The Michigan Laborers’ Training & Apprenticeship Institute (MLTAI) and Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) recently renewed a formal alliance to help members and participants recognize and prevent construction hazards to foster safer and more healthful Michigan workplaces. The MIOSHA program is a part of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
The renewed alliance, which was first formed in 2011, formalizes a working relationship between the MLTAI and MIOSHA to utilize the MLTAI’s state-of-the-art training centers to provide members and others with information, guidance, and unique safety and health training opportunities. The alliance focuses on those who work on energy distribution, renewable energy, home weatherization, building trades and/or civil and heavy highway projects.
“The Michigan Laborers’ Training and Apprenticeship Institute recognizes the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to advance Michigan’s workplace safety and health,” said MIOSHA Director Martha Yoder. “MIOSHA is pleased to continue this alliance, which will further expand our outreach and education efforts to ensure the protection of Michigan’s construction workers.”
Key goals of the alliance include:
Provide the 5,000 participants they train each year with the best, most dynamic and engaging safety and health training, with an emphasis on pre-job planning.
Provide detailed hands-on training to guarantee that MIOSHA regulations are implemented on participant jobsites.
Collaborate with MIOSHA to provide simulated jobsite safety inspections during some MIOSHA 10-hour and 30-hour seminars.
Provide training participants with the skills needed to implement and participate in accident prevention programs.
Share information on MLTAI and MIOSHA websites and through other communication methods to improve the working environments of the participants.
Work with the seven Laborers’ Locals, the EPA Minority Grant Department and all participating contractor associations throughout Michigan to promote MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division services.
“I can personally attest to the success of this MIOSHA/MLTAI alliance,” said MLTAI Assistant Director Daryl Gallant. “This alliance has greatly improved the communication between all the partners, including The MLTAI training staff, students, MIOSHA, and the contractors. Our students have provided positive feedback every time a MIOSHA representative visits the training center. This alliance is a daily reminder to the MLTAI that we should be making the attempt at safety outreach with a goal to exchange productive ideas. We all share the same vision for our workforce to return home safe to their families each and every day that they work construction.”
MIOSHA alliances enable organizations committed to workplace safety and health to collaborate with MIOSHA to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. Alliances are open to all groups, including trade or professional associations, businesses, labor organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies.
There are many benefits to participating in an alliance with MIOSHA, including:
Building trusting, cooperative relationships.
Networking with others committed to workplace safety and health.
Exchanging information about best practices.
Leveraging resources to maximize worker safety and health protection.
The MLTAI works with local unions and signatory employers by training and mentoring a diverse group of apprentices and journey workers in workplace safety and health issues. It provides ongoing training and education opportunities to our members, minorities, displaced and incumbent workers. The MLTAI prides itself on tailoring the training needs of its signatory employers by adjusting classes to meet their needs and set a high standard of training. For more information about the MLTAI, visit: http://mltai.org/.
For more information about forming an alliance or partnership with MIOSHA, please check our website at www.michigan.gov/miosha or contact the Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division at 517.322.1809. A list of active Michigan alliances can be found here.
Source: LARA
