Ohio manufacturing and distribution employers have a rare opportunity to be compensated for equipment purchased to reduce injuries or illness in the workplace. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (OBWC) has initiated a Safety Intervention Grant Program in an effort to gather information resulting from workplace safety interventions. The grant offers a 3-to-1 match for every dollar a qualified employer contributes. Eligible employers can earn up to $40,000 per eligibility cycle.
Eligible employers meet the following criteria:
- Must be a state-funded private or public taxing district employer
- Must maintain active coverage – not more than 40 days lapsed in the prior 12 months
- Must be current on all amounts owed to the OBWC
- Must demonstrate the need for safety intervention
- Must provide two-year baseline data
- Must have activated OBWC coverage at least two years ago and completed sufficient payroll and/or true-up reporting to determine eligibility cycle
Employers are non-eligible if they fall into any of the categories below:
- Employers that pay the minimum administrative charge or only payroll for elective coverage (sole proprietors or partners)
- Self-insuring employers
- State agencies
- State universities
To apply for the grant, the employer must first schedule a visit from the OBWC. The OBWC representative will conduct an assessment of the facility and the area of concern as well as a comprehensive safety assessment report. Following the assessment, the employer must complete the online application, which will then be reviewed by the OBWC.
Detailed information regarding OBWC contact information, eligibility cycles, and preparation for the OBWC consultant visit, can be found here: https://info.bwc.ohio.gov/wps/portal/bwc/site/safety/safety-grants/safety-intervention-grant
