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

2024 Training Rouge Frog & Toad Survey Training

Training is offered every spring for those who would like to commit to surveying wetlands twice a month, March through July, after dark, and record what species of frogs and toads are calling. Information and materials are provided at the annual training.

The 2024 Training is complete (view workshop slides here). If you are still interested and willing to self train, please click the below button to sign up. Register to Survey.

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.

• Plant a variety of native species around detention ponds which will enhance water quality, minimize algae blooms and encourage wildlife habitat.
• Use slow release, phosphorus-free fertilize and don’t fertilize right before it rains or along any body of water to help protect the Rouge River.
• Pick up after your pet to prevent the bacteria from washing into drainage ditches and storm drains which go straight to the Rouge River.
• Dispose of your boat waste properly, keep bilges clean with absorbent sponges or pads, and inspect boats and trailers for plant debris and zebra mussels.
• Waterfront property owners should plant trees, shrubs, taller grasses and wildflowers between the shoreline and upland areas to minimize the amount of pollutants entering the waterway.
• Keep storm drains clear of debris to prevent storm sewer blockages and minimize the amount of pollutants entering the Rouge River.
• Maintain your septic system by having it inspected every 3 years by a licensed contractor and having your tank pumped every 3-5 years.
• Minimize use of your washing machine, dishwasher or shower during times of heavy rain because it stresses the sewer system.

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 the Alliance of Rouge Communities website.

View a pdf of the Protect Water Quality poster.  

Occupational Health and Safety Information and Learning Opportunities

MIOSHA invites Michigan employers and employees to share a cup of coffee and learn about the importance of workplace safety and health.

Coffee with MIOSHA events are informal networking events for health and safety professionals and allow employers and employees to meet with MIOSHA administrative, enforcement and consultative staff to ask questions and learn about our programs and services.

October Register online with ASSP for the free event.  

Coffee with MIOSHA
Lakeland Care Network
1234 Napier Ave.
St. Joseph, MI  49085
October 30, 2024
8:00 a.m. Networking with Coffee and Light Breakfast
8:30-10:30 a.m.  Presentation 
10:30 a.m.  Networking

November Register online with CAM to reserve your spot today.

Coffee with MIOSHA 
November 19, 2024, 9 – 11 a.m. 
Construction Association of Michigan 
43636 Woodward Ave. 
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

MIHS MINI CONFERENCE 2024

Michigan Industrial Hygiene Society: Fall Mini Conference

• When:  23 Oct 2024 7:15 AM - 4:30 PM
• Location:  MSU Management Center - 811 West Square Lake Road, Troy MI 48098
• Spaces left: 235

Registration

• MIHS Member – $75.00 Current MIHS Members - $75 and includes lunch
• Non-MIHS Members – $100.00 $100 includes lunch and a one-year membership to MIHS
• Students – $5.00 $5 includes attendance and lunch (Student must be a student member prior to the event and present current student ID)
   

Here is a link to the membership page.

Please join us for the 2024 MIHS Mini Conference.  Here is the agenda for the event:

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.

You could have as little as two minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly

• 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.
• Replace smoke alarms 10 years from the date of manufacture.

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 nonreplaceable (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.