- In Michigan, workplace safety is the responsibility of Miosha.Aaron Graubart/Stockbyte/Getty Images
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Miosha) administers regulations of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act. The Act helps ensure workplace health and safety of public and private employees throughout the state. One of the provisions of the Act requires that the Michigan Safety and Health Protection on the Job poster be placed in an obvious location, accessible to all workers. This sign contains information regarding the Act and provides employees a reference for understanding their rights under the law. - Your employer is responsible for providing a safe working environment free of dangers that may cause death or serious harm. The company agrees to comply with rules and standards set forth in the Act and must post additional signage when necessary pertaining to your rights. In addition, the required sign details the employer's duty to report any workplace injuries or fatalities to the state. A report is also filed with the state should hospitalization of three or more employees occur as the result of the same on-the-job injury or illness. Furthermore, this sign explains your right to view and copy your personal medical records retained by the company. The employer must notify you of exposure to dangerous materials and provide all necessary equipment to protect you from hazardous situations free of charge. Employees have the right to attend an employer's appeal meeting with the state pertaining to Miosha violations and may elect a representative to witness all inspections conducted by the state. Under the Act, employers cannot retaliate against the employee representative because of attending Miosha inspections.
- You may request an inspection of the workplace at any time. In most cases, a written notice sent to the Department of Labor & Economic Growth is sufficient. However, if a situation poses immediate danger, the department encourages phoned-in reports. If you request, your name and the identity of co-workers remains confidential. The poster also explains your protections under the law should you report a violation. It is illegal for your employer to terminate you or discriminate against you for exercising your rights under the act. Employees suspecting they are being discriminated against must file a complaint with the department within 30 days. Miosha is regulated by the U.S. Department of Labor. Concerns about Michigan's administration of workplace safety standards should be directed to the U.S. regional office of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) listed on the sign.
- A citation issued to the employer explaining the violation and providing an amount of time to correct the hazard must remain for all to see at the site for the longer of three days or until the issue is corrected. The Michigan Safety and Health Protection on the Job poster also states monetary penalties for violations. First-time violations can incur a fine up to $7,000. If your employer fails to correct a hazard within the time allowed by the state, additional fines can be issued at the rate of $7,000 per day. Willful or repeated violations can result in a penalty of a maximum of $70,000 for each occurrence. Both you and the company have the right to appeal all decisions to the state. The sign also states various criminal penalties for making false statements or reports, and willful violations resulting in fatalities.
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