Michigan Workplace Safety Requirements (2026)

Michigan operates its own OSHA program called MIOSHA (Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration). MIOSHA covers both private sector and public sector workers. The program is administered through the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

MIOSHA standards are largely identical to federal OSHA, but Michigan has adopted some additional rules, particularly around construction safety.

What Makes Michigan Different

Part 1. General Rules MIOSHA has a full set of construction safety standards. Michigan’s construction standards (Parts 1-45) mirror federal OSHA’s Part 1926 but include additional Michigan-specific provisions.

Employee Right to Know Michigan’s version of hazard communication includes specific posting and notification requirements that go slightly beyond the federal GHS standard.

Public Sector Coverage MIOSHA covers all state and local government workers, including schools, municipalities, and public utilities. This is important because these workers would not be covered without a state plan.

Penalty Structure MIOSHA can issue penalties, though Michigan’s penalty amounts have historically been lower than federal OSHA’s. Recent updates have brought Michigan’s penalties closer to federal levels.

Training Requirements

MIOSHA follows federal OSHA training requirements with some Michigan-specific additions:

• Fall protection training (mirrors federal requirement)
• Confined space entry training
• Lockout/tagout training
• Forklift operator training
• Hazard communication (Employee Right to Know Act)
• Process safety management training (automotive and chemical industries)
• Crane operator certification

Michigan doesn’t mandate OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 cards by state law. But Michigan’s major construction companies expect them, particularly on automotive plant construction and large commercial projects.

Key Industries

Automotive manufacturing Michigan is the heart of the U.S. auto industry. Detroit, Flint, Lansing, and surrounding areas are home to GM, Ford, Stellantis, and hundreds of tier-1 and tier-2 suppliers. Manufacturing safety (machine guarding, lockout/tagout, ergonomics, welding, paint booths) is the biggest safety specialty here.

Construction Significant construction activity across metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor. Automotive plant renovations and expansions create specialized construction safety needs.

EV and battery manufacturing Michigan is rapidly becoming a center for electric vehicle and battery production. New facilities bring unique safety challenges including lithium-ion battery hazards, high-voltage systems, and new chemical exposures.

Healthcare Large hospital systems in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor create demand for healthcare safety professionals.

Agriculture Western and northern Michigan have significant fruit and vegetable production. Migrant worker safety, pesticide exposure, and equipment hazards.

Safety Professional Salary in Michigan

Mean annual salary: $78,000-$82,000 (BLS OEWS, SOC 29-9011).

Michigan salaries are near the national average with significantly lower cost of living than coastal states. The Detroit metro area pays the highest, driven by automotive manufacturing and construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Michigan have its own OSHA? Yes. MIOSHA covers both private and public sector workers. Michigan standards are largely aligned with federal OSHA but include some Michigan-specific provisions.

Do I need OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 in Michigan? Not required by state law. But most large employers and general contractors in Michigan expect them for construction and manufacturing safety roles.

What makes automotive safety different? Automotive manufacturing involves high-speed assembly lines, robotic systems, welding, painting, stamping, and material handling. Key safety concerns include lockout/tagout, machine guarding, ergonomics, chemical exposure from paints and adhesives, and forklift safety. Automotive plants typically have large, dedicated safety teams.