeply saddened by the needless death of Michael Rennenberg and hope this resolution will offer some consolation to the family," said Wilbur. "We also hope it will help prevent future workplace injuries and fatalities, which is the ultimate goal of the MIOSHA program by alerting employers that we will not tolerate the placing of workers in harm’s way."

The guilty pleas carry a maximum criminal penalty of $35,000 combined, and a maximum prison term of five years. Sentencing on all four counts will be held on Dec. 19, 2000, in the Gladwin County Circuit Court.

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