Safety Intervention Grant

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation
With over 1,500 employees and assets of approximately $24 billion, BWC is one of the largest state-run insurance systems in the United States.
The Safety Intervention Grant (SIG) Program is available to any Ohio private or public employer covered by the State Insurance Fund. This program allows employers to purchase equipment to significantly reduce or eliminate injuries and illnesses associated with a particular task or operation. Through this program, recipients are eligible for a 3-to-1 matching grant, up to a maximum grant award of $40,000 for each three-year eligibility cycle. This means we give you $3 for every $1 you contribute as the employer. In return, employers must submit a one-year case study one year after the implementation date of the intervention.
What to know before you apply
BWC provides safety services at no cost to state fund employers.
Applicants may seek equipment that significantly enhances employee safety.
If you are not currently working with BWC safety field staff, someone will be assigned to you upon applying for a grant. This staff member will conduct a pre-review and offer effective intervention recommendations.
Employers must consent to BWC safety field staff taking photos and videos of the operation before and after implementing the proposed intervention. This aids the grant review committee in better understanding the operation and facilitates staff training and employer education on safety practices.
Reasons for non-approval may include low initial risk, insignificant risk reduction, incomplete answers, interventions meeting only minimum OSHA compliance, or interventions outside the program's scope. Rejected applicants remain eligible to reapply for other items.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a SIG, you must meet the following criteria:
Be a private or public taxing district employer covered by the State Insurance FundMaintain active coverage (not more than 40 days lapsed in the prior 12 months)Be current on all monies owed BWCDemonstrate the need for safety interventionProvide one-year baseline dataHave activated BWC coverage at least one year ago and completed sufficient payroll and/or true-up reportingIf you're eligible to apply, you will allow BWC staff access to the work site to perform a review or assessment of the operation/area of concern.Employers who meet the previous eligibility requirements may receive grant funds up to $40,000 per three-year eligibility cycle.

Ineligibility

If you fall into one of the following employer categories, you're not eligible to apply for the SIG: Employers that pay the minimum administrative charge or only payroll for elective coverage (sole proprietors or partners)Self-insuring employersState agenciesState universities