Detroit City Wire

Small businesses in Michigan with 250 or fewer employees are now eligible to apply for a matching grant from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) to improve workplace safety. The MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) grant program offers up to $5,000 per employer on a dollar-for-dollar match basis for purchasing safety-related equipment and associated training.

“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 distributed $500,000 in matching grants across 136 employers. Schena Roofing & Sheet Metal Co., located in Macomb County, was one of last year’s recipients. The company received $4,216 in 2024 for fall protection equipment such as a cart, rescue system, and kits designed to safeguard roofing crews.

Tony Catanzaro, vice president of Schena Roofing & Sheet Metal Co., commented on the impact: “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 purchases of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), trench boxes, respirators, ergonomic lift tables, and gas monitors—equipment intended to address key workplace hazards.

The new cycle for grant applications began October 1. Grants will continue until available funds are exhausted. Preference is given to high-hazard industries identified by MIOSHA’s Strategic Plan or related State and National Emphasis Programs focusing on risks like amputations, cannabis industry hazards, heat illness prevention, trenching/excavation dangers among others.

To qualify for a MIWISH grant, companies must have no more than 250 employees company-wide; operate under MIOSHA jurisdiction; conduct site-specific evaluations justifying equipment needs; ensure proposed projects directly reduce injury or disease risk; demonstrate relevant experience; and commit to project implementation.

Eligible purchases include fire extinguishers or AEDs for emergency response; confined space monitoring/rescue systems; arc flash protective gear; ergonomic workstations/material handling systems; noise monitoring/hearing protection devices.

Employers who already received funding during fiscal year 2025 may reapply after January 1, 2026 if funds remain available.

Additional information about the application process is available at michigan.gov/mioshagrants or by contacting MIOSHA’s grant administrator at 517-647-3155.