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 2023. 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, 2023.  An electronic copy of the 2023 Summary Log is available for viewing.

A physical copy of the 2023-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!

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 or
stream (and even groundwater). Understanding the watershed concept is important because it allows us
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.

Help Protect the Watershed!

• Use less salt by shoveling early and often to protect the Rouge River. If you do need salt, choose an environmentally friendly alternative.
• Attend a Friends of the Rouge Winter Stonefly Search close to your community to help gauge the health of the Rouge River.
• Use your local car wash to keep your car clean. When the buildup on your car melts, it sends the road salt, oil and other pollutants to the storm drain which end up in the Rouge River.
• Pick up after your pet even in the winter to prevent the bacteria from washing into storm drains and straight to the Rouge River when the snow starts to melt.
• Winterize your rain barrel to prevent cracking due to cold weather by storing it in your garage, shed or basement and reattach your downspout.
• This winter, plan a rain garden to include Michigan native plants which slows runoff and provides added filtration before entering the Rouge River.
• Recycle your holiday greenery, such as your tree, instead of throwing it in the trash. It’s better for the environment.
• Pour greasy or oily food waste into a jar and put it in the trash to prevent blockages in sewer pipes which can send sewage backward into homes or out manholes into streets and the Rouge River.

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.

Occupational Health and Safety Information and Learning Opportunities

Coffee with MIOSHA: Your Chance to Connect and Strengthen Workplace Safety!

MIOSHA and the American Society of Safety Professionals, West Michigan Chapter, invites Michigan employers and employees to join us for an informal networking event focused on workplace safety and health.

Coffee with MIOSHA events are informal networking events designed for safety professionals. These events provide a chance to connect with MIOSHA administrative, enforcement and consultative staff to ask questions and learn about our programs and services to enhance workplace safety and health. 

Special Presentation: Situational Awareness Training
A Kent County Sheriff's Deputy will deliver an insightful presentation on situational awareness, emphasizing personal safety and effective decision-making.

Don’t miss out—this event is free!
Register online today to reserve your spot.

Coffee with MIOSHA
December 5, 2024, 9 – 11 a.m.
Feyen Zylstra
2396 Hillside Dr.
Grand Rapids, MI 49544

Fire and Life Safety Information and Learning Opportunities

Winter Holiday Safety

 Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

Holiday decorating

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors. 

Holiday Entertaining

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

Before Heading Out or to Bed

Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

Facts

• More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles. 
• More than two of every five decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source