OSHA and MIOSHA: The Basics

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is the federal agency that assures safe, healthy working conditions by setting and enforcing safety standards. Michigan has its own OSHA program called MIOSHA (Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration). MIOSHA is run by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and has a similar mission of protecting Michigan workers’ safety and health. Under a federal state-plan agreement, MIOSHA covers most private-sector and local government workplaces in Michigan (federal OSHA generally covers only federal agencies and certain exceptions).

Why Are Safety Posters Required?

Both federal and Michigan laws require employers to post certain safety notices at work. These posters inform workers of their rights and how to report hazards. For example, OSHA’s poster “Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law” tells employees about their rights under the federal safety law. Michigan rules similarly say employers must post notices so workers know their safety protections and obligations. Posting these notices helps keep everyone informed about workplace safety rules and reporting procedures.

Federal OSHA Poster Requirement

If your workplace is covered by federal OSHA (not under a state plan), one key poster is required. That poster is “Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law.” All covered employers must display it where employees can see it. The poster outlines worker safety rights and employer responsibilities under federal law.

MIOSHA Poster Requirements

MIOSHA requires Michigan employers to display several specific posters:

• Michigan Safety and Health Protection on the Job – MIOSHA’s main workplace safety poster.

• Annual Summary of Injuries and Illnesses (Form 300A) – A yearly summary of work-related injuries and illnesses. Employers who keep injury logs must post this summary between Feb 1 and Apr 30 of each year.

• Hazard Communication / Right-to-Know Posters (CET-2105 & CET-2106) – Notices about chemical hazards and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

Hazard Communication and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Explained

Hazard Communication (HazCom) is a set of rules that ensures employees know about the chemicals they work with and how to stay safe. MIOSHA requires workplaces using hazardous chemicals to post:

1. Right to Know Hazard Communication Poster (CET-2105)

   • Tells employees they have the right to access information about chemicals in the workplace.

   • Explains that Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are available for review at any time.

2. New or Revised SDS Poster (CET-2106)

   • Must be posted whenever a new or updated SDS is received.

   • Notifies employees of changes to chemical safety information.

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are documents that explain:

• What the chemical is and its hazards

• How to use it safely

• First-aid instructions if exposed

• Spill cleanup, storage, and disposal instructions

Employers must keep SDSs for all hazardous chemicals and make them easily accessible to employees, either in print or electronically. Employees should also receive training on how to read and understand them.

Which Posters Do Michigan Workplaces Need?

In Michigan, most workplaces are covered by the state’s OSHA plan. That means Michigan employers generally use the MIOSHA posters listed above instead of the federal OSHA poster. In practice, a Michigan business would hang the Michigan Safety and Health Protection on the Job poster (and the other MIOSHA posters) rather than the federal It’s the Law poster. (Only federal government worksites or other exemptions would use the federal OSHA poster.)

Need Help? Contact Redwood Insurance Solutions

If you’re a Michigan business owner and need help with OSHA/MIOSHA compliance (including which posters to display), Redwood Insurance Solutions can assist. Redwood Insurance Solutions is a Michigan-based insurance agency that offers guidance on workplace safety and compliance. Contact Redwood Insurance Solutions for a consultation on OSHA requirements. Their team can help ensure you have the right safety posters and meet all federal and Michigan OSHA rules. Call 734-219-4999 or email info@redwood-insurance.com for assistance.