September 26, 2005 – Today Macomb Community College and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) signed a formal alliance to help protect the safety and health of Michigan’s workers.  The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).

“I’m proud to stand side-by-side with Dr. Lorenzo today and forge a partnership to protect Michigan workers,” said DLEG Director David C. Hollister.  “This collaborative alliance between labor, industry and government will give businesses across Michigan the necessary tools to provide a safe and healthy work environment.”

Signing the alliance were: David C. Hollister, Director, Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth; Dr. Albert L. Lorenzo, President, Macomb Community College; Barbara J. Clark, Vice President, Economic & Workforce Development, Macomb Community College; and Douglas J. Kalinowski, Director, Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  Daniel L. King, Principal Engineer, CCRW, General Motors Manufacturing Engineering also spoke at the ceremony.

“Macomb is pleased to partner with MIOSHA to develop new opportunities for improving the health and safety of our workplaces,” said Lorenzo.  “Creating linkages for meaningful discussion with business and industry that lead to real-world, effective solutions for strengthening workplace safety is important in sustaining a dynamic economy that offers meaningful employment options for community residents.”

Alliances enable organizations committed to workplace safety and health to collaborate with MIOSHA to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.  This is MIOSHA’s first alliance with a community college.  A key goal of the alliance is the establishment of a pilot MIOSHA Training Institute at Macomb’s M-TEC, with a specific core curriculum.

“The MIOSHA program is dedicated to working with employers, both public and private sector–to find innovative ways to enhance workplace safety and health,” said Kalinowski.  “Through this alliance, MIOSHA and Macomb can offer employers a high level of safety and health information and training.”

Other key goals of the alliance include:

• Coordinate consultation and educational training strategies and co-sponsor seminars.
• Use quarterly publications to address current health and safety issues.
• Initiate proactive approaches to a variety of delivery methods (online, CD Rom, video, etc.).
• Provide a forum for open discussion of MIOSHA standards and regulations from the perspective of equipment manufacturers, equipment integrators and targeted industries.
• Explore the impact of new and upcoming technology and equipment on existing standards.
• Establish a blueprint for collaboration to involve other colleges and M-TECs statewide. Utilize ITV and distance learning technology to collaborate statewide.

“Macomb’s Workforce Development Institute is in a unique position not only to facilitate meaningful collaboration with local business and industry but also to provide hands-on training opportunities by combining key stakeholder resources with the college’s M-TEC and Emergency Services Training Center facilities,” said Clark.  “This collaboration will expand access to quality health and safety training at the local level, while providing course and program solutions that can easily be replicated throughout the state.”

Macomb's comprehensive Workforce Development Institute will administer the alliance.  The Institute is focused on maintaining Michigan's competitive edge in the global economy–assisting industry in sustaining a highly skilled workforce and supporting meaningful employment opportunities. The college's workforce development and training programs are developed in conjunction with the business and labor community, and are headquartered in Macomb's M-TEC.

Macomb Community College is one of the nation's leading community colleges, serving more than 30,000 students each semester and reaching more than 350,000 persons each year through cultural and community service programs. The college's comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional educational and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.

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.