Complete Story
02/19/2020
Ohio BWC to Increase Safety Grants
Source: Anthony Lelli & Sue Roudebush, Bricker & Eckler LLP, February 13, 2020
ARTICLE PROVIDED BY GARY JONES, Director, Environmental, Health, and Safety Affairs, SGIA.
Due to a flood of requests, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors requested an additional $30 million dollars for safety grants. On February 10, 2020, the Controlling Board approved its request, bringing the total amount appropriated for safety grants to $70 million in fiscal years 2020 and 2021.
Safety grants are fully funded by employer premiums and provide up to $40,000 to employers for training, wellness programs and equipment to reduce injuries and illnesses. As of January 3, 2020, the BWC has already awarded:
- $8.2 million in school safety and security grants
- $5 million in safety intervention grants for manufacturers and other businesses
- $1.2 million in law enforcement body armor grants
- nearly $725,000 for firefighter protection
- $247,000 to protect social workers and caregivers to people with disabilities
- $82,000 in workplace wellness grants
