The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) reopened the Safety Intervention Grant (SIG) on July 1, 2025 and is accepting new applications. This is great news for employers seeking funding to purchase equipment that helps reduce or eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses. All applicants must submit a new application, as previous ones will not carry over. Additionally, applicants are required to obtain three vendor quotes or one quote with a sole source justification for the proposed intervention.

The SIG is available to any Ohio private or public employer covered by the State Insurance Fund. Recipients are eligible for a 3-1 matching grant, up to a maximum grant award of $40,000 for each three-year eligibility cycle. For example, the program will provide your organization with $3 for every $1 you contribute. Employers must work with an assigned BWC grant coordinator throughout the process and will be required to submit a one-year case study, one year after the implementation date for the intervention.

The BWC’s website contains a timeline of events and detailed information on program requirements, including:

Ø What to know before you apply

Ø SIG eligibility requirements

Ø After you apply

Ø Reporting and documentation requirements

Ø Application timeline Visit the BWC’s SIG website here: Safety Intervention Grant

Employers should contact the BWC before purchasing any equipment; however, the BWC has come up with a list of “Fast Track Grants”. Fast Track Grants are those in which the task(s) are high risk, and it is highly likely that the intervention will have a significant impact on eliminating injuries in the future. Some of the “Fast Track Grant Equipment” includes:

Ø Bathing systems

Ø Conduit bending equipment

Ø Floor cleaning equipment

Ø Fume extractors for welding

Ø Lift gates

Ø Lift tables

Ø Patient lifting devices

Ø Shrink wrap equipment

Keep in mind there is equipment that is not covered by the SIG Program. The complete list can be found here. Unapproved Items for the SIG Program. Some of the items include:

Ø Anti-fatigue mats

Ø Automated external defibrillators (AED’s)

Ø Certain food industry items

Ø Equipment intended to meet minimum OSHA requirements

Ø Passive safety/security devices

Ø PPE, back belts and wrist splints

Ø Sitting and/or standing workstation equipment

Ø Training and training simulators

Ø Vehicle lifts
 

In addition to the SIG, employers can also apply for other Safety Grant Programs, such as:

Ø Body Armor Grant

Ø Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grants Program

Ø School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG)

Ø Workplace Wellness Grant Program

All of the grant programs can be found at https://info.bwc.ohio.gov/for-employers/safety-services/safety-grants/safety-grants. The BWC allows for employers to participate in the SIG program concurrently with any combination of BWC’s Safety Grant Programs, which is great news! If you decide to apply, you will need to arrange for a BWC safety field consultant (safety consultant, ergonomist or industrial hygienist) to assist with the grant application.

To start, you can:
Ø Request a meeting with your safety field consultant by filling out the Online Request Form, or

Ø Call 1-800-644-6292 and request a consultation.
 

So, if you are looking to improve safety in your workplace and reduce injuries and illnesses, take advantage of this great opportunity from the State of Ohio!