An alliance crafted this past week in Michigan could make construction job sites safer and access to safety education and materials easier than ever, even for the smallest of contractors in the state. The deal was signed at a West Michigan hospital construction site.
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) and the American Subcontractors Association of Michigan (ASAM) signed an alliance agreement formalizing a mutual commitment to workplace safety and health. MIOSHA is part of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Bart Pickelman is Director of MIOSHA. He says, “We’re pleased to sign this alliance that brings together our organizations to expand education, outreach and information sharing throughout the state.” Pickelman adds, “We particularly look forward to engaging smaller contractors to assist them in developing an appropriate safety and health program for their job sites.”
ASAM members will also gain a greater understanding of the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSH Act). The team will meet at least three times per year to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the alliance. The alliance will remain in effect for three years from its date of signing.
The alliance was signed by MIOSHA officials, Pickelman and Consultation Education and Training Division Director Nella Davis-Ray; and ASAM officials, President Chris Weaver, Safety Committee Chair Nate Steffen and Education Chair Brian Potter. The signing took place at the Mercy Health Campus Consolidation project in Muskegon, where case studies with regard to safety — from boots on the ground, up to the controlling contractors — will be developed and disseminated, and with results being publicized.
Education Chair Potter says, “The ASAM safety committee is grateful for MIOSHA’s willingness to form an alliance to help ASAM better serve its membership, their employees, and the general contracting/construction management community.”
MIOSHA 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.
There are many benefits to participating in an alliance with MIOSHA, including:
- Building trusting, cooperative relationships.
- Networking with others committed to workplace safety and health.
- Exchanging information about best practices.
- Leveraging resources to maximize worker safety and health protection.
ASAM, an active, business-oriented organization, is dedicated to helping subcontractors, suppliers and service providers become more successful through information, education, networking and legislative support. As the collective voice of subcontracting in both the public and private sectors, ASAM builds relationships with elected officials and government agencies to offer members a voice at the local, state and national levels; and works to bring positive change to the construction industry in the state. Members of ASAM are also members of the national American Subcontractors Association (ASA). For more information, you can go to www.asamichigan.net.
