MIOSHA Construction Standards Every Michigan Project Must Follow

Construction is a driving force behind growth in Michigan communities, from downtown developments to expanding commercial districts across Southeast Michigan. With this progress comes responsibility. Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries in the nation, and safety is essential to protect workers, prevent delays, and avoid penalties.

In Michigan, companies must comply not only with federal OSHA rules but with state specific regulations under the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, known as MIOSHA. Because MIOSHA operates an OSHA approved State Plan, construction standards must meet or exceed federal OSHA requirements found in 29 CFR Part 1926.

This article is the ultimate guide that outlines the most important MIOSHA standards that every Michigan construction project must follow, and explains how the right partner can help ensure safety throughout the process.

MIOSHA and OSHA Requirements in Michigan

MIOSHA administers workplace safety rules under Act 154 of 1974, which mandates that employers provide a workplace "free from recognized hazards" that may cause injury or death. MIOSHA routinely inspects Michigan construction sites, and violations can lead to steep financial penalties, work stoppages, and reputational damage.

For Michigan construction companies, MIOSHA governs areas including:

Construction health and safety standards
Employee training and hazard communication
Workplace injury reporting and record keeping
Emergency response and incident protocols

Fall Protection Requirements

Falls are the leading cause of death in construction nationwide. MIOSHA’s construction fall protection standards (Part 45, aligned with OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M) require employers to protect workers exposed to falls of 6 feet or more. Key components include:

Guardrail systems around open edges
Safety net systems on elevated surfaces
Personal fall arrest systems (full-body harness, lanyard, anchorage)
Training on correct use and inspection of fall protection equipment

Scaffolding Safety

Scaffolding is widely used in Michigan commercial construction. MIOSHA Part 12 (federal equivalent 29 CFR 1926.451) require scaffolds to be structurally sound and inspected before each shift. A competent person must verify that scaffold components are in safe condition before work begins. The standards include:

Scaffolds must support four times their maximum intended load
Platforms must be fully planked
Guardrails required on scaffolds over 10 feet
Daily inspections by a "competent person"
Safe access via ladders, ramps, or stair towers

Proper scaffolding prevents collapses, falls, and trips. Routine inspections ensure no missing guardrails, damaged planks, or unstable footings.

Ladder Use Safety

Ladders are present on almost every job site, yet they are often misused. MIOSHA Part 11 (federal equivalent 29 CFR 1926.1053) outlines proper ladder use and maintenance. These rules prevent preventable injuries from falls due to unstable or damaged ladders.

Use of ladders rated for intended load
Angle ratio of 4:1 for extension ladders
Stable, secured base—no stacked materials underneath
Prohibition of standing on top cap of stepladders
Removal from service if bent or damaged

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Under MIOSHA Part 33 (and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart E), employers must assess hazards and provide adequate PPE at no cost to employees. Required PPE often includes:

Hard hats
ANSI-approved safety glasses
High-visibility vests
Steel-toe boots
Hearing protection
Respiratory masks
Cut-resistant gloves

Michigan construction job sites frequently involve heavy machinery, sharp rebar, concrete tools, and dust exposure, making PPE essential. Merlo’s safety culture includes mandatory PPE use and regular safety talks, reminding teams of risks and proper equipment.

Hazard Communication (HazCom)

Workers must know about any chemical hazards they encounter. Hazard communication rules under MIOSHA Part 42 (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.59) requires:

Labeling of hazardous chemicals
Access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) at all times
Employee training on how to handle chemical exposures
Written hazard communication plans

On concrete projects, this applies to materials like curing agents, adhesives, sealers, and fuel for machinery.

Trenching and Excavation Safety

Excavation hazards, such as trench cave-ins, are among the deadliest construction risks. MIOSHA Part 9 (OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P) requires:

Cave-in protection (sloping, shoring, shielding) for trenches 5 feet deep or more
Safe ways (ladders, ramps) must be within 25 feet for trenches 4 feet or deeper
Daily inspections by a competent person, and after rain, vibration, or other changes
Keep excavated soil and heavy equipment at least 2 feet from the edge

Merlo Construction incorporates trench shielding and trained inspectors on site to ensure workers installing underground utilities or site foundations remain safe.

Electrical Safety Requirements

Electric shock incidents often occur during site preparation and equipment operation. MIOSHA Part 17 (OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart K) includes:

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) on temporary power
Lockout/tagout procedures during maintenance
Minimum clearance of 10 feet from power lines
Prohibition on using damaged cords

Electrical compliance prevents burns, fires, and fatal electrocutions, especially during early-stage construction and concrete placement involving corded tools.

Summary of Key Standards

Standard	MIOSHA Part	Federal Equivalent (29 CFR)	Key Requirement	Why It Matters
Fall Protection	Part 45	Subpart M	Protection required at 6 ft+	Prevents fatal falls
Scaffolding	Part 12	Subpart L	Must support 4× load; guardrails on 10 ft+	Prevents collapses & falls
Ladders	Part 11	Subpart X	Proper placement, rated load, inspections	Prevents ladder-related injuries
PPE	Part 33	Subpart E	Employer provides PPE	Reduces injury from physical hazards
Hazard Communication	Part 42	1926.59	SDS access, chemical labeling	Protects workers from chemical exposure
Trenching & Excavation	Part 9	Subpart P	Cave-in protection; competent person	Prevents trench fatalities
Electrical Safety	Part 17	Subpart K	GFCIs, lockout/tagout, safe clearance	Reduces electrocution risk

Why These Standards Matter and How We Can Help

Safety is not optional. It is a fundamental part of a successful project. Michigan construction teams that understand and follow MIOSHA requirements create safer environments, protect their workforce, and avoid costly legal issues. These rules preserve life, build trust, and secure long term reputations.

We at Merlo Construction bring decades of experience to concrete flatwork, excavation, and large scale development projects throughout Southeast Michigan. Whether your project involves commercial concrete, demolition, earthwork, underground utilities, or heavy rigging, our experienced team handles multiple facets seamlessly while prioritizing the safety of every worker on site.

If your upcoming construction project demands expert craftsmanship and strict safety compliance, Merlo Construction is ready to help. Contact us today to request a quote, discuss project needs, or learn more about how we ensure MIOSHA compliance.