Ohio employers may be able to check one more thing off their wish list this year, without paying full price. Ohio BWC has reinstated the Safety Intervention Grant (SIG) Program, which matches eligible state-fund employers $3 to $1 on investments to create a safer workplace. Most employers who have had an Ohio BWC policy for at least one year, are paying above minimum premium ($120+), current on installments and true ups with no lapses this year should be able to take advantage. Self-insuring employers, employers in a self-insured PEO, state agencies and state universities are not eligible. Every three years, eligible employers can apply for up to $40,000 in matching funds to purchase “equipment to substantially reduce or eliminate injuries and illnesses associated with a particular task or operation.”

Prior to applying, you should plan to reach out to a BWC safety field consultant to assist with the application process. Be prepared to show them info on any workers’ comp claims or incidents associated with the particular area or task, the number of employees performing the task, and explore vendors to get price quotes on the equipment you have in mind. As always, there are items and services that grant funds can’t be used for - like standard PPE, training, equipment needed to meet minimum OSHA requirements, etc. A detailed moratorium can be found here.

Of course, there are always a few strings attached when money is being given away. There are some reporting requirements once the grant is approved. To avoid getting into the weeds on these requirements, we’d suggest reading through them yourself, then reaching out to either BWC or your Spooner Safety representative with any questions. There are even lists of previous grant recipients, so you could peruse those for colleagues you may be able to tap for more info.

A few other changes to the reinstated program include applying and managing the process online, a streamlined eligibility cycle of three years for all employers, and limited reporting/case study to one year.