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Ten Michigan Workers Killed
In August 2006
Through September 25, 2006,
there have been 34 program-related fatal workplace accidents
in Michigan. MIOSHA is reminding employers and workers that workplace
deaths can be prevented.
The 34 program-related fatal
workplace accidents is an increase from last year. Through August
2005, there were 27 deaths. The calendar year total for 2005
was 36.
Employers have a legal obligation
to provide a safe and healthy work environment for employees
The MIOSHA Act requires employers to provide "a workplace
free of recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or
serious physical harm to the employees." The purpose of
MIOSHA safety and health rules is to set minimum requirements
and provide guidelines for identifying and correcting the hazards
contributing to injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
The MIOSHA program is required
to monitor the safety and health conditions in workplaces covered
by the MIOSHA Act. Our inspection system focuses on Michigan
workplaces with the highest injury and illness rates. We want
to target worksites where wean do the most good. In addition,
consultation activities are focused where the greatest potential
for improvement exists.
MIOSHA urges proactive attention
to safety and health diligence in all workplaces. Fatal accidents
can be prevented when employers develop and implement safety
and health management systems. These systems include not only
following MIOSHA rules, but emphasize the need for ongoing strong
leadership support, employee involvement, worksite monitoring,
and training. Effective worker safeguards must be applied at
every jobsite.
August 2006 Fatalities
Work-related injuries and
disease take significant human and economic toll.
According to the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH),each day
in the U.S., an average of 9,000workers sustain disabling injuries
on the job,16 workers die from an injury sustained artwork, and
137 workers die from work-related diseases.
The Liberty Mutual Research
Institute for Safety estimates 3.7 million workplace injuries
in 2004 cost businesses more than $150 billion in direct and
indirect costs.
Ten Michigan workers lost
their lives on the job during August 2006. This compares to three
during August 2005. The ultimate right of every worker is to
return home safely.
The 10 Michigan MIOSHA-related
fatal accidents in August 2006 are:
August 6 - Escanaba - A Carnival
Ride Attendant, age 36, was pinned between the trailer fender
well and tire while loading carnival rides.
August 7 - Cassopolis - An
Electrician, age 34, received a fatal electric shock while installing
a spotlight from a ladder.
August 8 - Ruth - A Laborer,
age 40,was struck by a truck that was backing up during a road
milling operation.
August 9 - Farmington Hills
- The Part-Owner of a Construction Company, age 54,was crushed
between the front end and the bucket of an earth-moving machine.
August 9 - Ontonagon - A
Concrete Truck Driver, age 30, was found pinned between a front-end
loader and a conveyor.
August 21 - Flint - A Welder,
age 23,was pinned between a powered industrial truck and a vehicle.
August 24 - Battle Creek
- A Process Operator, age 36, was killed when a piece of equipment
used to make cereal exploded.
August 28 - Roseville - A
Tool and Die Maker, age 42, was struck by a die while moving
the die with an overhead crane.
August 30 - Flint - A Truck
Driver, age 59, was pinned between a truck and the loading dock
while helping another driver.
August 31 - Moline - A Carpenter,
age 62, fell while installing J-channel from a roof.
While nothing can ever re-place
a life lost-one way to honor these workers is to thoroughly investigate
the circumstances surrounding the accident and to use the findings
to make sure a similar tragedy is prevented.
Hazard Prevention
Most employers take their
workplace safety and health responsibilities very seriously.
Employers are encouraged to analyze their workplace and to adopt
a safety and health program that addresses their specific hazards
and needs.
Worksites that implement
safety standards appropriate to their industry can minimize or
eliminate employee exposure to hazards. A comprehensive safety
and health management system is the best framework to help employers
protect their workers and comply with MIOSHA standards.
The key elements are: Management
commitment, Employee involvement, Workplace analysis, Hazard
prevention and control, and Safety and Health training.
Source: MIOSHA News
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