Martha B. Yoder, Director

Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration (MIOSHA)

Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

On March 1, 2012, Martha B. Yoder was appointed Director of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).  In that role, she oversees the MIOSHA program, which is responsible for enforcing workplace safety and health standards and providing consultation, education and training, and outreach services.  She is also responsible for overseeing the Wage and Hour Division, which protects the earned wages and fringe benefits of Michigan workers.

As Director, Yoder is responsible for the overall administration and enforcement of the safety and health provisions of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health (MIOSH) Act, Public Act 154 of 1974, as amended.  She is also responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Payment of Wages & Fringe Benefits Act, Act 390 of 1978; the Prevailing Wage Act, Act 166, P.A. of 1965; and the Michigan Minimum Wage Law, Act 154 of 1964.

MIOSHA, working together with employers and employees, has been and will continue to be a leader in workplace safety and health.  The MIOSHA program is committed to reducing fatalities, injuries and illnesses, and ensuring a safe and healthy workplace for all workers.  National research shows that a strong safety and health management system not only protects workers, it can generate significant economic benefits for businesses.

From October 2002 to August 2011, Yoder served as MIOSHA Deputy Director, with responsibilities for all MIOSHA program areas and Wage and Hour laws.  Her previous MIOSHA experience includes Chief of the General Industry Safety Division, Supervisor and Program Developer in the Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division, and Executive Assistant to the MIOSHA Director.

Martha has extensive experience developing and conducting programs to encourage voluntary compliance.  She was instrumental in the development in 2007 of the "Connecting MIOSHA to Industry" initiative.  This multi-year initiative was created to enhance service and program effectiveness.  It focuses on increased communication, coordination, and outreach throughout the MIOSHA program.  The goal is to ensure that MIOSHA interventions are educational, informative, and useful, whether conducted by consultation or enforcement staff.

A graduate of Western Michigan University, Martha holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Administration degrees.