There has been a significant increase in work-site accidents resulting in death so far this year in Michigan.  In fact, within the first 70 days of the year, 10 deaths have been reported.  That’s one death each week to start the year – there were a total of 26 such accidents throughout all of 2012!

Several of these fatal accidents have been construction related, including:

Date – 1/23/13 – Carpenter, age 20, falls approximately 19 feet from a high-pitch residential roof while installing shingles. 

Date – 2/18/13 – Roofer, age 39, falls while installing material on a low-pitch roof for a new commercial building.  He was working between the warning line system and the ede of the roof when he fell 25 feet to the ground. 

Date – 2/20/13 – Carpenter, age 33, dies as result of being struck in the eye and brain by nail from pneumatic nail gun while rough framing a house.

 If this rate continues, Michigan would end the year with 52 MIOSHA-related deaths.  This would be the greatest number of worker deaths since 2006.

We urge every employer and employee to be proactive by taking actions necessary to ensure a safe workplace.  If you need assistance in ensuring your workplace is in fact safe, MIOSHA offers resources to help.

Additionally, Frankenmuth Insurance offers its policyholders free Loss Control services, which can also help ensure a safe work site.  Contact your Field Manager, Will Hungerford at extension 2802 or John Harrington at extension 4232 for more information.