Small businesses in Michigan with 250 employees or fewer can now apply for a Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) matching grant up to $5,000 to purchase equipment and associated training they need to create safer, healthier work environments for their employees.

The MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) grant program offers a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $5,000, for qualifying employers to purchase safety and health-related equipment.

The new grant cycle began Oct. 1, and grants will be awarded until funds are exhausted. MIOSHA encourages new applicants to take advantage of this program, with preference given to employers in high-hazard industries identified in MIOSHA’s Strategic Plan and to projects tied to State and National Emphasis Programs. These include industries and hazards such as amputations, cannabis, heat-related illness, trenching and excavation, among others.

Eligibility requirements for employers:

• Employ 250 employees or fewer company-wide
• Operate under the jurisdiction of MIOSHA
• Conduct a site-specific evaluation justifying the equipment purchase
• Relate the project directly to improvements that will reduce the risk of injury or disease to employees
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience to complete the project and be committed to its implementation

More information can be found at the MI Department of Labor and Economic

Opportunity website HERE.