Sid Woryn’s Top 3 MIOSHA Tips for Michigan Builders

Sid Woryn’s Top 3 MIOSHA Tips for Michigan Builders

Sid Woryn’s Top 3 MIOSHA Tips for Michigan Builders

Running a safe job site isn’t just about avoiding accidents—it’s about compliance. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has clear requirements that every builder must follow to protect workers and reduce liability. Sid Woryn, Michigan’s most experienced building instructor, highlights three key areas every builder should prioritize.

1. Job Site Binder with an Accident Prevention Program

Every construction project should have a dedicated job site binder containing required documents. At the top of that list is an Accident Prevention Program, also known as a Construction Safety and Health Management System.

MIOSHA provides a free, downloadable template (SP #1) that can be customized with your company details. Having this document on site ensures you meet MIOSHA’s requirement to maintain a written safety program. Without it, you risk citations and fines if an inspector visits your project.

Download SP #1 Accident Prevention Program from MIOSHA - https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/miosha/standards/standards-and-interpretations/construction-safety-and-health-standards

https://safetyresourcesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/accident-prevention-program.pdf

 

2. Residential Fall Protection Plan

Falls remain the leading cause of fatalities in construction, accounting for nearly 35% of deaths in the industry. MIOSHA requires builders to train all employees who work at heights and to keep proof of training readily available on the job site.

The Residential Fall Protection Guideline is a 104-page document that serves as a mandatory training and compliance resource. This plan must be included in your binder and presented during inspections to verify that all employees are trained and protected against fall hazards.

Residential Fall Protection Guidelines – https://www.michigan.gov/leo/-/media/Project/Websites/leo/Documents/MIOSHA/Publications/CET-SP/SP-35-Residential-Fall-Protection.pdf

3. Competent Person on Site

One of the first questions MIOSHA or OSHA will ask during a site visit is: “Who is the competent person?”

According to OSHA, a competent person is someone who can:

  • Identify existing and predictable hazards
  • Recognize unsafe working conditions
  • Has the authority to take corrective action

This individual—often a site superintendent—serves as the eyes and ears of the builder. They ensure subcontractors are working to code, prevent costly mistakes, and reduce liability. Without a competent person, builders risk not only compliance issues but also expensive rework.

 OSHA’s Definition of a Competent Person - https://www.osha.gov/competent-person

https://www.michigan.gov/leo/-/media/Project/Websites/leo/Documents/MIOSHA/Standards/Construction/CS_15/CS_15__3-15-2016.pdf


Why This Matters for Michigan Builders

Staying compliant with MIOSHA requirements is about more than avoiding fines—it’s about protecting workers and ensuring your projects run smoothly. Having the proper binder, training programs, and a competent person in place will safeguard your business and reputation.

Continue Your Education with Michigan Builders License and Continuing Competency

Sid Woryn covers these MIOSHA requirements in detail as part of the Michigan Builders License's Continuing Competency Courses. These courses are designed to help licensed builders meet state renewal requirements while reducing liability and improving job site safety.

Enroll today and learn directly from Michigan’s most trusted instructor.

Check out Michigan Builders License Continuing Competency Courses here.

 


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