Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Secretary of Labor | US Department of Labor (DOL)
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Secretary of Labor | US Department of Labor (DOL)
Small businesses in Michigan with 250 or fewer employees are now eligible to apply for matching grants from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) to improve workplace safety. The MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) grant program provides a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $5,000, for qualifying employers who purchase safety and health equipment.
“Through the MIWISH program, we’re not just funding projects — we’re partnering with small businesses to protect Michigan workers,” said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman. “These grants make it possible for employers to take immediate steps that prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities while reinforcing our motto to be a workplace safety and health resource and educate before we regulate.”
During the 2024–25 fiscal year, MIOSHA awarded $500,000 in matching grants to 136 employers. Schena Roofing & Sheet Metal Co., based in Macomb County, was among last year’s recipients. The company received a $4,216 grant in 2024 which was used to buy fall protection equipment including a cart, rescue system, and kits designed to enhance worker safety during roofing operations.
Tony Catanzaro, vice president of Schena Roofing & Sheet Metal Co., commented on the impact of the grant: “Falls remain one of the leading causes of death in construction, and this investment allows us to take an extra step in protecting our employees. The grant helps us put life-saving equipment in place so our crews can focus on their work and return home safely.”
Other funded projects included acquiring automated external defibrillators (AEDs), trench boxes for excavation safety, respirators for air quality protection, ergonomic lift tables for reducing strain injuries, and gas monitors.
The new cycle of grants began October 1. Applications will be accepted until all funds are allocated. Preference is given to high-hazard industries identified by MIOSHA’s Strategic Plan as well as projects related to State and National Emphasis Programs targeting risks such as amputations, heat-related illness, trenching hazards, cannabis industry risks, among others.
To qualify for the grant program:
- Employers must have no more than 250 employees across their company.
- They must operate under MIOSHA jurisdiction.
- A site-specific evaluation justifying the equipment purchase is required.
- Projects must directly reduce risk of injury or disease.
- Applicants should demonstrate relevant knowledge and commitment toward project completion.
Eligible purchases include emergency response tools like fire extinguishers or AEDs; confined space monitoring systems; arc flash protective gear; ergonomic workstations; noise monitoring devices; among other items aimed at improving workplace safety.
Employers who previously received funding during fiscal year 2025 may reapply after January 1, 2026 if funds remain available.
More information about applying can be found at michigan.gov/mioshagrants or by contacting MIOSHA’s grant administrator at 517-647-3155.
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