February 21, 2003—Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services (CIS) has announced the first-ever interactive “real time” program data available on the CIS’ Bureau of Safety and Regulation (BSR) Web site. The BSR Asbestos Program Web page has added the “Verify and Search” data base research function to offer employers the opportunity to make a good-faith effort to hire properly trained, qualified employees. Employers previously had to call or visit the office to obtain the information.
The Asbestos Program’s primary function is to ensure that people working with asbestos are properly trained and that individuals performing asbestos removal comply with rules governing the work activity. These rules are designed to protect both the individual employee performing asbestos abatement work, as well as the general public that occupies the areas or buildings where the work occurs.
The asbestos Web site can now be used to search for individual contractor and worker information. The Web site will provide Asbestos Program data by entity, class, date, location, etc. The user will be able to immediately identify:
- Contractor license information,
- Worker accreditation information,
- Training sponsor information,
- Training course information, and
- Abatement project notification information.
In addition, the Asbestos Program will allow contractors an easy means to verify and hire trained and accredited employees, so they can potentially avoid violations and fines and conduct better quality abatement projects. This new information will also help asbestos compliance investigators in the field to immediately verify contractor and employee information. The site can also be used to look up information on whether an asbestos abatement project is scheduled.
For more information visit the Asbestos Program or call 517/322-1320.
