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Current Events

Annual Job-Related Injuries and Illnesses Information Available

MIOSHA is reminding Michigan employers they are required to post the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2024. The information gathered from these logs greatly benefits employers, workers and MIOSHA in evaluating the safety of a workplace and making the necessary changes to eliminate hazards.  Employers must post the MIOSHA Form 300A in their establishments from Feb. 1 to April 30, 2025.  An electronic copy of the  is available for viewing.

A physical copy of the 2024-MIOSHA 300A Summary Log is located in the Campus Support Services (CSS) Building, on the Regulatory Communication Board.

Storm Water Education and Participation Opportunities In the Community

Protect Water Quality All Season Long!

What is a Watershed?

We all live in a watershed - an area of land that drains to a common body of water, such as a lake, river stream (and even groundwater). Understanding the watershed concept is important because it allows to comprehend that we can have an impact on water quality far beyond our own back door.

Learn the Difference

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is water that originates during rain events and snow/ice melt and travels over land or through storm drains, catch basins or pipes (called outfalls) and ends up untreated in our rivers, streams and lakes.

What is Wastewater?

Wastewater is water that has been used in the home, in a business, or as part of an industrial process and is treated before it is released back to the environment.

What to do?

• Plant a variety of native species around detention ponds which will enhance water quality, minimize algae blooms and encourage wildlife habitat.
• Pick up after your pet to prevent the bacteria from washing into drainage ditches and storm drains which go straight to the Rouge River.
• Waterfront property owners should plant trees, shrubs, taller grasses and wildflowers between the shoreline and upland areas to minimize the amount
  of pollutants entering the waterway.
• Maintain your septic system by having it inspected every 3 years by a licensed contractor and having your tank pumped every 3-5 years.
• Use slow release, phosphorus-free fertilize and don’t fertilize right before it rains or along any body of water to help protect the Rouge River.
• Dispose of your boat waste properly, keep bilges clean with absorbent sponges or pads, and inspect boats and trailers for plant debris and zebra mussels.
• Keep storm drains clear of debris to prevent storm sewer blockages and minimize the amount of pollutants entering the Rouge River.
• Minimize use of your washing machine, dishwasher or shower during times of heavy rain because it stresses the sewer system.

The , or ARC, is a non-profit organization consisting of local municipalities, counties, educational institutions and stewardship groups working together to improve the Rouge River. The ARC is funded by membership dues from local governments and supported by grants. The ARC and its partners work cooperatively to meet water quality requirements mandated by the state’s stormwater permit and to restore beneficial uses, such as canoeing, fishing and other recreational activities, to the Rouge River.

When it Comes to Illegal Dumping, You are the "Eyes and Ears" in Your Community!

If you see someone dumping anything into the Rouge River, on the side of the road or even down the storm drain on your street, report it to your local community or to Michigan's Pollution Alert System at 800-292-4706. You play a crucial role because local and federal governments do not have the resources to monitor every location at all times. Your vigilance helps ensure that these issues are addressed quickly and effectively, protecting both the environment and public health.

If your answer to any of the below questions is "yes," you should report the location to your local municipality so they can investigate. Take pictures or videos of the pollution, and if it is safe to do so, get the license plate of any vehicle dumping along with the make and model. 

Is it unusual? Does the pollution seem "not the norm" and different from how things are typically disposed of?

Does it smell? Some chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers have a strong odor and may even burn your eyes, mouth, or nose. This is a sign of illegal dumping that should be reported.

Does it look bad? Do you see an odd-colored discharge or sheen from a pipe going into the river or do you see dead fish or animals in the vicinity of pollution? Is there dead grass or plants around the pollution? You may also see a pipe discharging foam or solids. These are all signs that should be reported to your local community for further investigation.

Does it seem secretive? Most people that dump things illegally know what they are doing and attempt to be secretive in their actions. You may hear or see a truck pouring something into a sewer, river or on the side of the road late at night. Have you seen someone dumping barrels, cans, or bags at a site where it should not go like an alley, river or empty lot and then driving away? Report these activities to your local community for follow-up.

To learn more about illegal dumpling and other ways you can help protect water quality in the Rouge River watershed, visit the Alliance of Rouge Communities website at .

Fall Bug Hunt

Surveying Since 1998.

Become a Rouge Community Scientist! Do you ever wonder about what lives in the river besides fish and turtles? Come to our 2025 Fall Bug Hunt and see for yourself the amazing variety of aquatic insects, crayfish, snails and clams that make up the bottom of the river food chain. Volunteers visit sites throughout the headwaters of the Rouge watershed and search for aquatic invertebrates. The presence or absence of these streambed creatures gives us valuable data on the quality of the river water and overall habitat.

• When: Saturday October 11, 2025. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
• Where: Meet at the Plymouth Arts and Recreation Center: 650 Church St., Plymouth MI.
• Registration is open until full.
  • TheRouge.org/Bug-Hunts or click on the QR code in the flyer.

No prior experience needed, but registration is required. Children eight and older are welcome when accompanied by a participating adult. Groups of six or less can sign up together.

This program is also supported by Washtenaw County, the City of Southfield, the City of Troy, the Village of Beverly Hills, Northville Township, the City of Plymouth, Plymouth Township, the City of Novi, the City of Livonia, the City of Farmington, the City of Birmingham, the State of Michigan and U.S. EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, donations and memberships.

The program is supported by: Alliance of Rouge Communities.

Questions? Email Volunteer Coordinator, Marion at [email protected]

Occupational Health and Safety Information and Learning Opportunities

Coffee with MIOSHA: Your chance to connect and strengthen workplace safety!

MIOSHA and , along with Kelly Services, invite Michigan employers and employees to join us for an informal networking event focused on workplace safety and health.

events are designed for safety professionals, offering a unique opportunity to:

• Network with MIOSHA administrative, enforcement, and consultative staff.
• Ask questions and discuss workplace safety challenges.
• Learn about MIOSHA’s to enhance safety and health.

Event Details:

Aug. 28, 2025, 9 to 11 a.m.
999 W. Big Beaver Rd.
Troy, MI 48084

to reserve your spot.

Questions? Berj Bush at [email protected] 

Fire and Life Safety Information and Learning Opportunities

Escape Planning

Plan Ahead! If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire.

Safety Tips

• Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole, or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
• Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year.
• Practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Close doors behind you as you leave.

If the Alarm Sounds

• If the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people or pets.
• If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.
• Call the fire department from outside your home.

Facts

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms inside every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
• According to an NFPA survey, only one of every three American households have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.
• While 71% of Americans have an escape plan in case of a fire, only 47% of those have practiced it.
• One-third of American households who made an estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening. The time available is often less. And only 8% said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out!

Source: National Fire Protection Association: nfpa.org/education