Update: MIOSHA Part 26 - Steel Erection Standard

By Gerald T. Mendek, GLFEA Safety Director
The Great Lakes Fabricators & Erectors Association is currently discussing with MIOSHA (Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Act, Michigan Consumer Industry Services, Bureau of Safety and Regulation) the implementation schedule for the revised Michigan steel erection standard, "MIOSHA Part 26 - Steel Erection." Because of circumstances related to the adoption of these new provisions, and because of comments received from those who will be impacted by the changes, enforcement of some of the revised standard's provisions will be delayed in the same way the federal OSHA delayed enforcement of "29CFR Part 1926 Construction, Subpart R - Steel Erection." GLFEA will let you know when the revised Michigan steel erection standard will go into effect.

The proposed revised standard should improve jobsite safety by placing special emphasis on the most serious hazards in the steel erection industry, including hazards associated with site conditions, working under loads, hoisting, landing and placing decking, column stability, double connections, landing and placing steel joists, and falls to lower levels.

Some of the key provisions contained in the revised standard are:

Site Layout and Construction Sequence:

• Requires controlling contractors to provide written notification of:
  • Proper curing of concrete in footings, piers and masonry, etc.
  • Repairs or modifications to anchor bolts.

• Requires controlling contractors to provide:
  • Adequate site access.
  • Adequate storage space.
  • A firm, properly graded, drained area for the safe operation of required equipment.
  • Overhead protection, or not allow construction underneath steel erection activities.