Ohio BWC Safety Grants Program Reopens: Funding Available for Workplace Safety Improvements
Ohio employers have another opportunity to invest in workplace safety. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) announced the reopening of its Safety Grants Program, making more than $41 million available in Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) to help employers purchase equipment and implement solutions designed to reduce workplace injuries.
After being paused in March 2026 due to overwhelming demand, the program is once again accepting applications from eligible employers across Ohio.
What Is the BWC Safety Intervention Grant?
The Safety Intervention Grant (SIG) helps Ohio employers purchase equipment that reduces or eliminates workplace hazards. Funding can be used for solutions that address injury risks associated with employee job tasks and workplace exposures.
For employers facing ongoing safety challenges, the grant can help offset the cost of equipment and improvements that may otherwise be difficult to budget for.
Examples of safety improvements may include:
- Ergonomic equipment
- Mechanical lifting devices
- Machine guarding
- Material handling solutions
- Other equipment designed to reduce workplace injuries
By investing in proven safety interventions, employers may be able to reduce injuries, improve productivity, and create safer work environments for their employees.
Why Employers Should Pay Attention
Since Governor Mike DeWine took office, BWC has awarded more than $207 million in safety grants to Ohio employers. These funds have supported a variety of workplace safety initiatives, helping organizations reduce injury risks and improve overall workplace safety.
According to BWC Administrator and CEO Stephanie McCloud, the program is designed to provide employers with tools that create measurable safety improvements while supporting long-term workforce health.
Could Your Organization Benefit?
If you’ve identified workplace hazards that could be reduced through equipment upgrades or engineering controls, now may be the time to evaluate whether the Safety Intervention Grant is a fit for your organization.
Consider these questions:
- Are employees exposed to repetitive lifting, pushing, pulling, or other ergonomic risks?
- Could new equipment reduce the potential for workplace injuries?
- Have injury trends revealed recurring safety concerns?
- Are there safety improvements your organization has postponed due to budget limitations?
- Would engineering controls help eliminate or reduce workplace hazards?
If any of these situations sound familiar, exploring a Safety Intervention Grant application may be worthwhile.
Other BWC Safety Grants Available
In addition to the Safety Intervention Grant, BWC has also reopened applications for:
- Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grant (FEEEG), which helps protect firefighters from exposure to hazardous environmental elements.
- School Safety and Security Grant (SSSG), which supports safety and security improvements for educational facilities.
Don’t Wait to Explore Your Options
The Safety Grants Program was previously paused because of high demand, demonstrating significant interest from Ohio employers. Organizations considering workplace safety improvements may want to review eligibility requirements and identify potential projects sooner rather than later.
Investing in safety can help reduce injuries, improve employee well-being, and strengthen your overall risk management strategy. For eligible employers, the Safety Intervention Grant may provide valuable financial assistance to help make those improvements possible.
Need Help Strengthening Workplace Safety?
Sheakley’s safety professionals work with employers to identify workplace hazards, develop safety strategies, and implement practical solutions that help reduce injuries and control workers’ compensation costs. Contact our team to learn more about creating a safer workplace.
