The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) recognizes the importance of ensuring workplace
safety across the state. Workplace injuries not only pose significant challenges to workers and their
families but also incur substantial costs for businesses and society as a whole. In its commitment to safe
working environments, the BWC has established the Workers’ Safety Intervention Grant program. This
program aims to empower Ohio employers to proactively address workplace hazards, mitigate risks, and
promote a culture of safety.

Program Overview:

The Workers’ Safety Intervention Grant (SIG) program is designed to provide financial assistance to
eligible Ohio employers for implementing safety interventions in their workplaces. These interventions
may include but are not limited to, the purchase of safety equipment, installation of safety
enhancements, implementation of safety training programs, and adoption of ergonomic solutions. By
supporting these initiatives, the program seeks to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, reduce
workers’ compensation claims, and ultimately enhance the overall well-being of Ohio’s workforce. The
program offers a 3 to 1 matching grant up to a maximum grant award of $40,000 for each three-year
cycle. This means the BWC will give $3 for every $1 the employer contributes.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Workers’ Safety Intervention Grant, employers must meet certain criteria
established by the Ohio BWC. These criteria typically include:

  • Be a private or public taxing district employer covered by the State Insurance Fund.
  • Maintain active coverage-not more than 40 days lapsed in the prior 12 months.
  • Be current on all monies owed to BWC.
  • Demonstrate the need for safety intervention.
  • Activated BWC coverage at least one year ago and completed sufficient payroll and/or true-up
    reporting.

    • Grant Application Process:

    Employers interested in applying for the Workers’ Safety Intervention Grant are required to submit a
    detailed application to the Ohio BWC. The application process typically involves the following steps:
    Review of Eligibility: The BWC evaluates each application to ensure that the employer meets all eligibility
    criteria outlined in the program guidelines.
    Assessment of Safety Intervention Proposal: The proposed safety interventions are reviewed to assess
    their feasibility, effectiveness, and alignment with the goals of the program.

    Grant Award Decision: Upon completing the review process, the BWC determines the eligibility of the
    employer for grant funding and notifies them of the decision.
    Grant Implementation: Once awarded, employers can proceed with implementing the approved safety
    interventions in their workplaces.
    Monitoring and Evaluation: The BWC may conduct periodic inspections and evaluations to ensure that
    the funded safety interventions are being implemented as intended and are contributing to improved
    workplace safety outcomes.

    Benefits of the Grant Program:

    The Workers’ Safety Intervention Grant program offers numerous benefits to both employers and
    workers in Ohio, including:
    Financial Assistance: Grant funding helps offset the costs associated with implementing safety
    interventions, making it more feasible for employers to invest in workplace safety.
    Injury Prevention: By addressing workplace hazards and implementing preventive measures, employers
    can significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses, thus safeguarding the health and
    well-being of their employees.
    Cost Savings: Proactive safety interventions can reduce workers’ compensation claims, medical
    expenses, and lost productivity, resulting in substantial cost savings for employers over time.
    Enhanced Productivity: A safer work environment fosters higher employee morale, improved job
    satisfaction, and increased productivity, ultimately benefiting the organization’s overall performance.

    Conclusion

    The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s Workers’ SIG program plays a vital role in promoting
    workplace safety and protecting the health and welfare of Ohio’s workforce. By providing financial
    support for safety interventions, the program empowers employers to create safer work environments,
    prevent injuries, and improve business outcomes. Through collaborative efforts between employers,
    employees, and the BWC, Ohio continues to strive towards its goal of ensuring that every worker returns
    home safely at the end of each workday. To learn more details of the SIG program for Ohio businesses,
    please visit: https://info.bwc.ohio.gov/for-employers/safety-and-training/safety-grants/safety-
    intervention-grant

    Reference: Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Website.

    Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Safety Intervention Grant