The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA), part of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, is celebrating 50 years of service to Michigan’s workforce. Since its creation in 1975, MIOSHA has remained committed to protecting the safety and health of Michigan workers through education, outreach and enforcement.

“For 50 years, MIOSHA has worked side by side with businesses and workers to keep people safe,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “By going above and beyond to protect our workers, MIOSHA ensures that everyone can go home at the end of the day while helping our businesses continue to thrive. A strong economy starts with safe workplaces, and I’m proud of MIOSHA’s role in creating opportunity and peace of mind for Michigan families.”

MIOSHA is one of 22 states with federal OSHA-approved safety and health programs that cover both private and public sector workers. 

“For half a century, MIOSHA has been at the forefront of protecting Michigan workers by fostering safe and healthy workplaces,” said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman. "Our mission to ‘Protect the Health and Safety of Michigan Workers’ remains as important today as it was when we began. This five decade milestone is a testament to the collaborative efforts of employers, employees and MIOSHA staff who share a commitment to safety and health.”

A Legacy of Leadership 

Over five decades, MIOSHA has launched statewide initiatives and partnerships aimed at reducing workplace hazards and saving lives. Key achievements include: 

• Helped reduce workplace fatalities: Fatalities dropped 65 percent, and injury and illness rates fell 66 percent since the 1970s. 
• Advancing worker health and safety: MIOSHA’s consultative services have helped thousands of businesses proactively address workplace hazards.
• State emphasis programs: Focused efforts have addressed serious risks such as fall hazards, excavation safety, heat exposure and silica.
• Training and education: Since 2007, the MIOSHA Training Institute (MTI) has trained more than 35,000 workers and employers with affordable, high-quality courses. 
• Grants for safer workplaces: MIOSHA has awarded more than $12 million in grant funding to small and mid-sized employers to expand access to training and safety equipment. 
• Cooperative programs: Partnerships such as the MIOSHA Alliance Program, the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) and the Michigan Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (MSHARP) have strengthened workplace safety cultures statewide. 

Looking Ahead

As MIOSHA commemorates its 50th anniversary, the agency remains committed to evolving with the needs of Michigan’s workforce. It will continue to innovate, expand outreach and strengthen collaborations with employers, workers and stakeholders.

MIOSHA’s motto is to “Educate Before We Regulate”. Learn more about tools and resources to support safe and healthy workplaces at Michigan.gov/MIOSHA.