Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor www.michigan.gov/dleg
Stanley “Skip” Pruss, Director Email: mediainfo@michigan.gov
Matthew Eurich of Saginaw
Employer: Wineman Technology
State Recognizes MIOSHA Training Institute (MTI) Graduates at
Michigan Safety Conference
April 20, 2010 – Today the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) and Macomb Community College recognized 38 graduates of the MIOSHA Training Institute (MTI) at the 80th annual Michigan Safety Conference in Lansing. The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG).
Doug Kalinowski, CIH, Director, MIOSHA Program, and Michael Metz, Director, Public Service Institute, Macomb Community College, presented MTI Level One Certificates to 38 graduates. The MTI offers participants the necessary knowledge and hands-on training for safety and health solutions and has quickly become the premier provider of high-quality workplace safety and health training.
“Employers tell us that a strong safety and health system significantly reduces workplace injuries – which has a tremendous impact on their bottom line,” said Kalinowski. “For every $1 invested in workplace safety and health, employers see a return of $4 to $6 dollars. That makes MTI training an excellent investment for Michigan employers.”
Macomb and MIOSHA established a formal alliance on Sept. 26, 2005, to develop new opportunities to help protect the safety and health of Michigan workers. A key goal of the alliance was to establish the MIOSHA Training Institute to offer employers a high level of safety and health training. MTI launched certificate classes in October 2007.
The MTI has seen tremendous growth, from 917 participants trained in April 2008, to more than 5,600 participants trained today. In FY 2009 the MTI offered 153 courses statewide at 28 cosponsors, including Macomb College, M-TEC facilities, community colleges, and safety and health organizations. To date, 205 MTI students have qualified for Level One Certificates.
“Macomb College fully shares MIOSHA’s commitment to improve workplace safety and health, which in turn enhances both employee experiences and employer objectives,” said Metz. “We’re continually looking at ways to strengthen our partnership and have moved the MTI program into Macomb’s Public Service Institute to benefit from the synergy with our longstanding health and safety programs.”
The MTI delivers affordable, participant-driven and informative seminars based on the most up-to-date industry standards in a hands-on, interactive environment. Students attend a series of courses that will help them develop the knowledge and skills to improve their company’s safety and health system. MTI classes are consistent throughout the state, and have the same length, format, resources, activities, objectives and assessment.
In July 2009, MIOSHA developed an MTI Scholarship Program to help employers, employees and others attend training during these difficult economic times. The scholarships cover half the cost of an MTI class anywhere in the state. Unemployed workers can apply for the entire cost and only pay the $20.00 data base fee. To date, MIOSHA has provided almost $50,000 in scholarships.
Participants can attend MTI courses at any cosponsored location across the state. All participants who successfully complete a course become part of the MTI database managed by Macomb College. Transcripts are available to all participants.
The MTI assessment-based certificate program offers participants an opportunity to be recognized for their educational efforts and increased technical expertise. MTI courses offer Continuing Education Credits and Maintenance Points, as well as an opportunity to receive a Level One Safety and Health Certificate. There are two certificate tracks, General Industry and Construction. A certificate is awarded when a student attends four courses in general industry or seven courses in construction within three years.
