Head of State Safety Agency Reflects on Past; Looks Toward Future
On September 29, 2002, Doug Kalinowski was appointed Director of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA). In that role, he oversees the MIOSHA program, which is responsible for enforcing workplace safety and health standards and providing consultation, education and training, and outreach services.
As Director, Kalinowski is responsible for the overall administration and enforcement of the safety and health provisions of the MIOSH Act, Public Act 154 of 1974, as amended. From February 1997 to October 2002, Kalinowski served as Deputy Director, with responsibilities for enforcement programs.
Kalinowski obtained his undergraduate degree in 1978, and an M.S. in Industrial Hygiene in 1979, both from the University of Michigan. He is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and a member of the American Academy of Industrial Hygiene, The American Industrial Hygiene Association, and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
MSN recently met with Doug to discuss the past and future of MIOSHA and workplace safety in Michigan.
MSN: “Doug, you have spent over 30 years in the safety and health field, all of it in Michigan. What do you think is the most profound change in our profession during that period?”
DK: “Culture in the workplace. You simply can’t separate safety, quality and productivity. We (MIOSHA) view every interaction as an educational opportunity and it is often welcomed. That wasn’t always to case in the beginning.”
MSN: “What was your proudest moment or best accomplishment that you can think of in your career?”
DK: ” When we combined the safety and health sides of MIOSHA in 1997. I worked in the Department of Public Health with around 80 others and 150 or so worked for the Department of Labor. We only dealt with Occupational Health standards and the DOL only worked on Occupational Safety standards.”
MSN: “What was your toughest moment?”
DK: “Believe it or not, the combination of the departments was probably one of the toughest things I experienced. It was worthwhile and the right thing to do, but still very stressful.”
MSN: ” Both you and your predecesser, Doug Earle, have been known for your openess, accessibility and participative style of leadership, which as you know is rare for government. Has it been difficult to manage this, particularly with political climates routinely changing?”
DK: “No. I don’t think this ever really presents unreasonable challenges when you do the right thing. It sounds simple, but we apply the same litmus tests, use the same standards and interpretations, etc. not matter what the political climate is. I am known because I give out my direct phone number openly, but I truly want pepole to call me if they have an issue.”
Ed’s Note: For the record, Doug’s direct office number is (517) 322-5050.
MSN: Hilda Solis was quoted as saying “WE’RE BACK““Make no mistake about it,” “the Department of Labor is back in the enforcement business. We are serious, very serious.” shortly after being appointed as Labor Secretary in the Obama Administration? How has this affected the MIOSHA program? Has this put additional pressure on State Plan States to follow this tone with employers?
DK: “We really haven’t directly felt this too much. State plan states have always used the ‘educate before you regulate’ philosophy. We are challenged to continually be “as effective as’ the Federal program and we face this challenge despite having flat funding for the last eight years. Being a state plan state allows us to remain consistent in our approach.”
MSN: What would like to see MIOSHA accomplish in the next five years?
DK: ” Number one is to help employers reduce serious injuries and fatalities. There were 120 workplace fatalities in Michigan in 1972 and 24 in 2009. Injuries and illnesses are going down too. But there are still too many. We need to continue to work to improve and change safety culture. We need to make sure that our staff stay focused on these goals.”
MSN: What personal goals do you have for the future?
DK: “I want to keep running my 25 miles per week and stay healthy. I enjoy being with people and many outdoor activities.”
MSN: Thanks again Doug for spending some time with us. Please keep in touch and let us know if we can ever assist you and MIOSHA in any fashion.
DK: “Thanks Mike and thank you for creating Michigan Safety News.”
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