The MIOSHA Consultation Education & Training (CET) Division is offering a challenge to high-hazard industries.  The MCP offers employers an opportunity to develop an effective safety and health management system while being granted a 6-month deferral from a MIOSHA programmed inspection.  The deferral allows the employer time to:

• Learn about the elements of a safety and health management system
• Identify strengths and weaknesses of their existing program
• Review accident trends and cost estimates
• Identify compliance solutions for potential hazards
• Receive safety and health training

It makes good business sense to develop a safety and health system.  We know that the direct cost of work place accidents are nearly $40 billion each year and business and industry are paying a staggering $230 billion annually on workers’ compensation losses.  Michigan companies are beginning to experience lower workers’ compensation rates, in part due to the implementation of safety and health systems, and see the benefits of protecting workers positively affecting their bottom line.

The MCP process connects a CET Consultant to your company who will provide the necessary consultation and training.  The types of activities that are a part of the MCP process include an injury analysis and accident cost estimation, hazard surveys, assessment of your safety and health management system with recommendations for improvement, and training for supervisors and safety and health committee members.

An effective safety and health system consists of elements that apply safety and health management practices of employers who have been successful in protecting the safety and health of their employees. 

An effective safety and health management system depends on the:

• Management Leadership/Commitment
• Employee Involvement/Participation
• Worksite Analysis/Identifying Potential Hazards
• Hazard Prevention and Control/Implementing Policies and Procedures
• Safety and Health Training/training for all levels in the organization

The MCP program features an agreement signed by the Company CEO and the MIOSHA CET Division who commit to work together in the assessment, development and implementation of a safety and health system.

The CET Consultant will provide comprehensive assistance and training over a 6-month timeframe, and will continue to provide follow up consultation and annual audits for two consecutive years.  The company may decide at any time during the first 6 months to withdraw their agreement and request that the MCP be terminated.

Benefits of participating in the MCP will help you seek long-term safety and health solutions, empower employees to participate in the development and implementation process, and integrate the components of a safety and health system into the business operations. 

Other benefits may include:

• Lowered workers’ compensation costs due to fewer employee injuries and illnesses
• Reduction or elimination of property damage due to fewer incidents
• Reduced turnover of personnel
• Improved product quality
• Higher morale of employees
• Compliance with MIOSHA standards

Are you ready for the Challenge?  Call the CET Division today at 517.322.1809.

If you would like to read more regarding the Michigan Challenge Program (MCP), please review the CET Division Instruction, CET-ADM-07 01.