MIOSHA Celebrates 20 Years of Partnering with Employers to Protect Workers

LANSING, Mich.— The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) partnered with Michigan employers who voluntarily participated in the 20th anniversary of the Take a Stand for Workplace Safety and Health initiative, underscoring a shared commitment to improving workplace safety and health.

During the week of Aug. 11–15, nearly 200 Michigan employers welcomed MIOSHA safety and health staff into their worksites for penalty-free consultations — demonstrating their commitment to creating safer workplaces and protecting hardworking people. Instead of enforcement, MIOSHA focused on offering guidance, identifying potential hazards and helping employers take immediate steps to correct serious conditions.

MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman said the initiative reflects the agency’s education-first approach.

“At MIOSHA, we ‘Educate Before We Regulate.’ Take a Stand lets us work directly with employers to help them build safer, healthier workplaces and equips them with the tools and knowledge to prevent injuries and illnesses.”

MIOSHA Safety Officer Chontelle Copeland, left, speaks with Paulette Caylor, head of human resources at Laepple Automotive US Inc., during a voluntary safety consultation at the company’s Detroit facility as part of the 2025 Take a Stand for Workplace Safety and Health event.

One participating employer was auto parts manufacturer Laepple Automotive US Inc., which specializes in sheet metal stamping and forming to produce spare body parts such as hoods, doors, fenders and trunk lids, with the capability to manufacture parts for any original equipment manufacturer.

A MIOSHA enforcement officer conducted a walkaround with plant managers to assess potential hazards in the company’s 270,000-square-foot Detroit facility, recently established as its North American hub.

“Employee safety is at the heart of our operations,” said Paulette Caylor, head of human resources at Laepple Automotive US Inc. “Take a Stand reinforces our commitment to a strong safety culture and continuous improvement. Partnering with MIOSHA helps us identify potential risks and strengthen safeguards that protect our team.”

MIOSHA focused its Take a Stand visits on high-hazard industries identified in the MIOSHA Strategic Plan, which includes construction sites, manufacturing plants, medical facilities and more.

MIOSHA Construction Safety Officer Matt Gabris (center) with DeMaria Construction staff during a Take a Stand consultation at a worksite in David Shepherd Park in Oak Park.

MIOSHA Consultative Resources for Employers

• Free Onsite Consultations — Year round, employers can request voluntary inspections without fines or penalties, conducted by MIOSHA safety consultants or industrial hygienists.
• Hazard Surveys — Non-enforcement visits that identify unsafe conditions and provide guidance for corrective actions.
• Self-Help Program — Small employers (fewer than 250 employees) can receive free technical guidance and hazard evaluations, with priority given to high-hazard industries.

Learn more about MIOSHA’s consultative services at Michigan.gov/CET.