Why MIOSHA Safety Isn’t Just a Regulation, It’s a Business Imperative
Author: Jeremy Orenstein
In today’s dynamic business environment, prioritizing workplace safety is not just about adhering to regulations but to also ensuring your employees avoid catastrophic injuries and make it home at the end of the day. Secondly, it is a fundamental aspect of responsible business operations and a crucial driver of long-term success.
Beyond the moral obligation to protect your workforce, a strong commitment to safety offers tangible benefits:
- Enhanced Productivity and Employee Morale: Employees who feel safe and valued are more engaged, productive, and loyal. A safe environment invites safety-minded employees.
- Reduced Costs: Accidents lead to significant financial burdens, including workers’ compensation claims, medical expenses, lost productivity, and increased insurance premiums. Proactive safety measures significantly mitigate these costs.
- Improved Reputation: A commitment to safety builds a positive reputation among clients, partners, the community, and MIOSHA itself. It can also be a key differentiator in attracting and retaining top talent.
- Legal Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Adhering to MIOSHA standards helps businesses ensure safe workplaces for their employees, as well as prevents poor safety records that could cost your business a job opportunity.
Navigating MIOSHA: Where Hilger Hammond Steps In
MIOSHA plays a vital role in ensuring that workplaces across our state are safe and healthy for all employees. Their standards and enforcement efforts are designed to prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, while simultaneously creating a safer environment for everyone.
Even with the best intentions and robust safety programs, businesses can find themselves facing a MIOSHA inspection or, more challenging, a citation. This is where the experienced legal team at Hilger Hammond can make a significant difference. If your business receives a citation, we can provide strategic counsel to assess the alleged violation(s), gather evidence, and develop a robust defense. We can assist with negotiating a reduction in the penalty, the citation classification, and, if necessary, represent your interests through the appeals process.
If your business receives a citation, it is important to act quickly, as challenges to the citation must be filed within 15 business days. Furthermore, a prompt request under the Freedom of Information Act is most times vital to a successful citation challenge. At Hilger Hammond, we understand the complexities of MIOSHA regulations and the potential impact they can have on your business. Our dedicated team is committed to providing practical, effective, and timely legal solutions to help you prioritize safety, protect your employees, and safeguard your bottom line.
