Environmental Health and Safety

Current Events

Annual Job-Related Injuries and Illnesses Information Available

MIOSHA is reminding Michigan employers they are required to post the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2025. The information gathered from these logs greatly benefits employers, workers and MIOSHA in evaluating the safety of a workplace and making the necessary changes to eliminate hazards.  Employers must post the MIOSHA Form 300A in their establishments from Feb. 1 to April 30, 2026.  An electronic copy of the 2025 Summary Log is available for viewing.

A physical copy of the 2025-MIOSHA 300A Summary Log is located in the Campus Support Services (CSS) Building, on the Regulatory Communication Board.

Storm Water Education and Participation Opportunities In the Community

Protect Water Quality All Season Long! Fall Season

What is a Watershed?

We all live in a watershed - an area of land that drains to a common body of water, such as a lake, river stream (and even groundwater). Understanding the watershed concept is important because it allows to comprehend that we can have an impact on water quality far beyond our own back door.

Learn the Difference

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is water that originates during rain events and snow/ice melt and travels over land or through storm drains, catch basins or pipes (called outfalls) and ends up untreated in our rivers, streams and lakes.

What is Wastewater?

Wastewater is water that has been used in the home, in a business, or as part of an industrial process and is treated before it is released back to the environment.

What to do?

• Plant a tree to provide a natural filter to the Rouge River and to reduce stormwater runoff, flooding and erosion.
• Do not put “disposable wipes” down a drain or toilet, they do not dissolve and will cause blockages in sewer pipes.
• When winterizing your pool, spa, or fountain allow the chlorine to dissipate for several days before draining it to a landscaped area not a storm drain which leads to the Rouge River.
• Mulch your grass and leaves to use as a natural fertilizer which limits the excess nutrients from yard waste entering the Rouge River.
• Pour or scrape greasy or oily food waste into a container or jar before putting in the trash to prevent blockages in sewer pipes which can send sewage backward into homes or out of manholes into streets and the Rouge River.
• Report illegal dumping to the Rouge River to your local municipality to prevent contamination to our groundwater supply.
• Use non-toxic cleaning alternatives such as white vinegar, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals entering the Rouge River.
• Attend a workshop on native landscaping or septic system maintenance to learn how you can protect the Rouge River or volunteer at a bug hunt or Rouge Rescue with Friends of the Rouge in your community.

The Alliance of Rouge Communities, or ARC, is a non-profit organization consisting of local municipalities, counties, educational institutions and stewardship groups working together to improve the Rouge River. The ARC is funded by membership dues from local governments and supported by grants. The ARC and its partners work cooperatively to meet water quality requirements mandated by the state’s stormwater permit and to restore beneficial uses, such as canoeing, fishing and other recreational activities, to the Rouge River.

For more information visit: Alliance of Rouge Communities

When it Comes to Illegal Dumping, You are the "Eyes and Ears" in Your Community!

If you see someone dumping anything into the Rouge River, on the side of the road or even down the storm drain on your street, report it to your local community or to Michigan's Pollution Alert System at 800-292-4706. You play a crucial role because local and federal governments do not have the resources to monitor every location at all times. Your vigilance helps ensure that these issues are addressed quickly and effectively, protecting both the environment and public health.

If your answer to any of the below questions is "yes," you should report the location to your local municipality so they can investigate. Take pictures or videos of the pollution, and if it is safe to do so, get the license plate of any vehicle dumping along with the make and model. 

Is it unusual? Does the pollution seem "not the norm" and different from how things are typically disposed of?

Does it smell? Some chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers have a strong odor and may even burn your eyes, mouth, or nose. This is a sign of illegal dumping that should be reported.

Does it look bad? Do you see an odd-colored discharge or sheen from a pipe going into the river or do you see dead fish or animals in the vicinity of pollution? Is there dead grass or plants around the pollution? You may also see a pipe discharging foam or solids. These are all signs that should be reported to your local community for further investigation.

Does it seem secretive? Most people that dump things illegally know what they are doing and attempt to be secretive in their actions. You may hear or see a truck pouring something into a sewer, river or on the side of the road late at night. Have you seen someone dumping barrels, cans, or bags at a site where it should not go like an alley, river or empty lot and then driving away? Report these activities to your local community for follow-up.

To learn more about illegal dumpling and other ways you can help protect water quality in the Rouge River watershed, visit the Alliance of Rouge Communities website.

Occupational Health and Safety Information and Learning Opportunities

Coffee with MIOSHA: Connect and Strengthen Workplace Safety

MIOSHA and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Southeastern Michigan invite employers and employees to join us for an informal networking event focused on workplace safety and health. 

Coffee with MIOSHA events are designed for safety professionals, offering a unique opportunity to:

• Network with MIOSHA administrative, enforcement and consultation staff.
• Ask questions and discuss workplace safety challenges.
• Learn about MIOSHA’s programs and services to enhance safety and health.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Time: 8 to 10 a.m.

ABC Southeastern Michigan
36250 Van Dyke Ave.
Sterling Heights, MI 48312

Register

Register for Coffee with MIOSHA in Sterling Heights

Fire and Life Safety Information and Learning Opportunities

Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!

When the smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.

Go to your outside meeting place. Call 9-1-1 from a mobile phone or a trusted neighbor’s phone.

Stay outside until the fire department tells you it is safe to go back inside.

• Replace smoke alarms 10 years from the date of manufacture.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

Installation

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
• When installing, follow the instructions that come with the smoke alarm.
• For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms. When one sounds, they all sound. It is important to have interconnected smoke alarms if you sleep with the bedroom doors closed.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall.

How to Choose an Alarm

It is important to purchase a smoke alarm that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory. The two most common types of smoke alarms are ionization and photoelectric alarms.

• For the best protection, or where extra time is needed to wake up or help others, both types of alarms or dual sensor ionization photoelectric alarms are recommended.
• An ionization smoke alarm is more responsive to flaming fires and a photoelectric smoke alarm is more responsive to smoldering fires.
• Photoelectric smoke alarms are the best type of alarms to be installed near the kitchen and bathrooms to reduce nuisance alarms.

Testing and Maintenance

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms working.

Replacement

• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
• For smoke alarms that do not have non-replaceable (long-life) batteries, replace batteries at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, replace only the battery.

Your Source for Safety Information. NFPA Public Education Division – 1 Batterymarch Park, Qunicy, MA 02169