Dear Michigan TCIA Members,

As you may know, TCIA actively participates in a "Green Industry Alliance" with MIOSHA and other in-state green industry organizations to promote safety and responsible regulatory oversight. It is in the spirit of that Alliance that we wish to pass along the following invitation from MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski:

As a valued MIOSHA stakeholder, we are asking your assistance to help promote MIOSHA's fifth annual "Take a Stand Day" for safety and health on Wednesday, August 26, 2009.

On "Take a Stand Day," MIOSHA offers employers an informal "check up" on their safety and health efforts - without fear of fines or penalties. Nearly 125 MIOSHA safety and health professionals including compliance staff, outreach consultants, managers, and supervisors will provide special one-on-one consultations at no charge.

Last year, MIOSHA responded to 219 requests for assistance on "Take a Stand Day." We know that some employers may be hesitant to participate and fear inviting MIOSHA into their workplace. However, participation will not trigger enforcement action. Employers who have participated have been very positive. Here are examples of the type of feedback we have received:

• Fantastic way to have another person not only show you areas of possible violations, but also provide answers and advice for resolving issues. I would highly advise other companies to participate in this event. The inspector assisted in solving some issues that we considered "unsolvable."
• It was wonderful to sit down face-to-face, one-on-one, with a MIOSHA site inspector. We had a good exchange of concerns and issues, and how to achieve them. Look forward to more of these events.
• The suggestions given by your consultant should lead to implementing procedures/policies and improvement in several areas.
• Our respiratory program has been updated to better the health of our employees due to MIOSHA's visit. We learned several things.

We ask that you share this information with your members, employers, and organizations through posting, inserting this information into your publication, or communication through email. To participate in "Take a Stand Day," the request form (enclosed) can be faxed or mailed to MIOSHA, or the form can be downloaded at www.michigan.gov/miosha and submitted by email. The form is located under the Spotlight section. Click on "Take a Stand Day."

Thank you for your help in promoting this unique opportunity. For more information, please contact Connie O'Neill, Director, Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division, at 517-322-1809 or me at 517-322-1817.

If you are interested in reviewing the compliance requirements that MIOSHA imposes upon employers in tree care, we suggest that you review the information that MIOSHA under the "tree trimming initiative" heading on its web site at:

http://www.michigan.gov/dleg/0,1607,7-154-11407_30928---,00.html#tree

We recommend the PowerPoint (ppt) presentation at the link above because is provides a thorough overview of major compliance requirements. Please feel free to contact peter@tcia.org for questions or other assistance.