MIOSHA Celebrates 50 Years of Worker Protection
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration marks 50 years of advancing workplace safety through education, outreach and enforcement.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Apr 28, 2025
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA), part of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, is celebrating 50 years of service protecting 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, established in 1975, is one of 22 states with a federally approved Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) program that covers 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.”
Over the past 50 years, MIOSHA’s achievements include:
- Reducing workplace fatalities by 65% and injury and illness rates by 66% since the 1970s.
- Helping thousands of businesses address workplace hazards through consultative services.
- Launching state emphasis programs targeting risks such as fall hazards, excavation safety, heat exposure and silica.
- Training more than 35,000 workers and employers through the MIOSHA Training Institute (MTI) since 2007.
- Awarding more than $12 million in grants to small and mid-sized employers for safety training and equipment.
- Strengthening workplace safety cultures through programs like the MIOSHA Alliance Program, the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) and the Michigan Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (MSHARP).
As MIOSHA marks its 50th anniversary, the agency is focused on continuing to innovate, expand outreach, and collaborate with employers, workers, and stakeholders to meet the evolving needs of Michigan’s workforce.
MIOSHA’s motto remains “Educate Before We Regulate.” For more information and resources to support safe and healthy workplaces, visit Michigan.gov/MIOSHA.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.