Issues Not Typically Covered by MIOSHA

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) only addresses employee workplace safety and health issues. MIOSHA also addresses issues where employees have been allegedly discriminated against for exercising rights under the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act. All other issues are outside the scope of the program and cannot be addressed. For your convenience, web sites and/or phone numbers for agencies addressing a variety of other issues not covered by MIOSHA are listed below:

• Building Code Construction Issues (e.g. plumbing, boilers, electrical, mechanical, elevators, building):  Contact your local city/township enforcement code inspectors or the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) at www.michigan.gov/bcc (517) 241-9302. 
• Federal Employees:  Employees of the federal government are under the direct jurisdiction of the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. www.osha.gov (517) 487-4996.
• Indian Reservations:  For workplace safety and health concerns involving Indian owned and operated businesses with Indian employees located on a recognized Indian reservation (Indian country), contact the tribal government or the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  www.osha.gov (517) 487-4996.
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ):  MIOSHA does not have specific standards that address most IAQ problems typically found in offices, office buildings and schools.  However, significant exposures to microbial growth resulting from warm, wet conditions (e.g., wet building materials caused by leaky roofs, storm flooded areas) or ventilation problems can cause employee discomfort or symptoms of illness and may be covered by MIOSHA, depending on the circumstances.  MIOSHA does have rules covering exposures to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and aldehydes.  Clicking on IAQ Info provides recommendations on how to address IAQ problems.  If you have questions on whether your issue is covered by MIOSHA, please contact the General Industry Safety and Health Division at (517) 284-7750.
• Maritime Operations:  For workplace safety and health concerns involving marine terminals, ship repairing, ship-building, ship breaking or related employment on navigable water of the United States, including dry docks, graving docks and marine railways, contact the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  www.osha.gov  (517) 487-4996.  For workplace safety and health concerns on navigable waters in Michigan that do not involve the above work activities, contact the United States Coast Guard, Detroit Michigan unit at (313) 568-9580. 

• Mining Operations:  For employee safety and health concerns involving mining operations, contact the Federal Mine and Safety Health Administration (MSHA).  www.msha.gov (517) 377-1751.
• Minors Hours & Breaks:  Issues pertaining to minors hours of work and breaks, contact the Wage and Hour Division.  https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/ber/Wage-and-Hour/youth-employment-standards-act-yesa (517) 284-7800.
• Oil Spill and Dumping of Chemicals in Drains or Sewers:  Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.  www.michigan.gov/egle (800) 662-9278. 
• Patient Safety:  For patient safety in health care facilities, contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.  www.michigan.gov/mdhhs  (517) 373-3573.
• Prisoner Safety and Health:  Michigan Department of Corrections.  www.michigan.gov/mdoc  (517) 335-1426.
• Railroad Safety and Health Issues:  Operations involving rail bed work and rolling train operations are covered by the Federal Department of Transportation.  https://railroads.dot.gov/railroad-safety (202) 493-6014.
• Second Hand Tobacco Smoke:  The Michigan legislature passed the Dr. Ron Davis Smoke-Free Air Law on December 10, 2009, to preserve and improve the health, comfort, and environment of the people of the state by limiting exposure to secondhand smoke.  The Michigan Department of Community Health is responsible for interpreting the law.  Follow the link below for more information on Michigan's Smoke-Free Indoor Air Law.
• Student/Parent School Issues:  Contact the local school board. 
• Vehicle Safety:  For safety issues involving commercially used vehicles, contact the Michigan State Police.  www.michigan.gov/msp (517) 332-2521.
• Violence in the Workplace:  If you have received threats of being harmed or are a victim of an assault in the workplace, please contact the local police department immediately.  MIOSHA may consider conducting an inspection if there has been an incident of workplace violence (not just a threat), the industry has been identified as high-risk for workplace violence (for example, healthcare and social services, and late-night retail), and there are feasible abatement methods to address the hazard.  MIOSHA’s procedure for workplace violence inspections procedures: MIOSHA-COM-11-2
• Workplace Temperatures:  MIOSHA does not have specific standards that address temperature control in the workplace.  Therefore, temperature comfort issues in offices, office buildings and schools are not covered, unless employees are exposed to temperature extremes that pose a significant risk of serious physical harm or death (e.g., heat exhaustion or heat stroke). MIOSHA’s instruction on heat-related illness inspections: MIOSHA-COM-22-1