MIOSHA Updates                                              

Click here to download MIOSHA’s Green Industry Self-Inspection Checklist.
Click here to download MIOSHA’s Top 25 Rule Violations Sited for the Green Industry.

MIOSHA and the Green Industry: Will Your Company Receive an Inspection This Season?

Due to startling fatality statistics that have occurred here in Michigan in the past two years, MGIA has consistently kept our member companies and Landsculptor readers updated on developments in regard to MIOSHA and their interactions with green industry.  These fatalities and the many serious injuries has led to MIOSHA’s inclusion of green industry related businesses as a target for their 2009-2013 strategic plan.  This could likely result in you having a MIOSHA inspection!

Due to the frequent MIOSHA enforcement inspections and many requests from MGIA members for help in preparing for an inspection and becoming compliant, MGIA joined forces with other industry partners and MIOSHA to form a Michigan Green Industry Alliance. Other industry partners include; Arboriculture Society of Michigan (ASM), Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA), Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and the Utility Line Clearance Coalition (ULCC).  Partners meet quarterly to share industry concerns and provide assistance to MIOSHA to improve worker safety, reduce accidents and foster better communication between MIOSHA and our industry.

A common myth and a question often asked: Where does MIOSHA get a list of companies to target? This information does not come from industry, Associations, websites, our mailing lists or roster books. Nor do they collect the information by attending industry events, such as trade shows or seminars. For your company to become Incorporated, LLC, file taxes or open a business bank account, you must show proof that your business is registered with the state.  When you register your company with the state as a business, the state assigns you a North American Industrial Classification code (NAICS) that is determined by the type of work your company will perform. 

The green industry has been targeted by MIOSHA due to its excessive amount of fatalities and serious injuries. MIOSHA gets their target list for inspection by running off a list of the NAICS code specific to landscape/tree care. If your business is operating legally, you are inevitably assigned an NAICS code. The same code for landscape/tree care also applies to irrigation, hardscape, lawn maintenance, plant health care and any other service considered a green industry trade. On occasion, lists are also compiled from workman’s compensation records.

During the period of October 1, 2006 – December 1, 2008 there were 84 MIOSHA enforcement inspections. From these inspections there were a total of 447 violations issued, totaling $40,092.50 in penalties. These 84 inspections do not include the companies who contacted MIOSHA and scheduled an invited inspection (Hazard Survey) with MIOSHA’s Consultation and Education division. These companies were exempt from enforcement inspections, received a consultation convenient with their schedule and were given ample time to come into compliance without penalty.

If you would like a list of the top 25 serious and most common rule violations from the 84 enforcement inspections and the 447 violations issued, click here. The posted information includes the standard, section and language specific to the most commonly cited violations and is intended to help you take a second look at specific areas of your operations. This valuable information can be used as a guide to assist your company in becoming and remaining in compliance. 

For a MIOSHA inspection checklist to help prepare for an enforcement or consultation visit, click here. For more information, to schedule a hazard inspection, or to access MIOSHA training materials (DVDs, videos, Powerpoints, safety fact sheets and more) contact MIOSHA at (517) 322-1809 or visit www.michigan.gov/miosha.