By: Sedgwick 

On August 17th, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) announced it is reopening its Safety Grants program, making more than $41 million available in fiscal year 2027 to help Ohio employers invest in equipment that keeps workers safe and reduces injuries. Eligible employers may now begin submitting new applications online.

Three different grant programs are available for eligible employers:

Safety Intervention Grant (SIG)
This program is available to any Ohio private or public employer covered by the State Insurance Fund. It allows employers to purchase equipment to significantly reduce or eliminate injuries and illnesses associated with a particular task or operation. 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 you receive $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.

Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grant (FEEEG)
This grant aids firefighters’ protection from exposure and dangerous environmental elements. Eligible safety equipment includes turnout gear, lifting tables, diesel exhaust systems, extractors/washing machines for turnout gear or personal protective equipment, hoods with barrier protection, turnout gear drying machines and washable gloves.

School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG)
This grant helps employers ensure the safety of staff who instruct children throughout the state. Eligible equipment includes safety items such as slip-resistant flooring, safe food fryers, floor cleaning machines, secured keycard systems, security doors, trauma kits and many other items.

Refer to the BWC safety grants webpage for exclusions, additional details on eligible items and to apply: https://info.bwc.ohio.gov/for-employers/safety-services/safety-grants or email Sedgwick for additional information at sedgwickohriskservices@sedgwick.com.