As we wrap up the construction season, please take a moment to review a few important safety reminders and dates for upcoming safety directors’ meetings.
Accident Prevention Plans (APPs):
In 2024, MITA handled numerous avoidable MIOSHA citations. To prevent this in 2025, remember that MIOSHA requires a copy of your APP to be accessible at every worksite. While electronic access is permitted, EVERY employee must know how and where to access it. Ensure that the APP’s location is mentioned in every toolbox talk. You should be aware that MIOSHA has issued dozens of serious citations to contractors over the summer regarding Accident Prevention Plans. This rule is low-hanging fruit for the wave of new safety officers the state has hired. MITA does have copies of the safety and health field guide available for purchase, which you can keep in every truck as a valid APP.
Annual Inspections for Excavators:
Another common citation relates to keeping a copy of the annual equipment inspection in the excavator. MITA will be encouraging members to do a better job of keeping a copy of the annual inspection in the excavator during training sessions this winter. The rule states: “An employer shall maintain, on the job site or attached to the equipment, a copy of the latest equipment inspection.” The interpretation of “maintain” is somewhat vague, so to eliminate the chance of a citation, it’s safest to keep the copy in the excavator. Although typically classified as “Other Than Serious,” this violation can incur fines. However, if the machine is involved in an accident that injures an employee, the citation will be classified as “Serious” or worse if tied to an accident.
First Aid/CPR Cards:
Every crew is required to have at least one employee with an up-to-date First Aid/CPR card showing they’ve completed the necessary training. Although previously rare, at least five MITA members received serious citations for this in 2024. If your company needs training, MITA can facilitate this simple yet essential certification.
Upcoming Safety Director Meetings:
Mark your calendar for the next Safety Director meetings:
- Thursday, January 23, 2025, 10:30 AM-Noon, Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant, as part of the MITA Annual Conference
- Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, Lansing Convention Center, as part of the Michigan Safety Conference
- Register for the Michigan Safety Conference at https://michsafetyconference.org/attend/
Please be advised that registration for each conference is necessary to attend these meetings.
If you have suggestions for guest speakers or topics for the April meeting, please email MITA Safety Director Greg Brooks at gregbrooks@thinkmita.org.
